Commentary on Sections Local authority services Section 53: Ascertaining children’s wishes
228.This section amends sections 17, 21 and 47 of the Children Act 1989, under which a local authority has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need in their area by providing suitable services to those children. The amendment requires a local authority to ascertain any such child’s wishes in relation to those services and to give those wishes due consideration before determining what (if any) services to provide. Guidance issued under section 7 Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 in relation to section 17 already places considerable emphasis on listening to children and taking account of their wishes. Section 53 gives statutory backing to that approach.