Duty to ensure visits to and advice etc. for children28B

1

This Article applies to a child looked after by an authority.

2

The authority must—

a

ensure that the child is visited by a representative of the authority (“a representative”);

b

arrange for appropriate advice, support and assistance to be available to the child if the child seeks it from the authority.

3

The duties imposed by paragraph (2)—

a

are to be discharged in accordance with any regulations made for the purposes of this Article by the Department;

b

are subject to any requirement imposed by or under a statutory provision applicable to the place in which the child is accommodated.

4

Regulations under this Article for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a) may make provision about—

a

the frequency of visits;

b

circumstances in which the child must be visited by a representative; and

c

the functions of a representative.

5

In choosing a representative an authority must satisfy itself that the person chosen has the necessary skills and experience to perform the functions of a representative.