Part 2Amendments of the Children Act 1989
I1118 Review of cases of looked after children
1
In section 26 of the 1989 Act (review of cases of looked after children, etc.), in subsection (2) (regulations as to reviews)—
a
in paragraph (e), “to consider” is omitted and after “their care” there is inserted—
i
to keep the section 31A plan for the child under review and, if they are of the opinion that some change is required, to revise the plan, or make a new plan, accordingly,
ii
to consider
b
in paragraph (f), “to consider” is omitted and after the second mention of “the authority” there is inserted—
i
if there is no plan for the future care of the child, to prepare one,
ii
if there is such a plan for the child, to keep it under review and, if they are of the opinion that some change is required, to revise the plan or make a new plan, accordingly,
iii
to consider
c
F1after paragraph (j) there is inserted—
k
for the authority to appoint a person in respect of each case to carry out in the prescribed manner the functions mentioned in subsection (2A) and any prescribed function
2
F2After that subsection there is inserted—
2A
The functions referred to in subsection (2)(k) are—
a
participating in the review of the case in question,
b
monitoring the performance of the authority’s functions in respect of the review,
c
referring the case to an officer of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, if the person appointed under subsection (2)(k) considers it appropriate to do so.
2B
A person appointed under subsection (2)(k) must be a person of a prescribed description.
2C
In relation to children whose cases are referred to officers under subsection (2A)(c), the Lord Chancellor may by regulations—
a
extend any functions of the officers in respect of family proceedings (within the meaning of section 12 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000) to other proceedings,
b
require any functions of the officers to be performed in the manner prescribed by the regulations.