Cap. 602 Art. 12Social contract on the responsibility of parents. 

(1) When considering what action to take the Director

(Child Protection) shall have regard to the possibility of agreeing to a social contract to resolve a matter concerning a minor’s need for care and protection without having to make an application to the Court to make a protection order.

(2) The social contract mentioned in the foregoing sub-article shall be signed by the parties and shall take effect upon their signature.

(3) The Director (Child Protection) may agree to those terms and conditions as he may think fit and, in particular, the Director (Child Protection) may agree to terms and conditions on:

(a) treatment for substance abuse and other vices during the operative period of the social contract;

(b) treatment for a person with problems of abusive behaviour;

(c) therapeutic interventions or treatment of a psychological nature or any other form of medical treatment;

(d) substance abuse testing;

(e) courses aimed at improving the parental skills of the parents of the minor;

(f) the provision of support and therapeutic interventions for the minor;

(g) the provision of medical and educational assistance to the minor;

(ga) if necessary, the temporary placement of the minor in alternative care in accordance with article 68(12) of this Act;

(h) the method of monitoring compliance with the social contract;

(i) the involvement and obligation of professionals in preparing the care plan, as would be in the best interest of the minor; and

(j) the involvement of the extended family, and of other important persons in the life of the family, in the planning and implementation of the care plan, as in the best interest of the minor:

Provided that the social contract shall specify the period during which it will be in force and also the circumstances in which the Director (Child Protection) may file an application for any one or more of the orders mentioned in article 19:

Provided further that the social contract shall not provide for the assignment of parental responsibilities for a minor.

(4) Upon signature, the Director (Child Protection) may appoint a key social worker and shall notify the Director Alternative Care (Children and Youths) so that the latter appoints a key social worker to follow the development and interests of the minor in accordance with the social contract and for such purpose the key social worker shall monitor the compliance of the parties with the social contract.

(5) The Director (Child Protection) may also notify other entities so that these provide the parents with support according to the social contract.

(6) The social contract shall remain in force for the period specified therein unless the Director (Child Protection) terminates it before the expiry of such period by notifying the other parties accordingly.

(7) When the Director (Child Protection) seeks to amend the social contract, the Director (Child Protection) may change any condition of the social contract by agreement in writing with all the parties.

(8) The Director (Child Protection) shall always consider the views of the minor if considered to have sufficient understanding.