Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022

Corporate parenting principles

123.  After Article 26 of the Children Order (general duty of authority) insert—

“Corporate parenting principles

26A.— (1) An authority must, in carrying out functions in relation to persons to whom this Article applies, have regard to the need—

(a) to act in their best interests, and promote their well-being;

(b) to encourage them to express their views, wishes and feelings;

(c) to take into account their views, wishes and feelings;

(d) to help them gain access to, and make the best use of, services provided by the authority and any relevant partner;

(e) to promote high aspirations, and seek to secure the best outcomes, for them;

(f) for them to be safe, and for stability in their home lives, relationships and education or work; and

(g) to prepare them for adulthood and independent living.

(2) This Article applies to—

(a) children who are looked after by an authority;

(b) relevant children within the meaning given by Article 34B(2); and

(c) persons aged under 25 (or such other age as may be prescribed) who are former relevant children within the meaning given by Article 34D(1).

(3) In this Article—

“relevant partner” means—

(a)

children’s authority within the meaning given by section 9 of the Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;

(b)

other children’s service provider within the meaning given by section 9 of the Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;

“well-being” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.

(4) An authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Department as to the performance of the duty under paragraph (1).”.