What does the duty of care NOT require?

The concept of duty of care in child welfare emphasizes the responsibility of caregivers and professionals to ensure a child's safety and well-being. However, it is important to recognize that duty of care does not require individuals to protect children from all risks, which is why the assertion that protecting children from all risks is a requirement is incorrect.

In practice, it is impossible to eliminate all risks from a child's environment, as risk is an inherent part of growing up and learning. The duty of care involves identifying and managing reasonable risks while allowing children to engage in activities that promote their development, learning, and independence. Therefore, the focus is on taking appropriate actions to mitigate significant risks rather than attempting to shield children completely from any potential danger.

The other elements of duty of care—managing potential risks, providing assistance when necessary, and being attentive during activities—reflect the responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment. These actions are in line with the principles of child welfare, emphasizing proactive risk management and support of children's needs rather than the unrealistic expectation of ensuring absolute safety from all harm.