What you'll get from this toolkit

• The key legal and ethical factors doctors need to consider when providing care and treatment for children and young people under 18 years old in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and those under 16 years old in Scotland
• More detailed guidance on some of the more sensitive issues that can arise – for example, disputes, child safeguarding concerns, and access to sexual health services
• Links to other guidance and resources from the BMA and other bodies including the General Medical Council, health departments and royal colleges

You may also be interested to see our core ethics guidance

How to use this toolkit

The purpose of this toolkit is not to provide definitive answers for every situation but to identify the key factors that need to be considered when decisions are made; to summarise the relevant legal considerations; and to signpost other key professional guidance. It is not a set of rules or instructions, or a substitute for careful reflection and discussion with colleagues.