Gatekeeping is a term often used in discussion of care reform and is about making the right choices for children at risk of, or already denied, adequate parental care. It includes policies, systematic procedures, services and decision-making processes which ensure that alternative care is used only when absolutely necessary, and that children receive the most suitable support to meet their unique individual needs. Additionally, gatekeeping involves strict procedural safeguards to ensure an individualized approach that places the best interests of the child at the centre of all decisions. In this resource, you will learn about the practice of gatekeeping, its purpose, objectives, and core principles.