* To safeguard and promote the safety and wellbeing of children in exceptionally difficult circumstances and, wherever possible, promoting their upbringing within their own family.

* To work in partnership with children and their families and in supporting parental responsibilities, both vital to the protection of children.

* To develop and maintain the highest possible standards of service at all times.

* To identify and raise awareness of the rights of the child including those children with special needs and their families.

* To co-operate with other ministries etc. in the development of a range of services to meet the varied needs of the child of their family.

* To work in partnership with all necessary departments in defining and implementing a family law system that is more responsive to the rights of the child.

* To work pro actively in the prevention of child abuse in the recognition of the fact that children are entitled to protection from neglect, abuse and exploitation.

* To promote involvement and advocacy by and for children and parents in the development and evaluation of services designed to help them and in active participation in such provision.