Section 25 – Welfare of the child
27.This section is based on section 16(1) of the 1995 Act and links decisions of courts, Children’s Hearings and Pre-hearing Panels to an overarching welfare principle in relation to the child. When arriving at a decision about a matter relating to a child under the Act, the Children’s Hearing, Pre-hearing Panel or court must, as their paramount consideration, have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare throughout childhood.