Legislation aimed at providing better protections for vulnerable children has been passed by Parliament.
It introduces new vetting and screening policies, and some people will be banned from working with children.
The Vulnerable Children Act confers responsibility on the heads of five government departments for improving the lives of children.
Frontline staff in health, education, social development, justice and police have to ensure that children identified as vulnerable get the services and support they need.
The new law also introduces new vetting and screening checks for government and community staff working with children.
Anyone with serious convictions will be banned from working directly with children.
The law also means parents who have killed or severely injured a child will have to prove they are safe to have more children.
