What is the age threshold for a child to refuse protection services voluntarily?

The age threshold for a child to refuse protection services voluntarily is set at over 16 years. This means that once a young person reaches the age of 16, they have the legal right to make decisions about their own welfare, including the choice to refuse intervention from child protection services.

This legal framework acknowledges the developmental stage of adolescents, recognizing that those over 16 are often better equipped to understand the implications of such decisions and to express their own wishes and preferences regarding their living situations.

In contrast, younger children, particularly those under the age of 16, do not generally have the legal capacity to make such decisions independently. Their welfare is typically overseen by guardians and the legal system, which steps in to provide protection as necessary.