This section applies where by virtue of this Act a children's hearing, pre-hearing panel or court is coming to a decision about a matter relating to a child.

The children's hearing, pre-hearing panel or court is to regard the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child throughout the child's childhood as the paramount consideration.

The children's hearing, pre-hearing panel or court is to have regard to any risk of prejudice to the child's welfare that delay in proceedings would pose.