Duty of Authority to have regard to the views of the child
1. After Article 5 of the 1996 Order (and after the cross-heading following that Article) insert—
“5A. Duty of Authority to have regard to the views of the child
In exercising its functions under this Part in relation to a particular child the Authority shall—
(a)so far as reasonably practicable, seek and have regard to the views of that child;
(b)have regard to—
(i)the importance of that child participating in decisions; and
(ii)the importance of that child being provided with the information and support necessary to enable participation in those decisions.”.