Section 48 Child’s Right Act

Section 48 Child’s Right Act 2003 is about Refuge for children at risk. It is under Part IV (Protection of Children) of the Act.

(1) Where it is proposed to use a voluntary home or registered children’s home to provide refuge for children who appear to be at risk of harm, the Minister may issue a certificate under this section with respect to that home.

(2) Where an appropriate authority or a voluntary organisation arranges for a foster parent to provide such a refuge, the Minister may issue a certificate under this section with respect to that foster parent.

(3) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a home, none of the provisions contained in this Act or any other law relating to‐
(a) the harbouring of a child who has absconded from residential establishments; or
(b) compelling, persuading, inciting or assisting a child to be absent from detention; or
(c) the abduction of a child, shall apply in relation to a person providing refuge for a child in that home.

(4) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a foster parent, the provisions referred to in subsection (3) of this section shall not apply in relation to the provision by him of a refuge for a child in accordance with arrangements made by the appropriate authority or voluntary organisation.

(5) The Minister may by regulations‐
(a) make provisions as to the manner in which certificates, may be issued;
(b) impose conditions which shall be complied with while a certificate is in force; and
(c) provide for the withdrawal of certificates in prescribed circumstances.