University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Unrelated adults and unaccompanied children: obligations, risks and responsibilities

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 00:10 authored by Jo BridgemanJo Bridgeman
This article considers recent claims for compensatory damages brought on behalf of children against the occupiers of premises upon which they have sustained severe injuries. It identifies a shift within the case law from analysis of the steps required to take reasonable care to protect the child from harm to the allocation of responsibility for the injuries to the chosen act of the child. These developments are consistent with the trend in which children have increasingly been seen as the responsibility of their parents; responsibilities for the safety of unaccompanied children must not be imposed upon unrelated adults. The implications of the individualisation of responsibility are particularly problematic in circumstances where children may lack information, knowledge or experience about risks. This article argues that the law must enforce the duty to take reasonable care to protect children from harm recognising their particular needs as they develop their independence.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Child and Family Law Quarterly

ISSN

1358-8184

Publisher

Jordan Publishing

Issue

2

Volume

25

Page range

159-180

Department affiliated with

  • Law Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-04-22

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC