Communicating with children: the legal dimensions

Wake, Eileen

Abstract

This chapter will explore the rights of children and young people and the resultant implications for practitioners in relation to communication. A wide range of areas will be considered in terms for example children and young people’s right to honesty, confidentiality and advocacy. An important dimension in working with children and young people is capacity to make decisions for themselves regarding care and health treatment for example. Therefore the duty of care for practitioners to empower and support children and young people in such decision making using a range of communication skills will be examined. The needs of children and young people who have limited capacity to express their needs and wishes will be explored. The chapter will also carefully examine the communication skills and knowledge needed in working with children and young people with fluctuating capacity due to health needs. In addition, the rights and resultant communication issues in working in partnership with young people aged 16-17 years will also be specifically explored. In order to enhance the readers’ understanding of these complex communication issues a range of legislation such as Children Act 1989, 2004, Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Mental Health Act (2007) will be examined where appropriate and examples provided from case law to enhance practitioners understanding of the issues raised. The chapter will conclude with guidance for further reading and resources to build upon practice from statutory and non statutory agencies.

Citation

Wake, E. (2009). Communicating with children: the legal dimensions. Effective communication and engagement with children and young people, their families and carers (88 - 97). Learning Matters

• Acceptance Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Pages: 88 - 97
• Edition: 1st
• Book Title: Effective communication and engagement with children and young people, their families and carers
• ISBN: 978-1-84445-265-1
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/409645