Values

Key values which underpin our work:

• Children are citizens entitled to the protection and care of the State and their rights, needs and welfare are paramount whatever their circumstances.
• Children have the right to be protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation. 
• Children’s views should be taken seriously, and where they do not conflict with their welfare should be acted upon as far as it is possible.
• Parents have “parental responsibility” for their children and, except where it is contra-indicated, their children’s welfare should be promoted through their parents’ care.  Parents’ views should always be sought, and where they are meeting their responsibilities they should make all major decisions affecting their children’s lives.
• The need to recognise and value the racial and cultural diversity of Bath and North East Somerset’s communities combined with a commitment to anti-
• discriminatory practice in respect of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and        sexual orientation.
• Promoting diversity and supporting individual identity.
• Supporting families to stay together except where the welfare of their children contra-indicates this.
• Underpinning the LSCB’s work is the belief that every child matters, families count, and communities make the difference