The WelfareChecklist must be taken into account by the court dealing with applications under the ChildrenAct1989.

The checklist is set out in section 1 of the Act. The court must consider:-

• the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child in light of his age and understanding;

• the physical, emotional and educational needs;

• the likely effect on him of any change in his circumstances;

• his age, sex, background and any characteristics of his which the court considers relevant;

• any harm which he has suffered or is at risk of suffering including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another;

• how capable each of his parents, and any other person in relation to whom the court considers the question to be relevant, of meeting his needs;

• the range of powers available to the court under the Children Act.