 • Outcome 2: children and young people are supported by their family network • Outcome 3: children and young people are safe in and outside of their homes • Outcome 4: children in care and care leavers have stable, loving homes 14 Purpose and Principles of Children’s Social Care This chapter describes the purpose and principles of children’s social care and sets the context for how each of the outcomes in the National Framework should be achieved. Purpose of children’s social care Children’s social care exists to support children, young people and families, to protect them by intervening decisively when they are at risk of harm and to provide care for those who need it so that they grow up and thrive with safety, stability and love. Principles of children’s social care Children, young people and families, wherever they live, should be confident that local authority children’s social care respects their rights and the services that they commission are delivered with consistency. There are several principles that are cross-cutting and underpin the expectations for practice described in each chapter of the National Framework. They are drawn from, and should be considered in parallel with, legislation and statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). • Children’s welfare is paramount: decisions about help, protection and care for children must always be made in their best interests (section 22(3), Children Act 1989). • Children’s wishes and feelings are sought, heard, and responded to: Children and young people’s views should be sought and heard at every stage of support, and they should contribute to decisions made about their lives, wherever possible. Advocacy, advice, and