This paper discusses key legislation, regulations, and guidance underpinning the child welfare and criminal justice systems in England and Wales as they relate to child protection, specifically in the areas of child witnesses and child prostitution. Action taken in safeguarding a child’s welfare may include initiating proceedings in a family court or sometimes, in both the family and criminal justice courts. The paper describes some examples of policy developments and guidance where representatives from the child welfare and criminal justice systems have worked together to ensure that the needs of the children are met and that those who are charged with abusing children are fairly dealt with in the criminal justice courts. By pursuing and initiating new criminal justice legislation and guidance that will have an impact on children, government officials are seeking to ensure that new guidance addresses both the welfare of the child and the purposes of the criminal justice system. References