[F1Duty to place siblings togetherS
5A.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies where—
(a)the local authority are considering placing the child—
(i)with a kinship carer in accordance with regulation 11,
(ii)with a foster carer in accordance with regulation 27,
(iii)in a residential establishment, and
(b)any sibling of the child is looked after or about to be looked after.
(2) The local authority must, where appropriate—
(a)place the child and the sibling of the child with the same carer or in the same residential establishment, or
(b)place the child and the sibling of the child in homes which are near to each other.
(3) In determining for the purposes of paragraph (2) whether the placement is appropriate, the local authority must be satisfied that the placement safeguards and promotes the welfare of the child (which is the paramount concern).
(4) In determining for the purposes of paragraph (2) whether a placement as referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph is appropriate, the local authority must be satisfied that such a placement would better safeguard and promote the welfare of a child than a placement as referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph.]
Textual Amendments
F1Reg. 5A inserted (26.7.2021) by The Looked After Children (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 (S.S.I. 2021/103), regs. 1(3), 3(5)