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CHILD
CARE
AND
PROTECTION
and persons as he thinks appropriate, issue guidance on best practice in
relation to any matter concerning the rights or best interests of children.
12.-41) The Children's Advocate may provide assistance (including
Assistance
financial assistance) to
a
child in making a complaint to a relevant
;:?';i0
authority-
relevant
(a) that the rights of the child have been infringed by any action taken
authO"'ies.
by that or another relevant authority; or
(b) that the interests of the child have been adversely affected by any
such action.
(2) The Children's Advocate may act on behalf of a child in-
(Q)
making a complaint referrcd to in subparagraph (1); and
(6) any investigation or other proceedings conducted by a relevant
authority pursuant to the complaint.
(3)
Where the making of a complaint to a relevant authority is
regulated by a statutory provision, nothing in this paragraph authorizes a
complaint to be made to that authority otherwise than in accordance with the
statutory provision.
13.-(1)
Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the Children's
Investiga-
Advocate may conduct an investigation into a complaint made by a child,
:''Lints.
that-
(a) the child's rights have been infringed by any action taken by a
relevant authority; or
(b) the child's interests have been adversely affected by any such
action.
(2) Where the Children's Advocate decides not to conduct an
investigation into a complaint made under sub-paragraph (1), he shall prepare
a statsment of his reasons for that decision and shall send
a
copy of the
statement to-
(@)
the complainant; and
(b) the Minister and such other persons as the Children's Advocate
considers appropriate.
(3) The Children's Advocate shall not conduct an investigation
in
respect of-
(a) any action for which the aomplainant has or had-
(i) a right of appeal, complaint, referepce or review under
any other law; or
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i s
authorized by
L.N.
111120051