Children Act 1989: Primary legislation defining parental responsibility, establishing the welfare principle that child's best interests are paramount, and determining who can make decisions for children
Family Law Reform Act 1969: Key legislation covering age of majority (18 years), consent to medical treatment for minors, and establishing that 16-17 year olds can consent to medical treatment independently
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislation governing the processing of children's personal data, including specific provisions for consent and age thresholds for digital consent
Mental Capacity Act 2005: Legislation relating to decision-making capacity and incorporating the Gillick competence principle from case law
Equality Act 2010: Legislation ensuring non-discrimination and requiring reasonable adjustments where applicable
Human Rights Act 1998: Legislation protecting fundamental rights including the right to private and family life and rights of the child
Gillick v West Norfolk & Wisbech AHA [1985]: Landmark case law establishing the 'Gillick competence' principle determining when children can make decisions for themselves
Form Requirements - Identification: Clear identification requirements for all parties involved in the consent
Form Requirements - Scope: Clear definition of the scope and extent of the consent being given
Form Requirements - Duration: Specification of the duration for which the consent remains valid
Form Requirements - Withdrawal: Statement of the right to withdraw consent and the process for doing so
Form Requirements - Emergency Provisions: Provisions for emergency situations and what actions can be taken
Form Requirements - Data Protection: Statements regarding how personal data will be processed and protected
Form Requirements - Execution: Requirements for signatures, dates, and witness attestation if applicable
