The Children Act was amended in 2004 primarily in response to the tragic case of Victoria Climbié, an eight-year-old girl who was tortured and murdered in 2000. This public inquiry revealed serious failures in child protection, prompting the need to strengthen the legal framework for safeguarding children. The 2004 amendment aimed to improve coordination and cooperation among organizations working with children, give clearer duties to local authorities, and emphasize child welfare and protection more robustly than the original 1989 Act. It introduced the role of a Children's Commissioner, established Local Safeguarding Children Boards, and promoted integrated services to better protect and promote the well-being of children across the UK.
