Children Act 2004

Part 1 U.K. Children’s Commissioner

1 Establishment U.K.

(1) There is to be an office of Children’s Commissioner.

(2) Schedule 1 has effect with respect to the Children’s Commissioner.

[F1 2 Primary function: children's rights, views and interests U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner's primary function is promoting and protecting the rights of children in England.

(2) The primary function includes promoting awareness of the views and interests of children in England.

(3) In the discharge of the primary function the Children's Commissioner may, in particular—

(a) advise persons exercising functions or engaged in activities affecting children on how to act compatibly with the rights of children;

(b) encourage such persons to take account of the views and interests of children;

(c) advise the Secretary of State on the rights, views and interests of children;

(d) consider the potential effect on the rights of children of government policy proposals and government proposals for legislation;

(e) bring any matter to the attention of either House of Parliament;

(f) investigate the availability and effectiveness of complaints procedures so far as relating to children;

(g) investigate the availability and effectiveness of advocacy services for children;

(h) investigate any other matter relating to the rights or interests of children;

(i) monitor the implementation in England of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;

(j) publish a report on any matter considered or investigated under this section.

(4) In the discharge of the primary function, the Children's Commissioner must have particular regard to the rights of children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children who the Commissioner considers to be at particular risk of having their rights infringed.

(5) The Children's Commissioner may not conduct an investigation of the case of an individual child in the discharge of the primary function.

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 2-2C substituted for s. 2 (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 107, 139(5)

2A United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner must, in particular, have regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in considering for the purposes of the primary function what constitute the rights and interests of children (generally or so far as relating to a particular matter).

(2) The references in section 2(3)(i) and this section to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are to the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th November 1989 (including any Protocols to that Convention which are in force in relation to the United Kingdom), subject to any reservations, objections or interpretative declarations by the United Kingdom for the time being in force.

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 2-2C substituted for s. 2 (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 107, 139(5)

2B Involving children in the discharge of the primary function U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner must take reasonable steps to involve children in the discharge of the primary function.

(2) The Commissioner must in particular take reasonable steps to—

(a) ensure that children are aware of the Commissioner's primary function and how they may communicate with him or her, and

(b) consult children, and organisations working with children, on the matters the Commissioner proposes to consider or investigate in the discharge of the primary function.

(3) The Children's Commissioner must for the purposes of this section have particular regard to children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children who the Commissioner considers do not have adequate means by which they can make their views known.

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 2-2C substituted for s. 2 (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 107, 139(5)

2C Primary function: reports U.K.

(1) This section applies where the Children's Commissioner publishes a report in the discharge of the primary function.

(2) The Commissioner must, if and to the extent he or she considers it appropriate, also publish the report in a version which is suitable for children (or, if the report relates to a particular group of children, for those children).

(3) Where the report contains recommendations about the exercise by a person of functions of a public nature, the Commissioner may require that person to state in writing, within such period as the Commissioner may reasonably require, what action the person has taken or proposes to take in response to the recommendations.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 2-2C substituted for s. 2 (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 107, 139(5)

[F2 2D Provision of advice and assistance to certain children in England U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner may provide advice and assistance to any child who is within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care).

(2) The Children's Commissioner may in particular under this section make representations on behalf of a child who is within section 8A to a person in England who is—

(a) providing the child with accommodation or services, or

(b) otherwise exercising functions in relation to the child.]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 2D inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 108, 139(5)

[F3 2E Powers to enter premises to conduct interviews or observe standards U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of the Children's Commissioner's primary function and the function under section 2D.

(2) The Children's Commissioner, or a person authorised by the Commissioner, may at any reasonable time enter any premises, other than a private dwelling—

(a) for the purpose of interviewing a child, or

(b) for the purpose of observing the standard of care provided to children accommodated or otherwise cared for there.

(3) An interview of a child under subsection (2)(a) may be conducted in private, if the child consents.

(4) A person who enters premises under subsection (1) may interview any person present on the premises who works there.

(5) It is immaterial for the purposes of subsection (4) whether a person's work is paid, or under a contract of employment.]

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 2E inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 109, 139(5)

[F4 2F Provision of information to Commissioner U.K.

(1) Any person exercising functions of a public nature must supply the Children's Commissioner with such information in that person's possession relating to those functions as the Commissioner may reasonably request for the purposes of the primary function or the function under section 2D.

(2) The information must be information which that person would, apart from subsection (1), lawfully be able to disclose to the Commissioner.]

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 2F inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 110, 139(5)

3 Inquiries initiated by Commissioner U.K.

(1) Where the Children’s Commissioner considers that the case of an individual child in England raises issues of public policy of relevance to other children, he may hold an inquiry into that case for the purpose of investigating and making recommendations about those issues.

(2) The Children’s Commissioner may only conduct an inquiry under this section if he is satisfied that the inquiry would not duplicate work that is the function of another person (having consulted such persons as he considers appropriate).

F5 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The Children’s Commissioner may, if he thinks fit, hold an inquiry under this section, or any part of it, in private.

(5) As soon as possible after completing an inquiry under this section the Children’s Commissioner must—

(a) publish a report containing his recommendations; and

(b) send a copy to the Secretary of State.

(6) The report need not identify any individual child if the Children’s Commissioner considers that it would be undesirable for the identity of the child to be made public.

(7) Where the Children’s Commissioner has published a report under this section containing recommendations in respect of any person exercising functions [F6 of a public nature], he may require that person to state in writing, within such period as the Children’s Commissioner may reasonably require, what action the person has taken or proposes to take in response to the recommendations.

(8) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) apply for the purposes of an inquiry held under this section with the substitution for references to the person appointed to hold the inquiry of references to the Children’s Commissioner.

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 3(3) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 1(2)

F6 Words in s. 3(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 1(3)

F7 4 Other inquiries held by Commissioner U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 4 repealed (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 2(1)

5 Functions of Commissioner in Wales U.K.

(1) The Children’s Commissioner has the function of [F8 promoting and protecting the rights of children in Wales], except in so far as relating to any matter falling within the remit of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales under section 72B, 73 or 74 of the Care Standards Act 2000 (c. 14).

[F9 (1A) The function under subsection (1) includes promoting awareness of the views and interests of children in Wales.]

[F10 (2) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 2 and sections 2A to 2C, 2E and 2F apply in relation to the Children's Commissioner's function under subsection (1) as in relation to the Commissioner's primary function.

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2)—

(a) section 2(3)(i) has effect as if for “in England” there were substituted “ in Wales, except in so far as relating to any matter falling within the remit of the Children's Commissioner for Wales under section 72B, 73 or 74 of the Care Standards Act 2000, ” ,

(b) sections 2(4) and 2B(3) have effect as if for “children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children” there were substituted “ groups of children ” ,

(c) section 2E(1) has effect as if “and the function under section 2D” were omitted, and

(d) section 2F(1) has effect as if “or the function under section 2D” were omitted.]

(3) In discharging his function under subsection (1) above the Children’s Commissioner must take account of the views of, and any work undertaken by, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

(4) Where the Children’s Commissioner considers that the case of an individual child in Wales raises issues of public policy of relevance to other children, other than issues relating to a matter referred to in subsection (1) above, he may hold an inquiry into that case for the purpose of investigating and making recommendations about those issues.

(5) Subsections (2) to (8) of section 3 apply in relation to an inquiry under subsection (4) above.

F11 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 5(1) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 3(2)

F9 S. 5(1A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 3(3)

F10 S. 5(2)(2A) substituted for s. 5(2) (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 3(4)

F11 S. 5(6) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 2(2)(a)

F12 S. 5(7) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 2(2)(a)

6 Functions of Commissioner in Scotland U.K.

(1) The Children’s Commissioner has the function of [F13 promoting and protecting the rights of children in Scotland where those rights are or may be affected by reserved matters].

[F14 (1A) The function under subsection (1) includes promoting awareness of the views and interests of children in Scotland.]

[F15 (2) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 2 and sections 2A to 2C, 2E and 2F apply in relation to the Children's Commissioner's function under subsection (1) as in relation to the Commissioner's primary function.

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2)—

(a) section 2(3)(i) has effect as if for “in England” there were substituted “ in Scotland, in relation to reserved matters, ”,

(b) sections 2(4) and 2B(3) have effect as if for “children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children” there were substituted “ groups of children ”,

(c) section 2E(1) has effect as if “and the function under section 2D” were omitted, and

(d) section 2F(1) has effect as if “or the function under section 2D” were omitted.]

(3) In discharging his function under subsection (1) above the Children’s Commissioner must take account of the views of, and any work undertaken by, the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland.

(4) Where the Children’s Commissioner considers that the case of an individual child in Scotland raises issues of public policy of relevance to other children in relation to a reserved matter, he may hold an inquiry into that case for the purpose of investigating and making recommendations about those issues.

(5) Subsections (2) to (7) of section 3 apply in relation to an inquiry under subsection (4) above.

(6) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 210 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65) apply for the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (4) above with the substitution of references to the Children’s Commissioner for references to the person appointed to hold the inquiry.

F16 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) In this section, “reserved matter” has the same meaning as in the Scotland Act 1998 (see section 30 of and Schedule 5 to that Act).

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 6(1) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 4(2)

F14 S. 6(1A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 4(3)

F15 S. 6(2)(2A) substituted for s. 6(2) (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 4(4)

F16 S. 6(7)-(9) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 2(2)(b)

7 Functions of Commissioner in Northern Ireland U.K.

(1) The Children’s Commissioner has the function of [F17 promoting and protecting the rights of children in Northern Ireland where those rights are or may be affected by excepted matters].

[F18 (1A) The function under subsection (1) includes promoting awareness of the views and interests of children in Northern Ireland.]

[F19 (2) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 2 and sections 2A to 2C, 2E and 2F apply in relation to the Children's Commissioner's function under subsection (1) as in relation to the Commissioner's primary function.

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2)—

(a) section 2(3)(i) has effect as if for “in England” there were substituted “ in Northern Ireland, in relation to excepted matters, ”,

(b) sections 2(4) and 2B(3) have effect as if for “children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children” there were substituted “ groups of children ”,

(c) section 2E(1) has effect as if “and the function under section 2D” were omitted, and

(d) section 2F(1) has effect as if “or the function under section 2D” were omitted.]

(3) In discharging his function under subsection (1) above the Children’s Commissioner must take account of the views of, and any work undertaken by, the Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland.

(4) Where the Children’s Commissioner considers that the case of an individual child in Northern Ireland raises issues of public policy which are of relevance to other children in relation to an excepted matter, he may hold an inquiry into that case for the purpose of investigating and making recommendations about those issues.

(5) Subsections (2) to (7) of section 3 apply in relation to an inquiry under subsection (4) above.

(6) Paragraphs 2 to 5 of Schedule 8 to the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)) apply for the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (4) above with the substitution of references to the Children’s Commissioner for references to the person appointed to hold the inquiry.

F20 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F20 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F20 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) In this section, “excepted matter” has the same meaning as in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (c. 47).

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 5(2)

F18 S. 7(1A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 5(3)

F19 S. 7(2)(2A) substituted for s. 7(2) (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 5(4)

F20 S. 7(7)-(9) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 2(2)(c)

[F21 7A Advisory board U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner must appoint an advisory board to provide the Commissioner with advice and assistance relating to the discharge of his or her functions.

(2) The advisory board must consist of persons who (taken together) represent a broad range of interests which are relevant to the Children's Commissioner's functions.

(3) The Children's Commissioner must from time to time publish a report on the procedure followed and the criteria used when making appointments to the advisory board.]

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 7A inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 111, 139(5)

[F22 7B Business plans U.K.

(1) The Children's Commissioner must publish a business plan which sets out, in relation to the discharge of the Commissioner's functions—

(a) the Commissioner's proposed main activities for the period covered by the plan (including the matters he or she intends to consider or investigate), and

(b) the Commissioner's proposed strategic priorities for that period.

(2) A business plan must cover a period of at least 12 months beginning with the date of publication.

(3) The Commissioner must publish a new business plan before the end of the period covered by the preceding business plan.

(4) Before publishing a business plan under this section, the Children's Commissioner must—

(a) take reasonable steps to consult children,

(b) consult persons who (taken together) represent a broad range of interests which are relevant to the Children's Commissioner's functions, and

(c) consult such other persons as the Commissioner thinks appropriate.

(5) The Children's Commissioner must for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) have particular regard to children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care) and other groups of children who the Commissioner considers do not have adequate means by which they can make their views known.]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 7B inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 112, 139(5)

8 Annual reports U.K.

(1) As soon as possible after the end of each financial year the Children’s Commissioner must make a report on—

(a) the way in which he has discharged his functions F23 ...; [F24 and]

(b) what he has found in the course of exercising those functions during the year; F25 . . .

(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The Children’s Commissioner must in particular under subsection (1)(a) include[F26 —

(a) a summary of the Commissioner's activities and an analysis of the effectiveness of those activities in promoting and protecting the rights of children,

(b) an account of what the Commissioner has done in the discharge of his or her functions in relation to children who are within section 8A (children living away from home or receiving social care),

(c) an account of the steps taken by the Commissioner to consult children or otherwise involve them in the discharge of his or her functions, and

(d) a summary of how the Commissioner has taken into account the results of any such consultation and anything else resulting from involving children in the discharge of his or her functions.]

(3) Where the Children’s Commissioner makes a report under this section—

(a) he must send a copy to the Secretary of State; and

(b) [F27 the Commissioner] must as soon as possible lay a copy before each House of Parliament.

(4) The Children’s Commissioner must publish a report under this section as soon as possible after [F28 laying] it before each House of Parliament.

[F29 (5) If the Children's Commissioner does not consider a report made under this section to be suitable for children, the Commissioner must publish a version of the report which is suitable for children.]

(6) In this section, “financial year” has the same meaning as in paragraph 8 of Schedule 1.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 8(1)(a) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(2)(a), 139(5)

F24 Word in s. 8(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(2)(b), 139(5)

F25 S. 8(1)(c) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(2)(c), 139(5)

F26 Words in s. 8(2) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(3), 139(5)

F27 Words in s. 8(3)(b) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(4), 139(5)

F28 Word in s. 8(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(5), 139(5)

F29 S. 8(5) substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 113(6), 139(5)

[F30 8A Children in England living away from home or receiving social care U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Part, a child is within this section if he or she is within any of subsections (2) to (5).

(2) A child is within this subsection if he or she is provided with accommodation by a school or college in England to which section 87(1) of the Children Act 1989 applies.

(3) A child is within this subsection if he or she is accommodated in an establishment (within the meaning of the Care Standards Act 2000) in respect of which Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills is the registration authority under section 5 of that Act.

(4) A child is within this subsection if functions are being exercised in relation to him or her by an agency (within the meaning of the Care Standards Act 2000) in respect of which Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills is the registration authority under section 5 of that Act.

(5) A child is within this subsection if a local authority in England exercises social services functions (within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970) in relation to him or her.

(6) For the purposes of this Part, a person who is not a child is to be treated as a child who is within this section if—

(a) he or she is aged 18 or over and under 25, and

(b) a local authority in England has provided services to him or her under any of sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 at any time after he or she reached the age of 16.]

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 8A inserted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 114, 139(5)

[F31 9 Commissioner's functions in relation to certain young people U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Part, other than sections 2A and 8A (and references in this Part to a child who is within section 8A).

(2) For the purposes of the Children's Commissioner's functions in respect of children in England, a reference to a child includes, in addition to a person under the age of 18—

(a) a person aged 18 or over for whom an EHC plan is maintained by a local authority,

(b) a person aged 18 or over and under 25 to whom a local authority in England has provided services under any of sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 at any time after reaching the age of 16, or

(c) a person aged 18 or over and under 25 who has been looked after by a local authority (in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) at any time after reaching the age of 16.

(3) For the purposes of the Children's Commissioner's functions in respect of children in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a reference to a child includes, in addition to a person under the age of 18, a person aged 18 or over and under 25—

(a) who has a learning disability,

(b) who has been looked after by a local authority (in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) at any time after reaching the age of 16, or

(c) to whom a local authority in England has provided services under any of sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 at any time after reaching the age of 16.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

• “ EHC plan ” means a plan within section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014 (education, health and care plans);

• “ learning disability ” means a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which induces significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning;

• a person is “looked after by a local authority” if—

  (a)

  for the purposes of the [F32 Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014], he or she is looked after by a local authority in Wales;

  (b)

  for the purposes of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, he or she is looked after by a local authority in Scotland;

  (c)

  for the purposes of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, he or she is looked after by an authority in Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 9 substituted (1.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(5), Sch. 5 para. 6(1) (with Sch. 5 para. 6(2))

F32 Words in s. 9(4)(a) substituted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 216

Part 2 E+W Children’s services in England

General E+W

[F33 9A Targets for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may, in accordance with regulations, set safeguarding targets for a [F34 local authority] in England.

(2) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) make provision about matters by reference to which safeguarding targets may, or must, be set;

(b) make provision about periods to which safeguarding targets may, or must, relate;

(c) make provision about the procedure for setting safeguarding targets;

(d) specify requirements with which a [F34 local authority] in England must comply in connection with the setting of safeguarding targets.

(3) In exercising their functions, a [F34 local authority] in England must act in the manner best calculated to secure that any safeguarding targets set under this section (so far as relating to the area of the authority) are met.

(4) “Safeguarding targets”, in relation to a [F34 local authority] in England, are targets for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the authority's area.]

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 9A inserted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 195(1), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F34 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

10 Co-operation to improve well-being E+W

(1) Each [F35 local authority] in England must make arrangements to promote co-operation between—

(a) the authority;

(b) each of the authority’s relevant partners; and

(c) such other persons or bodies as the authority consider appropriate, being persons or bodies of any nature who exercise functions or are engaged in activities in relation to children in the authority’s area.

(2) The arrangements are to be made with a view to improving the well-being of children in the authority’s area so far as relating to—

(a) physical and mental health and emotional well-being;

(b) protection from harm and neglect;

(c) education, training and recreation;

(d) the contribution made by them to society;

(e) social and economic well-being.

(3) In making arrangements under this section a [F35 local authority] in England must have regard to the importance of parents and other persons caring for children in improving the well-being of children.

(4) For the purposes of this section each of the following is a relevant partner of a [F35 local authority] in England—

(a) where the authority is a county council for an area for which there is also a district council, the district council;

(b) [F36 the local policing body] and the chief officer of police for a police area any part of which falls within the area of the [F35 local authority];

(c) a local probation board for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

[F37 (ca) the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to England;

(cb) any provider of probation services that is required by arrangements under section 3(2) of the Offender Management Act 2007 to act as a relevant partner of the authority;]

(d) a youth offending team for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

[F38 (da) [F39 NHS England];]

[F40 (db) any [F41 integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;]

F42 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) a person providing services [F43 in pursuance of section 68 of the Education and Skills Act 2008] in any part of the area of the authority;

[F44 (fa) the governing body of a maintained school that is maintained by the authority F45 . . . ;

(fb) the proprietor of a school approved by the Secretary of State under section 342 of the Education Act 1996 and situated in the authority's area;

(fc) the proprietor of a city technology college, city college for the technology of the arts or Academy situated in the authority's area;

(fd) the governing body of an institution within the further education sector the main site of which is situated in the authority's area;

(fe) the Secretary of State, in relation to the Secretary of State's functions under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973.]

(g) F46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) The relevant partners of a [F35 local authority] in England must co-operate with the authority in the making of arrangements under this section.

[F47 (5A) For the purposes of arrangements under this section a relevant person or body may—

(a) provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to another relevant person or body;

(b) make contributions to a fund out of which relevant payments may be made.]

(6) F48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) F48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) A [F35 local authority] in England and each of their relevant partners must in exercising their functions under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(9) Arrangements under this section may include arrangements relating to—

(a) persons aged 18 and 19;

(b) persons over the age of 19 who are receiving services under sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41);

(c) persons over the age of 19 but under the age of 25[F49 —

(i) for whom an EHC plan is maintained, or

(ii)] who have a learning difficulty [F50 or disability], within the meaning of [F51 section 15ZA(6) and (7) of the Education Act 1996], and are receiving services under [F52 section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996 or section F53 . . . 86 or 87 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009]

[F54 (10) In deciding for the purposes of subsection (4)(fd) whether the main site of an institution within the further education sector is situated within the area of a [F35 local authority], the authority and the governing body of the institution must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State.

(11) In this section—

• “ governing body ”, in relation to an institution within the further education sector, has the meaning given by section 90 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;

• “ institution within the further education sector ” has the meaning given by section 4(3) of the Education Act 1996;

• “ maintained school ” has the meaning given by section 39(1) of the Education Act 2002;

• “ proprietor ”, in relation to a city technology college, city college for the technology of the arts, Academy or other school, means the person or body of persons responsible for its management;

• “ relevant payment ”, in relation to a fund, means a payment in respect of expenditure incurred, by a relevant person or body contributing to the fund, in the exercise of its functions;

• “ relevant person or body ” means—

  (a)

  a [F35 local authority] in England;

  (b)

  a relevant partner of a [F35 local authority] in England.]

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F36 Words in s. 10(4)(b) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 99, 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 331; S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F37 S. 10(4)(ca)(cb) inserted (1.4.2008) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 39, 41(1), Sch. 3 para. 4(2); S.I. 2008/504, art. 3

F38 S. 10(4)(da) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 128(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F39 Words in s. 10 substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 1 para. 1(1)(2); S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

F40 S. 10(4)(db) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 128(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F41 Words in s. 10(4)(db) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 74; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

F42 S. 10(4)(e) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 128(c); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F43 Words in s. 10(4)(f) substituted (26.1.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 169(1), 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 83; S.I. 2008/3077, art. 4

F44 S. 10(4)(fa)-(fe) inserted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 193(2)(a), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F45 Words in s. 10(4)(fa) repealed (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1)(2), Sch. 2 para. 55(3), Sch. 3 Pt. 2

F46 S. 10(4)(g) repealed (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 193(2)(b), 266, 269, Sch. 16 Pt. 5; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F47 S. 10(5A) inserted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 193(3), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F48 S. 10(6)(7) repealed (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 193(4), 266, 269, Sch. 16 Pt. 5; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F49 Words in s. 10(9)(c) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 80(a); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a)

F50 Words in s. 10(9)(c) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 80(b); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a)

F51 Words in s. 10(9)(c) substituted (1.4.2010) by The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (Consequential Amendments) (England and Wales) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1080), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 52(a) (with art. 2(3))

F52 Words in s. 10(9)(c) substituted (1.4.2010) by The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (Consequential Amendments) (England and Wales) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1080), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 52(b) (with art. 2(3))

F53 Words in s. 10(9)(c) omitted (1.4.2012) by virtue of the Education Act 2011 (c. 21), ss. 67(1), 82(3), Sch. 16 para. 23; S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

F54 S. 10(10)(11) inserted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 193(5), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 10 applied (with modifications) (E.) (30.4.2010) by The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2979), Sch. 1 para. 20A (as inserted by S.I. 2010/1074, reg. 3)

C2 S. 10 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2007/2979, Sch. 1 para. 20B (as inserted (1.9.2012) by The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1201), regs. 1(3), 3)

C3 S. 10 applied (28.7.2020) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/806), arts. 1, 5(6)

C4 S. 10 applied (E.) (30.1.2021) by The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/112), arts. 1(2), 5(6)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 10 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 10 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)

11 Arrangements to safeguard and promote welfare E+W

(1) This section applies to each of the following—

(a) a [F55 local authority] in England;

(b) a district council which is not such an authority;

[F56 (ba) [F57 NHS England];]

[F58 (bb) an integrated care board;]

F59 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) a Special Health Authority, so far as exercising functions in relation to England, designated by order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section;

F60 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) an NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in England;

(g) an NHS foundation trust;

(h) the [F61 local policing body] and chief officer of police for a police area in England;

(i) the British Transport Police Authority, so far as exercising functions in relation to England;

[F62 (ia) the National Crime Agency;]

(j) a local probation board for an area in England;

[F63 (ja) the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to England;]

(k) a youth offending team for an area in England;

(l) the governor of a prison or secure training centre in England (or, in the case of a contracted out prison or secure training centre, its director);

[F64 (la) the principal of a secure college in England;]

(m) any person to the extent that he is providing services [F65 in pursuance of section 74 of the Education and Skills Act 2008].

(2) Each person and body to whom this section applies must make arrangements for ensuring that—

(a) their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and

(b) any services provided by another person pursuant to arrangements made by the person or body in the discharge of their functions are provided having regard to that need.

(3) In the case of a [F55 local authority] in England, the reference in subsection (2) to functions of the authority does not include functions to which section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) applies.

(4) Each person and body to whom this section applies must in discharging their duty under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

F55 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F56 S. 11(1)(ba) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 129(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F57 Words in s. 11 substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 1 para. 1(1)(2); S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

F58 S. 11(1)(bb) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 75; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

F59 S. 11(1)(c) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 129(c); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F60 S. 11(1)(e) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 129(d); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F61 Words in s. 11(1)(h) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 99, 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 332; S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F62 S. 11(1)(ia) inserted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 8(1), 61(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(j)

F63 S. 11(1)(ja) inserted (1.4.2008) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 39, 41(1), Sch. 3 para. 4(3); S.I. 2008/504, art. 3

F64 S. 11(1)(la) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 9 para. 14; S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(c)

F65 Words in s. 11(1)(m) substituted (26.1.2009) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 169(1), 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 84; S.I. 2008/3077, art. 4

Commencement Information

I2 S. 11 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 11 in force at 1.3.2005 for certain purposes for E. and at 1.10.2005 otherwise for E. by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)(4)

12 Information databases E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may for the purpose of arrangements under section 10 or 11 above or under section 175 of the Education Act 2002—

(a) by regulations require [F66 local authorities] in England to establish and operate databases containing information in respect of persons to whom such arrangements relate;

(b) himself establish and operate, or make arrangements for the operation and establishment of, one or more databases containing such information.

(2) The Secretary of State may for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1)(b) by regulations establish a body corporate to establish and operate one or more databases.

(3) A database under this section may only include information falling within subsection (4) in relation to a person to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate.

(4) The information referred to in subsection (3) is information of the following descriptions in relation to a person—

(a) his name, address, gender and date of birth;

(b) a number identifying him;

(c) the name and contact details of any person with parental responsibility for him (within the meaning of section 3 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41)) or who has care of him at any time;

(d) details of any education being received by him (including the name and contact details of any educational institution attended by him);

(e) the name and contact details of any person providing primary medical services in relation to him under [F67 the National Health Service Act 2006];

(f) the name and contact details of any person providing to him services of such description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify;

(g) information as to the existence of any cause for concern in relation to him;

(h) information of such other description, not including medical records or other personal records, as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision in relation to the establishment and operation of any database or databases under this section.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may in particular make provision—

(a) as to the information which must or may be contained in any database under this section (subject to subsection (3));

(b) requiring a person or body specified in subsection (7) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(c) permitting a person or body specified in subsection (8) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(d) permitting or requiring the disclosure of information included in any such database;

(e) permitting or requiring any person to be given access to any such database for the purpose of adding or reading information;

(f) as to the conditions on which such access must or may be given;

(g) as to the length of time for which information must or may be retained;

(h) as to procedures for ensuring the accuracy of information included in any such database;

(i) in a case where a database is established by virtue of subsection (1)(b), requiring children’s services authorities in England to participate in the operation of the database.

(7) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(b) are—

(a) the persons and bodies specified in section 11(1);

(b) the Learning and Skills Council for England;

(c) the governing body of a maintained school in England (within the meaning of section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32));

(d) the governing body of an institution in England within the further education sector (within the meaning of that section);

(e) the proprietor of an independent school in England (within the meaning of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56));

[F68 (ea) the proprietor of an alternative provision Academy that is not an independent school (within the meaning of that Act);]

(f) a person or body of such other description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(8) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(c) are—

[F69 (a) a person registered under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006 (regulation of provision of childcare in England);]

(b) a voluntary organisation exercising functions or engaged in activities in relation to persons to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate;

(c) the Commissioners of Inland Revenue;

[F70 (ca) a private registered provider of social housing;]

(d) a registered social landlord;

(e) a person or body of such other description as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.

(9) The Secretary of State may provide information for inclusion in a database under this section.

(10) The provision which may be made under subsection (6)(e) includes provision for a person of a description specified in the regulations to determine what must or may be done under the regulations.

(11) Regulations under subsection (5) may also provide that anything which may be done under regulations under subsection (6)(c) to (e) or (9) may be done notwithstanding any rule of common law which prohibits or restricts the disclosure of information.

(12) Any person or body establishing or operating a database under this section must in the establishment or operation of the database have regard to any guidance, and comply with any direction, given to that person or body by the Secretary of State.

(13) Guidance or directions under subsection (12) may in particular relate to—

(a) the management of a database under this section;

(b) the technical specifications for any such database;

(c) the security of any such database;

(d) the transfer and comparison of information between databases under this section;

(e) the giving of advice in relation to rights under [F71 the data protection legislation].

[F72 (14) In this section, “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F66 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F67 Words in s. 12(4)(e) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 2, 8, Sch. 1 para. 265 (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

F68 S. 12(7)(ea) inserted (1.4.2012) by The Alternative Provision Academies (Consequential Amendments to Acts) (England) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/976), art. 1, Sch. para. 14 (with art. 3)

F69 S. 12(8)(a) substituted (6.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 103(1), 109(2), Sch. 2 para. 43; S.I. 2007/1019, art. 4 (with Sch. para. 7)

F70 S. 12(8)(ca) inserted (1.4.2010) by The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/866), art. 5, Sch. 2 para. 128 (with art. 6, Sch. 3)

F71 Words in s. 12(13)(e) substituted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 105(2) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)

F72 S. 12(14) inserted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 105(3) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 12 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 12 in force for E. at 1.1.2006 by S.I. 2005/3464, art. 2

[F73 Children's Trust Boards E+W

Textual Amendments

F73 Ss. 12A-12D and cross-heading inserted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(2), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

12A Establishment of CTBs E+W

(1) Arrangements made by a [F74 local authority] in England under section 10 must include arrangements for the establishment of a Children's Trust Board for their area.

(2) A Children's Trust Board must include a representative of each of the following—

(a) the establishing authority;

(b) each of the establishing authority's relevant partners (subject to subsection (4)).

(3) A Children's Trust Board may also include any other persons or bodies that the establishing authority, after consulting each of their relevant partners, think appropriate.

(4) A Children's Trust Board need not include any of the establishing authority's relevant partners who are of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) Subsection (2) does not require a Children's Trust Board to include a separate representative for each of the persons or bodies mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b).

(6) Where two or more [F75 local authorities] jointly make arrangements under section 10 for the establishment of a Children's Trust Board, references in sections 12B and 17 to the area of the authority that established the Board are to be read as references to an area consisting of the combined areas of those authorities.

(7) For the purposes of this section and sections 12B and 12C—

(a) “ the establishing authority ”, in relation to a Children's Trust Board, is the [F74 local authority ] that establishes the Board;

(b) a person or body is a “relevant partner” of a [F74 local authority] if it is a relevant partner of the authority for the purposes of section 10

[F76 otherwise than by virtue of section 10(4)(da) or (db)]

Textual Amendments

F74 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F75 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F76 Words in s. 12A inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 130; S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

12B Functions and procedures of CTBs E+W

(1) The functions of a Children's Trust Board are—

(a) those conferred by or under section 17 or 17A (children and young people's plans);

(b) any further functions conferred by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1)(b) may confer a function on a Children's Trust Board only if the function relates to improving the well-being of children or relevant young persons in the area of the establishing authority.

(3) In subsection (2) “well-being” means well-being so far as relating to one or more of the matters specified in section 10(2)(a) to (e).

(4) A Children's Trust Board must have regard to any guidance given to it by the Secretary of State in connection with—

(a) the procedures to be followed by it;

(b) the exercise of its functions.

(5) In this section “relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.

12C Funding of CTBs E+W

(1) The establishing authority and any of their relevant partners represented on a Children's Trust Board may make payments towards expenditure incurred by, or for purposes connected with, the Board—

(a) by making the payments directly; or

(b) by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(2) The establishing authority and any of their relevant partners represented on a Children's Trust Board may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources for purposes connected with the functions of the Board.

(3) Two or more Children's Trust Boards may establish and maintain a pooled fund for the purposes of any of their functions.

(4) A pooled fund is a fund—

(a) which is made up of contributions by the Boards concerned, and

(b) out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the discharge of functions of any of the Boards.

12D Supply of information to CTBs E+W

(1) A person or body represented on a Children's Trust Board must supply to the Board any information requested by the Board for the purpose of enabling or assisting it to perform its functions.

(2) Information supplied to a Children's Trust Board under this section may be used by the Board only for the purpose of enabling or assisting it to perform its functions.

(3) Information requested under subsection (1) must be information that relates to—

(a) the person or body to whom the request is made;

(b) a function of that person or body, or

(c) a person in respect of whom a function is exercisable by that person or body.]

Local Safeguarding Children Boards E+W

F77 13 Establishment of LSCBs E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 14 Functions and procedure of LSCBs E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 14A LSCBs: annual reports E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 14B Supply of information requested by LSCBs E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 15 Funding of LSCBs E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 15A Review of LSCBs' performance of functions E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

F77 16 LCSBs: supplementary E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F77 Ss. 13-16 omitted (29.6.2018 for specified purposes, 29.9.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 30, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 8(2)(4) (with regs. 8(3), 9, 10)

[F78 Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel E+W

Textual Amendments

F78 S. 16A and cross-heading inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 12, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(a)

16A Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel E+W

(1) The Secretary of State must establish a panel to be known as the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

(2) The Secretary of State may make any arrangements that the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the establishment of the Panel in accordance with this section.

(3) The Panel is to consist of a chair and members appointed by the Secretary of State.

(4) A person may be appointed for a particular period or otherwise.

(5) The Secretary of State may remove the chair or a member of the Panel if satisfied that the chair or member—

(a) has become unfit or unable to discharge his or her functions properly, or

(b) has behaved in a way that is not compatible with continuing in office.

(6) The arrangements that may be made by the Secretary of State under subsection (2) include arrangements about—

(a) the Panel's proceedings;

(b) annual or other reports.

(7) The Secretary of State may provide staff, facilities or other assistance to the Panel (and the arrangements that may be made under this section include arrangements about those matters).

(8) The Secretary of State may pay remuneration or expenses to the chair and members of the Panel.]

[F79 16B F79 Functions of the Panel E+W

(1) The functions of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel are, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State—

(a) to identify serious child safeguarding cases in England which raise issues that are complex or of national importance, and

(b) where they consider it appropriate, to arrange for those cases to be reviewed under their supervision.

(2) The purpose of a review under subsection (1)(b) is to identify any improvements that should be made by safeguarding partners or others to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

(3) Where the Panel arrange for a case to be reviewed under their supervision, they must—

(a) ensure that the reviewer provides a report on the outcome of the review;

(b) ensure—

(i) that the reviewer makes satisfactory progress, and

(ii) that the report is of satisfactory quality;

(c) provide the report to the Secretary of State.

(4) The Panel must publish the report, unless they consider it inappropriate to do so.

(5) If the Panel consider it inappropriate to publish the report, they must publish any information relating to the improvements that should be made following the review that they consider it appropriate to publish.

(6) Regulations under this section may include provision about—

(a) criteria to be taken into account by the Panel in determining whether serious child safeguarding cases raise issues that are complex or of national importance;

(b) eligibility for appointment as a reviewer;

(c) the selection process for appointment of a reviewer;

(d) the person who is to select a reviewer;

(e) the supervisory powers of the Panel in relation to a reviewer;

(f) removal of a reviewer;

(g) payments of remuneration or expenses to a reviewer by the Secretary of State;

(h) the procedure for a review;

(i) the form and content of a report;

(j) the time when a report is to be provided to the Secretary of State, or published.

(7) The Panel must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred by this section.

(8) Guidance given by the Secretary of State may include guidance about—

(a) circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a serious child safeguarding case to be reviewed;

(b) matters to be taken into account in deciding whether a review is making satisfactory progress or whether a report is of satisfactory quality.

(9) In this section—

• a “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the Panel;

• “safeguarding partners” means persons who, under section 16E, are safeguarding partners in relation to one or more local authority areas in England (see subsection (3) of that section);

• “serious child safeguarding cases” means cases in which—

  (a)

  abuse or neglect of a child is known or suspected by a local authority or another person exercising functions in relation to children, and

  (b)

  the child has died or been seriously harmed;

• “serious harm” includes serious or long-term impairment of mental health or intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.]

Textual Amendments

F79 S. 16B inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 13, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(a); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(b)

[F80 16C Events to be notified to the Panel E+W

(1) Where a local authority in England knows or suspects that a child has been abused or neglected, the local authority must notify the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel if—

(a) the child dies or is seriously harmed in the local authority's area, or

(b) while normally resident in the local authority's area, the child dies or is seriously harmed outside England.

(2) A local authority in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with their functions under this section.

(3) In this section “serious harm” has the meaning given by section 16B(9).]

Textual Amendments

F80 S. 16C inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 14, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(c)

[F81 16D Information E+W

(1) The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of a function conferred by section 16B, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a) the Panel,

(b) a reviewer, or

(c) another person or body specified in the request.

(2) The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3) The Panel may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4) The information may be used by the Panel, reviewer, or other person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).

(5) In this section “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the Panel.]

Textual Amendments

F81 S. 16D inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 15, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(d)

[F82 Safeguarding partners for local authority areas E+W

Textual Amendments

F82 S. 16E and crossheading inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 16, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(b); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(e)

16E Local arrangements for safeguarding and promoting welfare of children E+W

(1) The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements for—

(a) the safeguarding partners, and

(b) any relevant agencies that they consider appropriate,

to work together in exercising their functions, so far as the functions are exercised for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the area.

(2) The arrangements must include arrangements for the safeguarding partners to work together to identify and respond to the needs of children in the area.

(3) In this section—

• “relevant agency”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means a person who—

  (a)

  is specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, and

  (b)

  exercises functions in that area in relation to children;

• “safeguarding partner”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means—

  (a)

  the local authority;

  (b)

  [F83 an integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the local authority area;

  (c)

  the chief officer of police for a police area any part of which falls within the local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

F83 Words in s. 16E(3) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 76; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

[F84 16F Local child safeguarding practice reviews E+W

(1) The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements in accordance with this section—

(a) to identify serious child safeguarding cases which raise issues of importance in relation to the area, and

(b) for those cases to be reviewed under the supervision of the safeguarding partners, where they consider it appropriate.

(2) The purpose of a review under subsection (1)(b) is to identify any improvements that should be made by persons in the area to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

(3) Where a case is reviewed under the supervision of the safeguarding partners, they must—

(a) ensure that the reviewer provides a report on the outcome of the review;

(b) ensure—

(i) that the reviewer makes satisfactory progress, and

(ii) that the report is of satisfactory quality;

(c) provide the report to the Secretary of State and the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

(4) The safeguarding partners must publish the report, unless they consider it inappropriate to do so.

(5) If the safeguarding partners consider it inappropriate to publish the report, they must publish any information relating to the improvements that should be made following the review that they consider it appropriate to publish.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a) criteria to be taken into account by the safeguarding partners in determining whether serious child safeguarding cases raise issues of importance in relation to the area;

(b) the appointment or removal of a reviewer by the safeguarding partners, including provision for a reviewer to be appointed by the safeguarding partners from a list provided by the Secretary of State;

(c) the time when a report is to be provided to the Secretary of State or the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, or published;

(d) the procedure for a review;

(e) the form and content of a report.

(7) In this section “reviewer” means any one or more persons appointed to review a case under the supervision of the safeguarding partners for a local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

F84 S. 16F inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 17, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(c); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(f)

[F85 16G Further provision about arrangements E+W

(1) This section applies in relation to arrangements made under section 16E or 16F by the safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England.

(2) The safeguarding partners must publish the arrangements.

(3) The arrangements must include arrangements for scrutiny by an independent person of the effectiveness of the arrangements.

(4) The safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for the local authority area must act in accordance with the arrangements.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where a person is specified in regulations under section 16E(3) for the purposes of the definition of “relevant agency”.

(6) The regulations may make provision for the enforcement against the person of the duty imposed by subsection (4), if the Secretary of State considers that there would otherwise be no appropriate means of enforcing that duty against the person (but the regulations may not create criminal offences).

(7) At least once in every 12 month period, the safeguarding partners must prepare and publish a report on—

(a) what the safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for the local authority area have done as a result of the arrangements, and

(b) how effective the arrangements have been in practice.]

Textual Amendments

F85 S. 16G inserted (19.3.2018 for specified purposes, 29.6.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 18, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(g) (with regs. 5-7)

[F86 16H Information E+W

(1) Any of the safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of functions conferred by section 16E or 16F, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a) the safeguarding partner or any other safeguarding partner for the area,

(b) any of the relevant agencies for the area,

(c) a reviewer, or

(d) another person or body specified in the request.

(2) The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3) The safeguarding partner that made the request may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4) The information may be used by the person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

F86 S. 16H inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 19, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(h)

[F87 16I Funding E+W

(1) The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16E or 16F—

(a) by making payments directly, or

(b) by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(2) The payments that may be made include payments of remuneration, allowances or expenses to a reviewer or an independent person.

(3) The safeguarding partners for a local authority area in England may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to any person for purposes connected with arrangements under section 16E or 16F.

(4) Relevant agencies for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16E—

(a) by making payments directly, or

(b) by contributing to a fund out of which the payments may be made.

(5) In this section an “independent person” means an independent person mentioned in section 16G(3).]

Textual Amendments

F87 S. 16I inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 20, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(i)

[F88 16J Combining safeguarding partner areas and delegating functions E+W

(1) The safeguarding partners for two or more local authority areas in England may agree that their areas are to be treated as a single area for the purposes of sections 16E to 16I and subsections (3) to (5) of this section.

(2) References in sections 16E to 16I and in subsections (3) to (5) of this section to a local authority area are to be read in accordance with any agreement under subsection (1).

(3) Where a local authority is a safeguarding partner for the same local authority area as another local authority (as a result of an agreement under subsection (1)), the authorities may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.

[F89 (4) Where an integrated care board is a safeguarding partner for the same local authority area as another integrated care board, the boards may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.]

(5) Where a chief officer of police is a safeguarding partner for the same area as another chief officer of police, the officers may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16E to 16I on behalf of the other.]

Textual Amendments

F88 S. 16J inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 21, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(j)

F89 S. 16J(4) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 77; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

[F90 16K Guidance by Secretary of State E+W

(1) The safeguarding partners and relevant agencies for a local authority area in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred on them by sections 16E to 16J.

(2) Guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred by section 16F may include guidance about—

(a) circumstances in which it may be appropriate for a serious child safeguarding case to be reviewed;

(b) matters to be taken into account in deciding whether a review is making satisfactory progress or whether a report is of satisfactory quality.]

Textual Amendments

F90 S. 16K inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 22, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(k)

[F91 16L Interpretation of sections 16E to 16K E+W

In sections 16E to 16K—

• “reviewer” has the meaning given by section 16F(7);

• “safeguarding partner”, in relation to a local authority area, has the meaning given by section 16E(3);

• “serious child safeguarding cases” has the meaning given by section 16B(9);

• “relevant agency”, in relation to a local authority area, has the meaning given by section 16E(3).]

Textual Amendments

F91 S. 16L inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 23, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(l)

[F92 Child death review partners for local authority areas E+W

Textual Amendments

F92 S. 16M and cross-heading inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 24, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(m)

16M Child death reviews E+W

(1) The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must make arrangements for the review of each death of a child normally resident in the area.

(2) The child death review partners may also, if they consider it appropriate, make arrangements for the review of a death in their area of a child not normally resident there.

(3) The child death review partners must make arrangements for the analysis of information about deaths reviewed under this section.

(4) The purposes of a review or analysis under this section are—

(a) to identify any matters relating to the death or deaths that are relevant to the welfare of children in the area or to public health and safety, and

(b) to consider whether it would be appropriate for anyone to take action in relation to any matters identified.

(5) Where the child death review partners consider that it would be appropriate for a person to take action as mentioned in subsection (4)(b), they must inform that person.

(6) The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must, at such intervals as they consider appropriate, prepare and publish a report on—

(a) what they have done as a result of the arrangements under this section, and

(b) how effective the arrangements have been in practice.]

[F93 16N Information E+W

(1) Any of the child death review partners for a local authority area in England may, for the purpose of enabling or assisting the performance of functions conferred by section 16M, request a person or body to provide information specified in the request to—

(a) the child death review partner or any other child death review partner for the area, or

(b) another person or body.

(2) The person or body to whom a request under this section is made must comply with the request.

(3) The child death review partner that made the request may enforce the duty under subsection (2) against the person or body by making an application to the High Court or the county court for an injunction.

(4) The information may be used by the person or body to whom it is provided only for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

F93 S. 16N inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 25, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(n)

[F94 16O Funding E+W

(1) The child death review partners for a local authority area in England may make payments towards expenditure incurred in connection with arrangements under section 16M—

(a) by making payments directly, or

(b) by contributing to a fund out of which payments may be made.

(2) The child death review partners for a local authority area in England may provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources to any person for purposes connected with arrangements under section 16M.]

Textual Amendments

F94 S. 16O inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 26, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(o)

16P Combining child death review partner areas and delegating functions E+W

(1) The child death review partners for two or more local authority areas in England may agree that their areas are to be treated as a single area for the purposes of sections 16M to 16O and subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

(2) References in sections 16M to 16O and in subsections (3) and (4) of this section to a local authority area are to be read in accordance with any agreement under subsection (1).

(3) Where a local authority is a child death review partner for the same local authority area as another local authority (as a result of an agreement under subsection (1)), the authorities may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16M to 16O on behalf of the other.

[F95 (4) Where an integrated care board is a child death review partner for the same local authority area as another integrated care board, the boards may arrange for one of them to carry out functions under sections 16M to 16O on behalf of the other.]

Textual Amendments

F95 S. 16P(4) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 78; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

[F96 16Q Guidance and interpretation E+W

(1) The child death review partners for a local authority area in England must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State in connection with functions conferred on them by sections 16M to 16P.

(2) In this section and sections 16M to 16P “child death review partners”, in relation to a local authority area in England, means—

(a) the local authority;

(b) any [F97 integrated care board] for an area any part of which falls within the local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

F96 S. 16Q inserted (29.6.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 28, 70(2); S.I. 2018/497, reg. 3(q)

F97 Words in s. 16Q(2)(b) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 79; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)

Local authority administration E+W

[F98 17 Children and young people’s plans E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations require a Children's Trust Board established by virtue of arrangements under section 10 from time to time to prepare and publish a children and young people's plan.

(2) A children and young people's plan is a plan setting out the strategy of the persons or bodies represented on the Board for co-operating with each other with a view to improving the well-being of children and relevant young persons in the area of the authority that established the Board.

(3) In subsection (2) “well-being” means well-being so far as relating to the matters specified in section 10(2)(a) to (e).

(4) Regulations under this section may in particular make provision as to—

(a) the matters to be dealt with in a children and young people's plan;

(b) the period to which a children and young people's plan is to relate;

(c) when and how a children and young people's plan must be published;

(d) keeping a children and young people's plan under review;

(e) revising a children and young people's plan;

(f) consultation to be carried out during preparation or revision of a children and young people's plan;

(g) other steps required or permitted to be taken in connection with the preparation or revision of a children and young people's plan.

(5) In this section “relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.]

Textual Amendments

F98 Ss. 17, 17A substituted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) for s. 17 by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(3), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

Commencement Information

I4 S. 17 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 17 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

[F99 17A Children and young people's plans: implementation E+W

(1) This section applies where a Children's Trust Board prepares a children and young people's plan in accordance with regulations under section 17.

(2) The persons and bodies whose strategy for co-operation is set out in the plan must have regard to the plan in exercising their functions.

(3) The Board must—

(a) monitor the extent to which the persons and bodies whose strategy for co-operation is set out in the plan are acting in accordance with the plan;

(b) prepare and publish an annual report about the extent to which, during the year to which the report relates, those persons and bodies have acted in accordance with the plan.]

Textual Amendments

F99 Ss. 17, 17A substituted (26.2.2010 for certain purposes and 1.4.2010 otherwise) for s. 17 by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(3), 269; S.I. 2010/303, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1, Sch. 2

18 Director of children’s services E+W

(1) A [F100 local authority] in England may, and with effect from the appointed day must, appoint an officer for the purposes of—

(a) the functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority which are specified in subsection (2); and

(b) such other functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulations.

(2) The functions referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) [F101 education] functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority F102 . . . ;

(b) functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority which are social services functions (within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42)), so far as those functions relate to children;

(c) the functions conferred on the authority under sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (so far as not falling within paragraph (b));

(d) the functions conferred on the authority under sections 10 to 12 [F103 , 12C, 12D and 17A] of this Act; F104 . . .

(e) any functions exercisable by the authority under [F105 section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 or section 33 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006] on behalf of an NHS body (within the meaning of [F106 those sections]), so far as those functions relate to children[F107 ; F108 ...

(f) the functions conferred on the authority under Part 1 of the Childcare Act 2006,] [F109 and

(g) any function conferred on the authority under section 2 of the Childcare Act 2016.]

(3) Subsection (2)(a) does not include—

(a) functions under section 120(3) of the Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40) (functions of LEAs with respect to higher and further education);

(b) functions under section 85(2) and (3) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13) (finance and government of locally funded further and higher education);

(c) functions under section 15B of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) F110 . . . (education for persons who have attained the age of 19);

(d) functions under section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (c. 30) (financial support to students);

(e) such other [F111 education] functions conferred on or exercisable by a [F100 local authority] in England F102 . . . as the Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe.

(4) An officer appointed by a [F100 local authority] in England under this section is to be known as their “director of children’s services”.

(5) The director of children’s services appointed by a [F100 local authority] in England may also have responsibilities relating to such functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority, in addition to those specified in subsection (1), as the authority consider appropriate.

(6) The functions in relation to which a director of children’s services may have responsibilities by virtue of subsection (5) include those referred to in subsection (3)(a) to (e).

(7) A [F100 local authority] in England must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(8) Two or more [F112 local authorities] in England may for the purposes of this section, if they consider that the same person can efficiently discharge, for both or all of them, the responsibilities of director of children’s services, concur in the appointment of a person as director of children’s services for both or all of them.

(9) The amendments in Schedule 2—

(a) have effect, in relation to any authority which appoint a director of children’s services before the appointed day, from the day of his appointment; and

(b) on and after the appointed day have effect for all purposes.

[F113 (10) In this section—

• “the appointed day” means such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint;

• “education functions” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996.]

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 18(10) power exercised: 1.1.2008 appointed by {S.I. 2007/1792}, art. 2

Textual Amendments

F100 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F101 Word in s. 18(2)(a) inserted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(4)(a)(i)

F102 Words in s. 18(2)(a)(3)(e) repealed (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1)(2), Sch. 2 para. 55(4)(a)(ii)(b)(ii), Sch. 3 Pt. 2

F103 Words in s. 18(2)(d) substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(4), 269; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F104 Word in s. 18(2)(d) repealed (1.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 16(2)(a), 103(2), 109(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 2; S.I. 2007/1019, art. 3

F105 Words in s. 18(2)(e) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 2, 8, Sch. 1 para. 266(a) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

F106 Words in s. 18(2)(e) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 2, 8, Sch. 1 para. 266(b) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

F107 S. 18(2)(f) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 16(2)(b), 109(2); S.I. 2007/1019, art. 3

F108 Word in s. 18(2)(e) omitted (10.1.2017) by virtue of The Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1257), regs. 1(2), 42(2)(a)

F109 S. 18(2)(g) and preceding word inserted (10.1.2017) by The Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1257), regs. 1(2), 42(2)(b)

F110 Words in s. 18(3)(c) repealed (21.2.2008) by Further Education and Training Act 2007 (c. 25), ss. 30, 32, Sch. 2; S.I. 2008/313, art. 2

F111 Word in s. 18(3)(e) inserted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(4)(b)(i)

F112 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F113 S. 18(10) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(4)(c)

Commencement Information

I5 S. 18 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 18 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)

19 Lead member for children’s services E+W

(1) A [F114 local authority] in England must, in making arrangements for the discharge of—

(a) the functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority specified in section 18(1)(a) and (b), and

(b) such other functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority as the authority consider appropriate,

designate one of their members as their “lead member for children’s services”.

(2) A [F114 local authority] in England must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Secretary of State for the purposes of subsection (1).

Textual Amendments

F114 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

Inspections of children’s services E+W

20 Joint area reviews E+W

(1) Any two or more of the persons and bodies to which this section applies must, at the request of the Secretary of State—

(a) conduct, in accordance with a timetable drawn up by them and approved by the Secretary of State, a review of children’s services provided in—

(i) the area of every [F115 local authority] in England;

(ii) the areas of such [F116 local authorities] in England as may be specified in the request;

(b) conduct a review of such children’s services provided in the area of such [F115 local authority] in England as may be specified in the request.

(2) Any two or more of the persons and bodies to which this section applies may conduct a review of any children’s services provided in the area of a particular [F115 local authority] in England.

(3) The purpose of a review under this section is to evaluate the extent to which, taken together, the children’s services being reviewed improve the well-being of children and relevant young persons (and in particular to evaluate how those services work together to improve their well-being).

(4) The persons and bodies to which this section applies are—

(a) the Chief Inspector of Schools;

(b) F117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) F117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F118 (d) the Care Quality Commission;]

F119 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) the chief inspector of constabulary;

[F120 (g) Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales]

F121 (h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(i) the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

(5) Reviews under this section are to be conducted in accordance with arrangements made by the Chief Inspector of Schools.

(6) Before making arrangements for the purposes of reviews under this section the Chief Inspector of Schools must consult such of the other persons and bodies to which this section applies as he considers appropriate.

(7) The annual report of the Chief Inspector of Schools required by [F122 subsection (1) of section 121 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006] to be made to the Secretary of State must include an account of reviews under this section; and the power conferred by [F123 subsection (3)] of that section to make other reports to the Secretary of State includes a power to make reports about such reviews.

(8) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for the purposes of reviews under this section and in particular provision—

(a) requiring or facilitating the sharing or production of information for the purposes of a review under this section (including provision for the creation of criminal offences);

(b) authorising any person or body conducting a review under this section to enter any premises for the purposes of the review (including provision for the creation of criminal offences);

(c) imposing requirements as to the making of a report on each review under this section;

(d) for the making by such persons as may be specified in or under the regulations of written statements of proposed action in the light of the report and the period within which any such action must or may be taken;

(e) for the provision to members of the public of copies of reports and statements made under paragraphs (c) and (d), and for charging in respect of any such provision;

(f) for the disapplication, in consequence of a requirement under this section, of any requirement under any other enactment to conduct an assessment or to do anything in connection with an assessment.

(9) Regulations under subsection (8) may in particular make provision by applying enactments falling within subsection (10), with or without modification, for the purposes of reviews under this section.

(10) The enactments falling within this subsection are enactments relating to the powers of persons and bodies to which this section applies for the purposes of assessments other than reviews under this section.

(11) Regulations under subsection (8) may make provision authorising or requiring the doing of anything by reference to the determination of a person of a description specified in the regulations.

Textual Amendments

F115 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F116 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F117 S. 20(4)(b)(c) repealed (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 157, 184, 188, Sch. 14 para. 96(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 5; S.I. 2007/935, art. 5

F118 S. 20(4)(d) substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care Act 2008 (c. 14), ss. 95, 170, Sch. 5 para. 78; S.I. 2009/462, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 35

F119 S. 20(4)(e) omitted (1.4.2015) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 12 para. 68; S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(x)

F120 Words in s. 20(4)(g) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Offender Management Act 2007 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/912), art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 27(2)(f)

F121 S. 20(4)(h) omitted (18.9.2012) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Abolition of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Courts Administration and the Public Guardian Board) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2401), art 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 19

F122 Words in s. 20(7) substituted (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 157, 188, Sch. 14 para. 96(3)(a); S.I. 2007/935, art. 5

F123 Words in s. 20(7) substituted (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 157, 188, Sch. 14 para. 96(3)(b); S.I. 2007/935, art. 5

Commencement Information

I6 S. 20 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 20 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

21 Framework E+W

(1) The Chief Inspector of Schools must devise a Framework for Inspection of Children’s Services (“the Framework”).

(2) The Framework must, for the purpose specified in subsection (3), set out principles to be applied by any person or body conducting a relevant assessment.

(3) The purpose referred to in subsection (2) is to ensure that relevant assessments properly evaluate and report on the extent to which children’s services improve the well-being of children and relevant young persons.

(4) The principles in the Framework may—

(a) include principles relating to the organisation of the results of any relevant assessment;

(b) make different provision for different cases.

(5) For the purposes of subsections (2) to (4) a relevant assessment is an assessment conducted under any enactment in relation to any children’s services.

(6) When devising the Framework, the Chief Inspector of Schools must consult the other persons and bodies to which section 20 applies.

(7) The Chief Inspector of Schools must publish the Framework, but before doing so must—

(a) consult such persons and bodies, other than those referred to in subsection (6), as he thinks fit; and

(b) obtain the consent of the Secretary of State.

(8) The Chief Inspector of Schools may at any time revise the Framework (and subsections (6) and (7) apply in relation to revisions to the Framework as to the original Framework).

Commencement Information

I7 S. 21 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 21 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

22 Co-operation and delegation E+W

(1) Each person or body with functions under any enactment of conducting assessments of children’s services must for the purposes of those assessments co-operate with other persons or bodies with such functions.

(2) A person or body with functions under any enactment of conducting assessments of children’s services may delegate any of those functions to any other person or body with such functions.

Commencement Information

I8 S. 22 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 22 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

23 Sections 20 to 22: interpretation E+W

(1) This section applies for the purposes of sections 20 to 22.

(2) “Assessment” includes an inspection, review, investigation or study.

(3) “Children’s services” means—

(a) anything done for or in relation to children and relevant young persons (alone or with other persons)—

(i) in respect of which, apart from section 20, a person or body to which that section applies conducts any kind of assessment, or secures that any kind of assessment is conducted; and

(ii) which is specified in, or is of a description prescribed by, regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(b) any function under sections 10 and [F124 12B] to 19; F125 . . .

(c) any function conferred on a [F126 local authority] under section 12[F127 ; F128 ...

(d) any function conferred on a local authority under Part 1 of the Childcare Act 2006,] [F129 and

(e) any function conferred on a local authority under section 2 of the Childcare Act 2016.]

(4) “Relevant young persons” means persons, other than children, in relation to whom arrangements under section 10 may be made.

[F130 (5) “The Chief Inspector of Schools” means Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills.]

Textual Amendments

F124 Word in s. 23(3) substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(5), 269; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F125 Word in s. 23(3)(b) repealed (1.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 16(3)(a), 103(2), 109(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 2; S.I. 2007/1019, art. 3

F126 Words in Pt. 2 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(2)

F127 S. 23(3)(d) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 16(3)(b), 109(2); S.I. 2007/1019, art. 3

F128 Word in s. 23(3)(c) omitted (10.1.2017) by virtue of The Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1257), regs. 1(2), 42(3)(a)

F129 S. 23(3)(e) and preceding word inserted (10.1.2017) by The Childcare (Early Years Provision Free of Charge) (Extended Entitlement) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1257), regs. 1(2), 42(3)(b)

F130 S. 23(5) substituted (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 157, 188, Sch. 14 para. 97; S.I. 2007/935, art. 5

Commencement Information

I9 S. 23 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(2); s. 23 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)

24 Performance rating of social services E+W

F131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F131 S. 24 repealed (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 184, 188, Sch. 18 Pt. 5; S.I. 2007/935, art. 5

Part 3 E+W Children’s services in Wales

General E+W

25 Co-operation to improve well-being: Wales E+W

(1) Each [F132 local authority] in Wales must make arrangements to promote co-operation between—

(a) the authority;

(b) each of the authority’s relevant partners; and

(c) such other persons or bodies as the authority consider appropriate, being persons or bodies of any nature who exercise functions or are engaged in activities in relation to children in the authority’s area.

[F133 (1A) Each local authority in Wales must also make arrangements to promote co-operation between officers of the authority who exercise its functions.]

[F134 (2) The arrangements under subsections (1) and (1A) are to be made with a view to—

(a) improving the well-being of children within the authority's area, in particular those with needs for care and support;

(b) improving the quality of care and support for children provided in the authority's area (including the outcomes that are achieved from such provision);

(c) protecting children who are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm (within the meaning of the Children Act 1989).]

(3) In making arrangements under this section a [F132 local authority] in Wales must have regard to the importance of parents and other persons caring for children in improving the well-being of children.

(4) For the purposes of this section each of the following is the relevant partner of a [F132 local authority] in Wales—

(a) [F135 the local policing body] and the chief officer of police for a police area any part of which falls within the area of the [F132 local authority];

[F136 (aa) any other local authority in Wales with which the authority agrees that it would be appropriate to co-operate under this section;]

(b) a local probation board for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

[F137 (ba) the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to Wales;

(bb) any provider of probation services that is required by arrangements under section 3(2) of the Offender Management Act 2007 to act as a relevant partner of the authority;]

(c) a youth offending team for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

(d) a Local Health Board for an area any part of which falls within the area of the authority;

(e) an NHS trust providing services in the area of the authority;

[F138 (f) the [F139 Welsh Ministers] to the extent that [F139 they are] discharging functions under Part 2 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000]

[F140 (g) such a person, or a person of such description, as regulations made by the Welsh Ministers may specify.]

[F141 (4A) Regulations under subsection (4)(g) may not specify a Minister of the [F142 Crown,] the governor of a prison or secure training centre (or, in the case of a contracted out prison or secure training centre, its director) [F143 or the principal of a secure college] unless the Secretary of State consents.]

(5) The relevant partners of a [F132 local authority] in Wales must co-operate with the authority in the making of arrangements under this section.

(6) A [F132 local authority] in Wales and any of their relevant partners may for the purposes of arrangements under this section—

(a) provide staff, goods, services, accommodation or other resources;

(b) establish and maintain a pooled fund.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a pooled fund is a fund—

(a) which is made up of contributions by the authority and the relevant partner or partners concerned; and

(b) out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the discharge of functions of the authority and functions of the relevant partner or partners.

(8) A [F132 local authority] in Wales and each of their relevant partners must in exercising their functions under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the [F144 Welsh Ministers].

(9) The [F145 Welsh Ministers] must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before giving guidance under subsection (8) at any time after the coming into force of any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (4).

[F146 (9A) Information about the arrangements a local authority in Wales makes under this section may be included in the local well-being plan published under section 39 [F147 , 44(5) or 47(6) or (11)] of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2) by the public services board of which the local authority is a member.]

(10) Arrangements under this section may include arrangements relating to—

(a) persons aged 18 and 19;

(b) persons over the age of 19 who are receiving—

[F148 (i) services under sections 105 to 118 and 176 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014; or]

(ii) youth support services (within the meaning of section 123 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21)).

[F149 (11) In this section—

• “ care and support ” means—

  (a)

  care;

  (b)

  support;

  (c)

  both care and support;

• “ well-being ” means well-being in relation to any of the following—

  (a)

  physical and mental health and emotional well-being;

  (b)

  protection from abuse and neglect;

  (c)

  education, training and recreation;

  (d)

  domestic, family and personal relationships;

  (e)

  contribution made to society;

  (f)

  securing rights and entitlements;

  (g)

  social and economic well-being;

  (h)

  suitability of living accommodation;

  (i)

  physical, intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural development;

  and it includes “welfare” as that word is interpreted for the purposes of the Children Act 1989.]

Textual Amendments

F132 Words in Pt. 3 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(5)

F133 S. 25(1A) inserted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(2), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F134 S. 25(2) substituted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(3), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F135 Words in s. 25(4)(a) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 99, 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 333; S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F136 S. 25(4)(aa) inserted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(4)(a), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F137 S. 25(4)(ba)(bb) inserted (1.4.2008) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 39, 41(1), Sch. 3 para. 4(5); S.I. 2008/504, art. 3

F138 S. 25(4)(f) substituted (1.4.2006) by The National Council for Education and Training for Wales (Transfer of Functions to the National Assembly for Wales and Abolition) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3238), art. 9(1), Sch. 1 para. 90 (with transitional provisions in art. 7)

F139 Words in s. 25(4)(f) substituted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(4)(b), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F140 S. 25(4)(g) inserted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(4)(c), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F141 S. 25(4A) inserted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(5), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F142 Words in s. 25(4A) substituted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 9 para. 17(a); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(c)

F143 Words in s. 25(4A) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 9 para. 17(b); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(c)

F144 Words in s. 25(8) substituted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(6), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F145 Words in s. 25(9) substituted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(6), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

F146 S. 25(9A) inserted (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 12; S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

F147 Words in s. 25(9A) substituted (W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), s. 175(3)(q), Sch. 14 para. 5

F148 S. 25(10)(b)(i) substituted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 217

F149 S. 25(11) inserted (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(7), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

Commencement Information

I10 S. 25 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(3); s. 25 in force for W. at 1.9.2006 by S.I. 2006/870, art. 2

F150 26 Children and young people’s plans: Wales E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F150 S. 26 repealed (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 13; S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

27 [F151 Responsibility for functions under section 25] E+W

(1) A [F152 local authority] in Wales must—

(a) appoint an officer, to be known as the “lead director for children and young people’s services”, for the purposes of co-ordinating and overseeing arrangements made under [F153 section 25 ]; and

(b) designate one of their members, to be known as the “lead member for children and young people’s services”, to have as his special care the discharge of the authority’s functions under [F154 that section].

(2) A Local Health Board must—

(a) appoint an officer, to be known as the Board’s “lead officer for children and young people’s services”, for the purposes of the Board’s functions under section 25; and

(b) designate one of the Board’s members who is not an officer as its “lead member for children and young people’s services” to have the discharge of those functions as his special care.

(3) An NHS trust to which section 25 applies must—

(a) appoint an executive director, to be known as the trust’s “lead executive director for children and young people’s services”, for the purposes of the trust’s functions under that section; and

(b) designate one of the trust’s non-executive directors as its “lead non-executive director for children and young people’s services” to have the discharge of those functions as his special care.

(4) Each [F152 local authority] in Wales, Local Health Board and NHS trust to which section 25 applies must have regard to any guidance given to them by the Assembly in relation to—

(a) their functions under this section;

(b) the responsibilities of the persons appointed or designated by them under this section.

Textual Amendments

F151 Pt. 3 s. 27 crossheading substituted (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(c); S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

F152 Words in Pt. 3 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(5)

F153 Words in s. 27(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(a); S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

F154 Words in s. 27(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 14(b); S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

Commencement Information

I11 S. 27 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(3); s. 27 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

28 Arrangements to safeguard and promote welfare: Wales E+W

(1) This section applies to each of the following—

(a) a [F155 local authority] in Wales;

(b) a Local Health Board;

(c) an NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in Wales;

(d) the [F156 local policing body] and chief officer of police for a police area in Wales;

(e) the British Transport Police Authority, so far as exercising functions in relation to Wales;

[F157 (ea) the National Crime Agency;]

(f) a local probation board for an area in Wales;

[F158 ( fa ) the Secretary of State in relation to his functions under sections 2 and 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007, so far as they are exercisable in relation to Wales;]

(g) a youth offending team for an area in Wales;

(h) the governor of a prison or secure training centre in Wales (or, in the case of a contracted out prison or secure training centre, its director);

[F159 (ha) the principal of a secure college in Wales;]

(i) any person to the extent that he is providing services pursuant to arrangements made by a [F155 local authority] in Wales under section 123(1)(b) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21) (youth support services).

(2) Each person and body to whom this section applies must make arrangements for ensuring that—

(a) their functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and

(b) any services provided by another person pursuant to arrangements made by the person or body in the discharge of their functions are provided having regard to that need.

(3) In the case of a [F155 local authority] in Wales, the reference in subsection (2) to functions of the authority does not include functions to which section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) applies.

(4) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (c) and (i) must in discharging their duty under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Assembly.

(5) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (1)(d) to (h) must in discharging their duty under this section have regard to any guidance given to them for the purpose by the Secretary of State after consultation with the Assembly.

Textual Amendments

F155 Words in Pt. 3 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(5)

F156 Words in s. 28(1)(d) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 99, 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 334; S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F157 S. 28(1)(ea) inserted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 8(2), 61(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(j)

F158 S. 28(1)(fa) inserted (1.4.2008) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 39, 41(1), Sch. 3 para. 4(6); S.I. 2008/504, art. 3

F159 S. 28(1)(ha) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 9 para. 18; S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(c)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 28 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(3); s. 28(1)(a)-(c)(i)(3)(4) in force for W. and s. 28(2) in force for W. for certain purposes at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

I13 S. 28(1)(d)-(h)(5) in force at 9.9.2013 by S.I. 2013/2247, art. 2(a)(c)

I14 S. 28(2) in force at 9.9.2013 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2013/2247, art. 2(b)

Prospective

29 Information databases: Wales E+W

(1) The Assembly may for the purpose of arrangements under section 25 or 28 above or under section 175 of the Education Act 2002—

(a) by regulations require [F160 local authorities] in Wales to establish and operate databases containing information in respect of persons to whom such arrangements relate;

(b) itself establish and operate, or make arrangements for the operation and establishment of, one or more databases containing such information.

(2) The Assembly may for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1)(b) by regulations establish a body corporate to establish and operate one or more databases.

(3) A database under this section may only include information falling within subsection (4) in relation to a person to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate.

(4) The information referred to in subsection (3) is information of the following descriptions in relation to a person—

(a) his name, address, gender and date of birth;

(b) a number identifying him;

(c) the name and contact details of any person with parental responsibility for him (within the meaning of section 3 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41)) or who has care of him at any time;

(d) details of any education being received by him (including the name and contact details of any educational institution attended by him);

(e) the name and contact details of any person providing primary medical services in relation to him under [F161 the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006];

(f) the name and contact details of any person providing to him services of such description as the Assembly may by regulations specify;

(g) information as to the existence of any cause for concern in relation to him;

(h) information of such other description, not including medical records or other personal records, as the Assembly may by regulations specify.

(5) The Assembly may by regulations make provision in relation to the establishment and operation of any database or databases under this section.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may in particular make provision—

(a) as to the information which must or may be contained in any database under this section (subject to subsection (3));

(b) requiring a person or body specified in subsection (7) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(c) permitting a person or body specified in subsection (8) to disclose information for inclusion in the database;

(d) permitting or requiring the disclosure of information included in any such database;

(e) permitting or requiring any person to be given access to any such database for the purpose of adding or reading information;

(f) as to the conditions on which such access must or may be given;

(g) as to the length of time for which information must or may be retained;

(h) as to procedures for ensuring the accuracy of information included in any such database;

(i) in a case where a database is established by virtue of subsection (1)(b), requiring [F160 local authorities] in Wales to participate in the operation of the database.

(7) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(b) are—

(a) the persons and bodies specified in section 28(1);

[F162 (b) the National Assembly for Wales to the extent that it is discharging its functions under Part 2 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000]

(c) the governing body of a maintained school in Wales (within the meaning of section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32));

(d) the governing body of an institution in Wales within the further education sector (within the meaning of that section);

(e) the proprietor of an independent school in Wales (within the meaning of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56));

(f) a person or body of such other description as the Assembly may by regulations specify.

(8) The persons and bodies referred to in subsection (6)(c) are—

(a) a person registered in Wales for child minding or the provision of day care under [F163 Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010];

(b) a voluntary organisation exercising functions or engaged in activities in relation to persons to whom arrangements specified in subsection (1) relate;

(c) the Commissioners of Inland Revenue;

(d) a registered social landlord [F164 or private registered provider of social housing];

(e) a person or body of such other description as the Assembly may by regulations specify.

(9) The Assembly and the Secretary of State may provide information for inclusion in a database under this section.

(10) The provision which may be made under subsection (6)(e) includes provision for a person of a description specified in the regulations to determine what must or may be done under the regulations.

(11) Regulations under subsection (5) may also provide that anything which may be done under regulations under subsection (6)(c) to (e) or (9) may be done notwithstanding any rule of common law which prohibits or restricts the disclosure of information.

(12) Regulations under subsections (1)(a) and (5) may only be made with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(13) Any person or body establishing or operating a database under this section must in the establishment or operation of the database have regard to any guidance, and comply with any direction, given to that person by the Assembly.

(14) Guidance or directions under subsection (13) may in particular relate to—

(a) the management of a database under this section;

(b) the technical specifications for any such database;

(c) the security of any such database;

(d) the transfer and comparison of information between databases under this section;

(e) the giving of advice in relation to rights under [F165 the data protection legislation].

[F166 (15) In this section, “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F160 Words in Pt. 3 substituted (5.5.2010) by virtue of The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(5)

F161 Words in s. 29(4)(e) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), ss. 2, 8, Sch. 1 para. 267 (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)

F162 S. 29(7)(b) substituted (1.4.2006) by The National Council for Education and Training for Wales (Transfer of Functions to the National Assembly for Wales and Abolition) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3238), art. 9(1), Sch. 1 para. 91 (with transitional provisions in art. 7)

F163 Words in s. 29(8)(a) substituted (W.) (1.4.2011) by Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 (nawm 1), ss. 72, 75, Sch. 1 para. 16; S.I. 2010/2582, art. 2, Sch. 1

F164 Words in s. 29(8)(d) inserted (1.4.2010) by The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/866), art. 5, Sch. 2 para. 129 (with art. 6, Sch. 3)

F165 Words in s. 29(14)(e) substituted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 106(2) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)

F166 S. 29(15) inserted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 106(3) (with ss. 117, 209, 210); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)

30 Inspection of functions under this Part E+W

[F167 (1) The Welsh Ministers' functions under Part 8 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4) may be exercised as if anything done by a local authority in Wales in the exercise of functions to which this section applies was in the exercise of a social services function of the local authority (within the meaning of that Act).]

(2) This section applies to the following functions of a [F168 local authority]—

(a) the authority’s functions under section 25 F169 ..., except so far as relating to education, training or youth support services (within the meaning of section 123 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21));

(b) the authority’s functions under section 28;

(c) any function conferred on the authority under section 29.

Textual Amendments

F167 S. 30(1) substituted (29.4.2019) by Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 2), s. 188(1), Sch. 3 para. 24; S.I. 2019/864, art. 2(3)(d), Sch. (with arts. 3-13)

F168 Words in Pt. 3 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(5)

F169 Words in s. 30(2)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 15; S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

Commencement Information

I15 S. 30 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(3); s. 30 in force for W. at 1.10.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(4)

Local Safeguarding Children Boards E+W

F170 31 Establishment of LSCBs in Wales E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F170 Ss. 31-34 omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 218

F170 32 Functions and procedure of LSCBs in Wales E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F170 Ss. 31-34 omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 218

Prospective

F170 32A Supply of information requested by LSCBs in Wales E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F170 Ss. 31-34 omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 218

F170 33 Funding of LSCBs in Wales E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F170 Ss. 31-34 omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 218

F170 34 LSCBs in Wales: supplementary E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F170 Ss. 31-34 omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 218

Part 4 E+W Advisory and support services for family proceedings

CAFCASS functions in Wales E+W

35 Functions of the Assembly relating to family proceedings E+W

(1) In respect of family proceedings in which the welfare of children ordinarily resident in Wales is or may be in question, it is a function of the Assembly to—

(a) safeguard and promote the welfare of the children;

(b) give advice to any court about any application made to it in such proceedings;

(c) make provision for the children to be represented in such proceedings;

(d) provide information, advice and other support for the children and their families.

(2) The Assembly must also make provision for the performance of the functions conferred on Welsh family proceedings officers by virtue of any enactment (whether or not they are exercisable for the purposes of subsection (1)).

(3) In subsection (1), “family proceedings” has the meaning given by section 12 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43).

(4) In this Part, “Welsh family proceedings officer” means—

(a) any member of the staff of the Assembly appointed to exercise the functions of a Welsh family proceedings officer; and

(b) any other individual exercising functions of a Welsh family proceedings officer by virtue of section 36(2) or (4).

36 Ancillary powers of the Assembly E+W

(1) The Assembly may make arrangements with organisations under which the organisations perform the functions of the Assembly under section 35 on its behalf.

(2) Arrangements under subsection (1) may provide for the organisations to designate individuals who may perform functions of Welsh family proceedings officers.

(3) The Assembly may only make an arrangement under subsection (1) if it is of the opinion—

(a) that the functions in question will be performed efficiently and to the required standard; and

(b) that the arrangement represents good value for money.

(4) The Assembly may make arrangements with individuals under which they may perform functions of Welsh family proceedings officers.

(5) The Assembly may make arrangements with an organisation or individual under which staff of the Assembly engaged in the exercise of its functions under section 35 may work for the organisation or individual.

(6) The Assembly may make arrangements with an organisation or individual under which any services provided by the Assembly’s staff to the Assembly in the exercise of its functions under section 35 are also made available to the organisation or individual.

(7) The Assembly may charge for anything done under arrangements under subsection (5) and (6).

(8) In this section, references to organisations include public bodies and private or voluntary organisations.

37 Welsh family proceedings officers E+W

(1) The Assembly may authorise a Welsh family proceedings officer of a description prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State—

(a) to conduct litigation in relation to any proceedings in any court,

(b) to exercise a right of audience in any proceedings in any court,

in the exercise of his functions.

(2) A Welsh family proceedings officer exercising a right to conduct litigation by virtue of subsection (1)(a) who would otherwise have such a right by virtue of [F171 the fact that he is a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to that activity] is to be treated as having acquired that right solely by virtue of this section.

(3) A Welsh family proceedings officer exercising a right of audience by virtue of subsection (1)(b) who would otherwise have such a right by virtue of [F172 the fact that he is a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to that activity] is to be treated as having acquired that right solely by virtue of this section.

(4) A Welsh family proceedings officer may, subject to rules of court, be cross-examined in any proceedings to the same extent as any witness.

(5) But a Welsh family proceedings officer may not be cross-examined merely because he is exercising a right to conduct litigation or a right of audience granted in accordance with this section.

(6) In this section, “right to conduct litigation” and “right of audience” have the same meanings as in section 119 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.

Textual Amendments

F171 Words in s. 37(2) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 149(a) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2 (with art. 9)

F172 Words in s. 37(3) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 149(b) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2 (with art. 9)

38 Inspections E+W

F173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F173 S. 38 repealed (30.6.2008) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 156, 184, 188, Sch. 18 Pt. 5; S.I. 2008/1429, art. 3(2), Sch. Pt. 2

39 Protection of children E+W

(1) The Protection of Children Act 1999 (c. 14) (“the 1999 Act”) shall have effect as if the Assembly, in performing its functions under sections 35 and 36, were a child care organisation within the meaning of that Act.

(2) Arrangements which the Assembly makes with an organisation under section 36(1) must provide that, before selecting an individual to be employed under the arrangements in a child care position, the organisation—

(a) must ascertain whether the individual is included in any of the lists mentioned in section 7(1) of the 1999 Act, and

(b) if he is included in any of those lists, must not select him for that employment.

(3) Such arrangements must provide that, if at any time the organisation has power to refer an individual who is or has been employed in a child care position under the arrangements to the Secretary of State under section 2 of the 1999 Act (inclusion in list on reference following disciplinary actions etc), the organisation must so refer him.

(4) In this section, “child care position” and “employment” have the same meanings as in the 1999 Act.

40 Advisory and support services for family proceedings: supplementary E+W

Schedule 3 (which makes supplementary and consequential provision relating to this Part, including provision relating to functions of Welsh family proceedings officers) has effect.

41 Sharing of information E+W

(1) The Assembly and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service may provide any information to each other for the purposes of their respective functions under this Part and Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43).

(2) A Welsh family proceedings officer and an officer of the Service (within the meaning given by section 11(3) of that Act) may provide any information to each other for the purposes of any of their respective functions.

Transfers E+W

42 Transfer of property from CAFCASS to Assembly E+W

(1) For the purposes of the exercise of functions conferred on the Assembly by or under this Part, the Assembly and the Secretary of State may jointly by order make one or more schemes for the transfer to the Assembly of property, rights and liabilities of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (in this section, “CAFCASS”).

(2) The reference in subsection (1) to rights and liabilities does not include rights and liabilities under a contract of employment.

(3) A scheme under this section may—

(a) specify the property, rights and liabilities to be transferred by the scheme; or

(b) provide for the determination, in accordance with the scheme, of the property, rights and liabilities to be transferred by the scheme.

(4) A scheme under this section may include provision for the creation of rights, or the imposition of liabilities, in relation to property transferred by the scheme.

(5) A scheme under this section has effect in relation to any property, rights and liabilities to which it applies despite any provision (of whatever nature) which would otherwise prevent, penalise or restrict their transfer.

(6) A right of pre-emption or reverter or other similar right does not operate or become exercisable as a result of any transfer under a scheme under this section; and in the case of such a transfer, any such right has effect as if the Assembly were the same person in law as CAFCASS and as if the transfer had not taken place.

(7) The Assembly is to pay such compensation as is just to any person in respect of any right which would, apart from subsections (5) and (6), have operated in favour of, or become exercisable by, that person but which, in consequence of the operation of those subsections, cannot subsequently operate in his favour or become exercisable by him.

(8) A scheme under this section may provide for the determination of any disputes as to whether and, if so, how much compensation is payable under subsection (7).

(9) Subsections (5) to (8) apply in relation to the creation of rights in relation to property as they apply in relation to a transfer of property.

(10) A certificate issued by the Secretary of State and the Assembly jointly that any property, rights or liabilities have or have not been transferred by a scheme under this section is conclusive evidence as to whether they have or have not been so transferred.

43 Transfer of staff from CAFCASS to Assembly E+W

(1) For the purpose of the exercise of functions conferred on the Assembly by or under this Part, the Assembly and the Secretary of State may jointly by order make one or more schemes for the transfer of employees of CAFCASS to the Assembly.

(2) A scheme under this section may apply—

(a) to any description of employees of CAFCASS;

(b) to any individual employee of CAFCASS.

(3) A contract of employment of an employee transferred under a scheme under this section—

(a) is not terminated by the transfer; and

(b) has effect from the date of the transfer under the scheme as if originally made between the employee and the Assembly.

(4) Where an employee is so transferred—

(a) all the rights, powers, duties and liabilities of CAFCASS under or in connection with the contract of employment are by virtue of this subsection transferred to the Assembly on the date of the transfer under the scheme; and

(b) anything done before that date by or in relation to CAFCASS in respect of that contract or the employee is to be treated from that date as having been done by or in relation to the Assembly.

This subsection does not prejudice the generality of subsection (3).

(5) But if the employee informs the Assembly or CAFCASS that he objects to the transfer—

(a) subsections (3) and (4) do not apply; and

(b) his contract of employment is terminated immediately before the date of transfer but the employee is not to be treated, for any reason, as having been dismissed by CAFCASS.

(6) This section does not prejudice any right of an employee to terminate his contract of employment if (apart from the change of employer) a substantial change is made to his detriment in his working conditions.

(7) A scheme may be made under this section only if any requirements about consultation prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State and the Assembly jointly have been complied with in relation to each of the employees of CAFCASS to be transferred under the scheme.

(8) In this section “CAFCASS” has the same meaning as in section 42.

Part 5 U.K. Miscellaneous

Private fostering E+W

44 Amendments to notification scheme E+W

(1) Section 67 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (welfare of privately fostered children) is amended as specified in subsections (2) to (6).

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a) after “who are” insert “ or are proposed to be ”;

(b) after “is being” insert “ or will be ”;

(c) for “caring for” substitute “ concerned with ”.

(3) After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) Regulations under subsection (2)(b) may impose requirements as to the action to be taken by a local authority for the purposes of discharging their duty under subsection (1) where they have received notification of a proposal that a child be privately fostered.”

(4) In subsection (3) for “to visit privately fostered children” substitute “ for the purpose ”.

(5) In subsection (5)—

(a) after “child who is” insert “ or is proposed to be ”;

(b) after “is being” insert “ or will be ”.

(6) After subsection (5) insert—

“(6) The Secretary of State may make regulations requiring a local authority to monitor the way in which the authority discharge their functions under this Part (and the regulations may in particular require the authority to appoint an officer for that purpose).”

(7) In Schedule 8 to that Act (privately fostered children) after paragraph 7 insert—

“7A Every local authority must promote public awareness in their area of requirements as to notification for which provision is made under paragraph 7.”

(8) The reference to that Act in Schedule 1 to the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/672) is to be treated as referring to that Act as amended by this section.

Commencement Information

I16 S. 44 wholly in force at 1.4.2006; s. 44 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 44 in force for E. for certain purposes at 1.4.2005 and in force at 1.7.2005 in so far as not yet in force by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(3); s. 44 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

45 Power to establish registration scheme in England E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations require any person who fosters a child privately in the area of a [F174 local authority ] in England to be registered for private fostering by that authority in accordance with the regulations.

(2) Regulations under this section may make supplementary provision relating to the registration of persons for private fostering, including provision as to—

(a) how a person applies for registration and the procedure to be followed in considering an application;

(b) the requirements to be satisfied before a person may be registered;

(c) the circumstances in which a person is disqualified from being registered;

(d) the circumstances in which an application for registration may or must be granted or refused;

(e) the payment of a fee on the making or granting of an application for registration;

(f) the imposition of conditions on registration and the variation or cancellation of such conditions;

(g) the circumstances in which a person’s registration may be, or be regarded as, cancelled;

(h) the making of appeals against any determination of a [F174 local authority ] in England in relation to a person’s registration;

(i) temporary registration, or circumstances in which a person may be regarded as registered;

(j) requirements to be complied with by a [F174 local authority ] in England or a person registered under the regulations.

(3) The provision which may be made under subsection (2)(a) includes provision that any person who, in an application for registration under the regulations, knowingly makes a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(4) The requirements for which provision may be made under subsection (2)(b) include requirements relating to—

(a) the suitability of the applicant to foster children privately;

(b) the suitability of the premises in which it is proposed to foster children privately (including their suitability by reference to any other person living there).

(5) The provision which may be made under subsection (2)(c) includes provision that a person may be disqualified where—

(a) an order of a kind specified in the regulations has been made at any time with respect to him;

(b) an order of a kind so specified has been made at any time with respect to any child who has been in his care;

(c) a requirement of a kind so specified has been imposed at any time with respect to any such child, under or by virtue of any enactment;

(d) he has been convicted of a criminal offence of a kind so specified, or a probation order has been made in respect of him for any such offence or he has been discharged absolutely or conditionally for any such offence;

(e) a prohibition has been imposed on him under any specified enactment;

(f) his rights and powers with respect to a child have at any time been vested in a specified authority under a specified enactment;

(g) he lives in the same household as a person who is himself disqualified from being registered or in a household in which such a person is employed.

(6) The provision which may be made under subsection (2)(c) also includes provision for a [F174 local authority ] in England to determine whether a person is or is not to be disqualified.

(7) The conditions for which provision may be made under subsection (2)(f) include conditions relating to—

(a) the maintenance of premises in which children are, or are proposed to be, privately fostered;

(b) any other persons living at such premises.

(8) The provision which may be made under subsection (2)(j) includes—

(a) a requirement that a person registered under the regulations obtain the consent of the [F174 local authority ] in England by whom he is registered before privately fostering a child;

(b) provision relating to the giving of such consent (including provision as to the circumstances in which, or conditions subject to which, it may or must be given).

(9) The provision which may be made under subsection (2)(j) also includes—

(a) a requirement for a [F174 local authority ] in England to undertake annual inspections in relation to persons registered under the regulations (whether in fact privately fostering children or not); and

(b) provision for the payment of a fee by registered persons in respect of such inspections.

(10) Regulations under this section may—

(a) authorise a [F174 local authority ] in England to issue a notice to any person whom they believe to be fostering a child privately in their area without being registered in accordance with the regulations; and

(b) provide that a person who, without reasonable excuse, fosters a child privately without being registered in accordance with the regulations while such a notice is issued in respect of him is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(11) Regulations under this section may provide that a person registered under the regulations who without reasonable excuse contravenes or otherwise fails to comply with any requirement imposed on him in the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(12) Regulations under this section may provide that a person who fosters a child privately while he is disqualified from being registered is guilty of an offence unless—

(a) he is disqualified by virtue of the fact that he lives in the same household as a person who is himself disqualified from being registered or in a household in which such a person is employed; and

(b) he did not know, and had no reasonable grounds for believing, that that person was so disqualified.

(13) Where regulations under this section make provision under subsection (12), they must provide that a person who is guilty of the offence referred to in that subsection is liable on summary conviction to—

(a) a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or

(b) a term of imprisonment not exceeding 51 weeks (or, in the case of an offence committed before the commencement of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), not exceeding six months), or

(c) both.

(14) Regulations under this section may—

(a) make consequential amendments (including repeals) to sections 67(2) to (6) and 68 to 70 of, and paragraphs 6 to 9 of Schedule 8 to, the Children Act 1989 (c. 41);

(b) amend Schedule 1 to the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42) (social services functions) as to add functions of a [F174 local authority ] in England under this section to the functions listed in that Schedule.

(15) Nothing in this section affects the scope of section 66(1).

(16) For the purposes of this section references to a person fostering a child privately have the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989.

Textual Amendments

F174 Words in s. 45 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(6)

46 Power to establish registration scheme in Wales E+W

(1) The Assembly may by regulations require any person who fosters a child privately in the area of a [F175 local authority ] in Wales to be registered for private fostering by that authority in accordance with the regulations.

(2) Subsections (2) to (15) of section 45 apply in relation to regulations under this section as they apply in relation to regulations under that section with the substitution for references to a [F175 local authority ] in England of references to a [F175 local authority ] in Wales.

(3) Subsection (16) of that section applies for the purposes of this section.

Textual Amendments

F175 Words in s. 46 substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(6)

47 Expiry of powers in sections 45 and 46 E+W

(1) If no regulations have been made under section 45 by the relevant time, that section shall (other than for the purposes of section 46(2) and (3)) cease to have effect at that time.

(2) If no regulations have been made under section 46 by the relevant time, that section shall cease to have effect at that time.

(3) In this section, the relevant time is the end of the period of [F176 seven] years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

Textual Amendments

F176 Word in s. 47(3) substituted (12.2.2009 for E. and 6.4.2009 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 35, 44(3)-(5); S.I. 2009/268, art. 3; S.I. 2009/728, art. 2

Child minding and day care E+W

48 Child minding and day care E+W

Schedule 4 (which makes provision amending Part 10A of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) in relation to child minding and day care) has effect.

Commencement Information

I17 S. 48 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 48 in force for certain purposes for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1); s. 48 in force for E. in so far as not already in force at 3.10.2005 by S.I. 2005/2298, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2)); s. 48 partly in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

Local authority services E+W

49 Payments to foster parents E+W

(1) The appropriate person may by order make provision as to the payments to be made—

(a) by a [F177 local authority] in England or Wales or a person exercising functions on its behalf to a local authority foster parent with whom any child is placed by that authority or person under section [F178 22C] of the Children Act 1989[F179 or section 81 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014];

(b) by a voluntary organisation to any person with whom any child is placed by that organisation under section 59(1)(a) of [F180 the Children Act 1989].

(2) In subsection (1)—

• “appropriate person” means—

  (a)

  the Secretary of State, in relation to a [F177 local authority] in England;

  (b)

  the Assembly, in relation to a [F177 local authority] in Wales;

• F181 ...

• [F182 “local authority foster parent” has the same meaning as in section 105(1) of the Children Act 1989;

• “voluntary organisation” has the same meaning as in the Children Act 1989.]

(3) In section 23(2)(a) of the Children Act 1989, at the end insert . “ (subject to section 49 of the Children Act 2004) ”

(4) In section 59(1)(a) of that Act, at the end insert “ (subject to section 49 of the Children Act 2004) ” .

Textual Amendments

F177 Words in s. 49(1)(2) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158) , arts. 1 , 5(1) , Sch. 2 para. 55(7)

F178 Word in s. 49(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2011 for E. and 6.4.2016 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23) , ss. 8(2) , 44 , Sch. 1 para. 17 ; S.I. 2010/2981 , art. 4(a) ; S.I. 2016/452, art. 2(b)

F179 Words in s. 49(1)(a) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413) , regs. 2(1) , 219(a)

F180 Words in s. 49(1)(b) substituted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413) , regs. 2(1) , 219(b)

F181 Words in s. 49(2) omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413) , regs. 2(1) , 219(c)

F182 Words in s. 49(2) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413) , regs. 2(1) , 219(d)

50 Intervention [F183 – England ] E+W

[F184 (1) Section 497A of the Education Act 1996 (power to secure proper performance of a local authority's education functions) applies in relation to the functions of a local authority [F185 in England ] which are specified in subsection (2) as it applies in relation to a local authority's education functions.

(1A) In subsection (1) “ education functions ” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996. ]

(2) [F186 The functions of a local authority are—]

(a) functions conferred on or exercisable by the authority which are social services functions, so far as those functions relate to children;

(b) the functions conferred on the authority under sections 23C to 24D of the Children Act 1989 (so far as not falling within paragraph (a)); and

(c) the functions conferred on the authority under sections 10, 12 [F187 , 12C, 12D and 17A] above (in the case of a [F188 local authority] in England) F189 ...

(3) In subsection (2)(a) “social services functions” has the same meaning as in the the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).

(4) Sections 497AA and 497B of the Education Act 1996 apply accordingly where powers under section 497A of that Act are exercised in relation to any of the [F190 functions of a local authority which are specified in subsection (2)].

(5) F191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In subsection (5) of section 497A of that Act, the reference to functions to which that section applies includes (for all purposes) [F192 the functions of a local authority which are specified in subsection (2)].

[F193 (7) If any functions of a local authority in England which are specified in subsection (2) are exercisable by a combined authority by virtue of section 105 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009—

(a) a reference in this section to a local authority includes a reference to the combined authority, and

(b) a reference in this section to functions specified in subsection (2) is, in relation to the combined authority, to be read as a reference to those functions so far as exercisable by the combined authority.]

[F194 (8) If any functions of a local authority in England which are specified in subsection (2) are exercisable by a combined county authority by virtue of section 18 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023—

(a) a reference in this section to a local authority includes a reference to the combined county authority, and

(b) a reference in this section to functions specified in subsection (2) is, in relation to the combined county authority, to be read as a reference to those functions so far as exercisable by the combined county authority.]

Textual Amendments

F183 Word in s. 50 heading inserted (20.2.2014) by School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 1), s. 100(4), Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(c); S.I. 2014/178, art. 2(f) (with art. 3)

F184 S. 50(1)(1A) substituted (5.5.2010) for s. 50(1) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(a)

F185 Words in s. 50(1) inserted (20.2.2014) by School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 1), s. 100(4), Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(a); S.I. 2014/178, art. 2(f) (with art. 3)

F186 Words in s. 50(2) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(b)(i)

F187 Words in s. 50(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(6), 269; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F188 Words in s. 50(2)(c) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(b)(ii)

F189 Words in s. 50(2)(c) omitted (20.2.2014) by virtue of School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 1), s. 100(4), Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(b); S.I. 2014/178, art. 2(f) (with art. 3)

F190 Words in s. 50(4) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(c)

F191 S. 50(5) repealed (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1)(2), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(d), Sch. 3 Pt. 2

F192 Words in s. 50(6) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 55(8)(e)

F193 S. 50(7) inserted (31.10.2017) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 33(1), 70(2); S.I. 2017/918, reg. 2(c)

F194 S. 50(8) inserted (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), s. 255(2)(c), Sch. 4 para. 158 (with s. 247)

Commencement Information

I18 S. 50 wholly in force at 1.10.2006; s. 50 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 50 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1); s. 50 in force for W. at 1.10.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(4)

[F195 50A Intervention – Wales E+W

(1) Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (intervention in local authorities) applies in relation to the functions of a local authority in Wales which are specified in subsection (2) as it applies in relation to a local authority's education functions but as if the only relevant ground for intervention were ground 3 in section 21 of that Act.

(2) The functions of a local authority are—

F196 ( a ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F196 ( b ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the functions conferred on the authority under sections 25 F197 ... and 29 above.

(3) In the application of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 by virtue of this section, section 27 of that Act (power to direct exercise of other education functions) has effect as if the reference to education functions included (for all purposes) the functions of the local authority which are specified in subsection (2).

(4) In this section—

• “ education functions ” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996; ]

• F198 ...

Textual Amendments

F195 S. 50A inserted (20.2.2014) by School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 1), s. 100(4), Sch. 5 para. 7(3); S.I. 2014/178, art. 2(f) (with art. 3)

F196 S. 50A(2)(a)(b) omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 220(a)

F197 Words in s. 50A(2)(c) repealed (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 16; S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

F198 Words in s. 50A(4) omitted (6.4.2016) by virtue of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (No. 413), regs. 2(1), 220(b)

51 Inspection of local education authorities E+W

In section 38 of the Education Act 1997 (c. 44) (inspection of LEAs), for subsection (2) substitute—

“(2) An inspection of a local education authority in England under this section shall consist of a review of the way in which the authority are performing any function conferred on them in their capacity as a local education authority, other than a function falling within the remit of the Adult Learning Inspectorate under section 53 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21).

(2A) An inspection of a local education authority in Wales under this section shall consist of a review of the way in which the authority are performing—

(a) any function conferred on them in their capacity as a local education authority; and

(b) the functions conferred on them under sections 25 and 26 so far as relating to education, training or youth support services (within the meaning of section 123 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000).”

Commencement Information

I19 S. 51 wholly in force at 31.7.2008; s. 51 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 51 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2); s. 51 in force for W. at 31.7.2008 by S.I. 2008/1904, art. 2

52 Duty of local authorities to promote educational achievement E+W

In section 22 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (general duty of local authority in relation to children looked after by them), after subsection (3) insert—

“(3A) The duty of a local authority under subsection (3)(a) to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child looked after by them includes in particular a duty to promote the child’s educational achievement.”

Commencement Information

I20 S. 52 wholly in force at 1.10.2006; s. 52 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 52 in force for E. at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(3); s. 52 in force for W. at 1.10.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(4)

53 Ascertaining children’s wishes E+W

(1) In section 17 of the Children Act 1989 (provision of services to children), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) Before determining what (if any) services to provide for a particular child in need in the exercise of functions conferred on them by this section, a local authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and consistent with the child’s welfare—

(a) ascertain the child’s wishes and feelings regarding the provision of those services; and

(b) give due consideration (having regard to his age and understanding) to such wishes and feelings of the child as they have been able to ascertain.”

(2) In section 20 of that Act (provision of accommodation for children: general), in subsection (6)(a) and (b), after “wishes” insert “ and feelings ”.

(3) In section 47 of that Act (local authority’s duty to investigate), after subsection (5) insert—

“(5A) For the purposes of making a determination under this section as to the action to be taken with respect to a child, a local authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and consistent with the child’s welfare—

(a) ascertain the child’s wishes and feelings regarding the action to be taken with respect to him; and

(b) give due consideration (having regard to his age and understanding) to such wishes and feelings of the child as they have been able to ascertain.”

Commencement Information

I21 S. 53 wholly in force at 1.4.2006; s. 53 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 53 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1); s. 53 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

54 Information about individual children E+W

In section 83 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (research and returns of information), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) Particulars required to be transmitted under subsection (3) or (4) may include particulars relating to and identifying individual children.”

Commencement Information

I22 S. 54 wholly in force at 1.4.2006; s. 54 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 54 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1); s. 54 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

55 Social services committees E+W

(1) Sections 2 to 5 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42) (social services committees) shall cease to have effect.

(2) In Schedule 1 to that Act (enactments conferring functions assigned to social services committees), for the heading substitute “ SOCIAL SERVICES FUNCTIONS ”.

(3) In section 63(8) of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 (c. 46) (instruction), in paragraph (a) of the definition of “relevant enactments”, for the words from “for the time being” to “section 2” substitute “ are social services functions within the meaning ”.

(4) In Schedule 1 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42) (political balance on committees), in paragraph 4(1), in paragraph (a) of the definition of “ordinary committee”, for the words from “the authority's” to “any other committee” substitute “ any committee ”.

(5) In section 102 of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (social services functions)—

(a) omit subsection (1);

(b) in subsection (2), for “that Act” substitute “ the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 ”.

Commencement Information

I23 S. 55 wholly in force at 1.4.2006; s. 55 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 55 in force for E. at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2); s. 55 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

F199 56 Social services functions E+W

In Schedule 1 to the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42) (functions which are social services functions), at the end insert—

“Children Act 2004 Sections 13 to 16 and 31 to 34

Functions relating to Local Safeguarding Children Boards.”

Textual Amendments

F199 S. 56 partly in force; s. 56 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 56 in force for E. for certain purposes at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/927, art. 2(b); s. 56 in force for W. at 1.10.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(4)

Other provisions U.K.

57 Fees payable to adoption review panel members E+W

In section 12 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38) (independent review of determinations), in subsection (3)(d) (power to make provision as to the payment of expenses of members of a panel) for “expenses of” substitute “ fees to ”.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 57 wholly in force at 30.12.2005; s. 57 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 57 in force for E. at 1.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1); s. 57 in force for W. at 30.12.2005 by S.I. 2005/3363, art. 2

58 [F200 Reasonable punishment: England] E+W

(1) In relation to any offence specified in subsection (2), battery of a child [F201 taking place in England] cannot be justified on the ground that it constituted reasonable punishment.

(2) The offences referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) an offence under section 18 or 20 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (c. 100) (wounding and causing grievous bodily harm);

(b) an offence under section 47 of that Act (assault occasioning actual bodily harm);

(c) an offence under section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (c. 12) (cruelty to persons under 16).

[F202 (d) an offence under section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (strangulation or suffocation).]

(3) Battery of a child [F203 taking place in England] causing actual bodily harm to the child cannot be justified in any civil proceedings on the ground that it constituted reasonable punishment.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) “actual bodily harm” has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of section 47 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

(5) In section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, omit subsection (7).

Textual Amendments

F200 S. 58 heading substituted (21.3.2022) by Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 3), ss. 1(5)(c), 5(2)

F201 Words in s. 58(1) inserted (21.3.2022) by Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 3), ss. 1(5)(a), 5(2)

F202 S. 58(2)(d) inserted (7.6.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 2 para. 9; S.I. 2022/553, regs. 1(2), 3(b)

F203 Words in s. 58(3) inserted (21.3.2022) by Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 3), ss. 1(5)(b), 5(2)

59 Power to give financial assistance E+W

(1) Section 14 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) (power of Secretary of State and Assembly to give financial assistance for purposes related to education or childcare) is amended as specified in subsections (2) to (4).

(2) In subsection (2) of that section (purposes for which assistance may be given), at the end insert—

“(j) the promotion of the welfare of children and their parents;

(k) the provision of support for parenting (including support for prospective parents).”

(3) After that subsection insert—

“(2A) In subsection (2)(j), “children” means persons under the age of twenty.”

(4) In the heading to that section, for “childcare” substitute “ children etc ”.

(5) In the heading to Part 2 of that Act, for “childcare” substitute “ children etc ”.

60 Child safety orders E+W

(1) The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 8(1)(a) (power to make parenting order where a child safety order is made), at the end insert “or the court determines on an application under section 12(6) below that a child has failed to comply with any requirement included in such an order”.

(3) In section 11(4) (maximum period permitted for child safety orders), for the words from “three months” to the end substitute “ twelve months ”.

(4) In section 12, omit subsections (6)(a) and (7) (power to make care order on breach of child safety order).

61 Children’s Commissioner for Wales: powers of entry E+W

In the Care Standards Act 2000 (c. 14), in section 76 (further functions of Children’s Commissioner for Wales), at the end insert—

“(8) The Commissioner or a person authorised by him may for the purposes of any function of the Commissioner under section 72B or 73 or subsection (4) of this section at any reasonable time—

(a) enter any premises, other than a private dwelling, for the purposes of interviewing any child accommodated or cared for there; and

(b) if the child consents, interview the child in private.”

Commencement Information

I25 S. 61 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(7); s. 61 in force for W. at 1.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

62 Publication of material relating to legal proceedings E+W

(1) In section 97(2) of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (privacy for children involved in certain proceedings), after “publish” insert “ to the public at large or any section of the public ”.

(2) In section 12(4) of the Administration of Justice Act 1960 (c. 65) (publication of information relating to proceedings in private), at the end insert “(and in particular where the publication is not so punishable by reason of being authorised by rules of court)”.

(3) In section 66 of the Adoption Act 1976 (c. 36) (rules of procedure), after subsection (5) insert—

“(5A) Rules may, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, authorise the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to proceedings held in private involving children.”

(4) In section 145(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (rules: supplementary), after paragraph (g) insert—

“(ga) authorising, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to proceedings referred to in section 12(1)(a) of the Administration of Justice Act 1960 which are held in private;”.

(5) In section 40(4) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (c. 42) (family proceedings rules), in paragraph (a) after “County Courts Act 1984;” insert—

“(aa) authorise, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to family proceedings held in private;”.

(6) In section 141 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38) (rules of procedure) at the end insert—

“(6) Rules may, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, authorise the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to proceedings held in private involving children.”

(7) In section 76 of the Courts Act 2003 (c. 39) (Family Procedure Rules: further provision) after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) Family Procedure Rules may, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, authorise the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to family proceedings held in private.”

63 Disclosure of information by Inland Revenue U.K.

(1) In Schedule 5 to the Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21) (use and disclosure of information), after paragraph 10 insert—

“Provision of information by Board for purposes relating to welfare of children

10A (1) This paragraph applies to information, other than information relating to a person’s income, which is held for the purposes of functions relating to tax credits, child benefit or guardian’s allowance—

(a) by the Board, or

(b) by a person providing services to the Board, in connection with the provision of those services.

(2) Information to which this paragraph applies may be supplied to—

(a) a local authority in England and Wales for use for the purpose of any enquiry or investigation under Part 5 of the Children Act 1989 relating to the welfare of a child;

(b) a local authority in Scotland for use for the purpose of any enquiry or investigation under Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 relating to the welfare of a child;

(c) an authority in Northern Ireland for use for the purpose of any enquiry or investigation under Part 6 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I.2)) relating to the welfare of a child.

(3) Information supplied under this paragraph is not to be supplied by the recipient to any other person or body unless it is supplied—

(a) for the purpose of any enquiry or investigation referred to in sub-paragraph (2) above,

(b) for the purpose of civil or criminal proceedings, or

(c) where paragraph (a) or (b) does not apply, to a person to whom the information could be supplied directly by or under the authority of the Board.

(4) Information may not be supplied under sub-paragraph (3)(b) or (c) without the authority of the Board.

(5) A person commits an offence if he discloses information supplied to him under this paragraph unless the disclosure is made—

(a) in accordance with sub-paragraph (3),

(b) in accordance with an enactment or an order of a court,

(c) with consent given by or on behalf of the person to whom the information relates, or

(d) in such a way as to prevent the identification of the person to whom it relates.

(6) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under sub-paragraph (5) to prove that he reasonably believed that his disclosure was lawful.

(7) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (5) is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both;

(b) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;

(c) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.

(8) In sub-paragraph (2) “child” means a person under the age of eighteen and—

(a) in paragraph (a), “local authority” has the meaning given by section 105(1) of the Children Act 1989;

(b) in paragraph (b), “local authority” has the meaning given by section 93(1) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995; and

(c) in paragraph (c), “authority” has the meaning given by Article 2 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I.2)).

(9) The reference to an enactment in sub-paragraph (5)(b) includes a reference to an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament.”

(2) In relation to an offence committed under sub-paragraph (5) of paragraph 10A of Schedule 5 to the Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21) (as inserted by subsection (1) above) before [F204 2 May 2022], the reference in sub-paragraph (7)(b) of that paragraph to twelve months shall be read as a reference to six months.

Textual Amendments

F204 Words in s. 63(2) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Part 6 U.K. General

64 Repeals E+W

The enactments specified in Schedule 5 are repealed to the extent specified.

65 Interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Act—

• “the Assembly” means the National Assembly for Wales;

• “child” means, subject to section 9, a person under the age of eighteen (and “children” is to be construed accordingly);

• F205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• F205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• [F206 “ local authority ” means—

  (a)

  a local authority in England;

  (b)

  a local authority in Wales;

• “ local authority in England ” means—

  (a)

  a county council in England;

  (b)

  a metropolitan district council;

  (c)

  a non-metropolitan district council for an area for which there is no county council;

  (d)

  a London Borough council;

  (e)

  the Common Council of the City of London (in their capacity as a local authority);

  (f)

  the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

• “ local authority in Wales ” means—

  (a)

  a county council in Wales;

  (b)

  a county borough council;]

(2) This Act applies in relation to the Isles of Scilly subject to such modifications as may be specified by order made by the Secretary of State.

(3) In this Act—

(a) references to a prison include a young offender institution;

(b) references to a contracted out secure training centre, and to the contractor in relation to such a secure training centre, have the meanings given by section 15 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33);

(c) references to a contracted out prison, and to the contractor in relation to such a prison, have the meanings given by section 84(4) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53).

[F207 (d) references to a directly managed secure college and to a contracted-out secure college, and to the contractor in relation to a contracted-out secure college, have the meanings given by paragraph 27 of Schedule 10 to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.]

(4) Where—

(a) a contract under section 7 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is for the time being in force in relation to part of a secure training centre, F208 ...

(b) a contract under section 84 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 is for the time being in force in relation to part of a prison, [F209 or]

[F210 (c) a contract under paragraph 1 of Schedule 10 to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 is for the time being in force in relation to part of a secure college”, and]

this Act has effect as if each part of the secure training centre [F211 , prison or secure college] were a separate institution.

Textual Amendments

F205 S. 65(1): definitions repealed (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 4(2), 5(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 2

F206 S. 65(1): definitions inserted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 4(3)

F207 S. 65(3)(d) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 10 para. 36(2); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(d)

F208 Word in s. 65(4)(a) omitted (20.3.2015) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 10 para. 36(3)(a); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(d)

F209 Word in s. 65(4)(b) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 10 para. 36(3)(b); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(d)

F210 S. 65(4)(c) inserted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 10 para. 36(3)(c); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(d)

F211 Words in s. 65(4) substituted (20.3.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 10 para. 36(3)(d); S.I. 2015/778, art. 2(1)(d)

66 Regulations and orders U.K.

(1) Any power to make regulations or an order under this Act includes power—

(a) to make different provision for different purposes;

(b) to make different provision for different cases or areas;

(c) to make incidental, supplementary, consequential or transitional provision or savings.

(2) Any power to make regulations or an order under this Act, other than an order under section 42 or 43, is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(3) The Secretary of State may not make a statutory instrument containing regulations under section 12 [F212 , 12B(1)(b)] [F213 , 16B (whether alone or with regulations under section 16F), 16E(3) ] or 45 unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(4) The Secretary of State may not make a statutory instrument containing [F214 the first regulations under section 9A or] the first order under section 49 unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(5) A statutory instrument containing—

(a) any regulations made by the Secretary of State under this Act [F215 to which neither of subsections (3) and (4) applies],

(b) an order made by the Secretary of State under section 49 to which subsection (4) does not apply, or

(c) an order made by the Secretary of State under section 11(1)(d) or section 65(2),

is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to regulations made by the Secretary of State jointly with the Assembly under section 43(7).

(7) [F216 Any statutory instrument containing regulations made under section[F217 25 or] 26 by the Welsh Ministers is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.]

(8) Paragraphs 33 to 35 of Schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 make provision about the National Assembly for Wales procedures that apply to any statutory instrument containing regulations or an order made in exercise of functions conferred upon the National Assembly for Wales by this Act that have been transferred to the Welsh Ministers by virtue of paragraph 30 of that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F212 Words in s. 66(3) inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 194(7), 269; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F213 Words in s. 66(3) inserted (19.3.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 29, 70(2); S.I. 2018/346, reg. 3(e)

F214 Words in s. 66(4) inserted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 195(2)(a), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F215 Words in s. 66(5)(a) substituted (12.1.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 195(2)(b), 269; S.I. 2009/3317, art. 2, Sch.

F216 S. 66(7) repealed (E.W.) (1.4.2016) by Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (anaw 2), s. 56(2), Sch. 4 para. 17; S.I. 2016/86, art. 3

F217 Words in s. 66(7) inserted (E.W.) (6.4.2016) by Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 4), ss. 163(8), 199(2); S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4 Sch. 1 2)

67 Commencement U.K.

(1) Part 1 comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed.

(2) Part 2 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State.

(3) Part 3 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly subject to subsections (4) and (5).

(4) The Assembly must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before making provision under subsection (3) in relation to section 25(4)(a) to (c) or 31(3)(a) to (c), (f) or (g).

(5) In section 28, the following provisions come into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State after consulting the Assembly—

(a) subsection (1)(d) to (h);

(b) subsection (2), so far as relating to the persons and bodies referred to in subsection (1)(d) to (h);

(c) subsection (5).

(6) Part 4 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(7) In Part 5—

(a) section 44 so far as relating to England comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State, and so far as relating to Wales in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly;

(b) sections 45 to 47 come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;

(c) section 48 and Schedule 4 so far as relating to England come into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State, and so far as relating to Wales in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly;

(d) section 49 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;

(e) sections 50 to 57 so far as relating to England come into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State, and so far as relating to Wales in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly;

(f) section 58 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed;

(g) section 59 comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed;

(h) section 60 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Secretary of State;

(i) section 61 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Assembly;

(j) section 62 comes into force in accordance with provision made by order by the Lord Chancellor;

(k) section 63 comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed.

(8) This Part comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed except that Schedule 5 comes into force in accordance with the commencement provisions set out in that Schedule.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P2 S. 67 power partly exercised: different dates appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2005/394}, art. 2; different dates appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2005/700}, art. 2; 12.4.2005 appointed for specified provision by {S.I. 2005/847}, art. 2; 3.10.2005 appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2005/2298}, art. 2; 30.12.2005 appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2005/3363}, art. 2; 1.1.2006 appointed for specified provision by {S.I. 2005/3464}, art. 2; different dates appointed for specified provisons by {S.I. 2006/885}, art. 2; 1.4.2006 appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2006/927}, art. 2; different dates appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2006/870}, art. 2; 21.3.2008 appointed for specified provision by {S.I. 2008/752}, art. 2; 31.7.2008 appointed for specified provisions by {S.I. 2008/1904}, art. 2

68 Extent U.K.

(1) Part 1 extends to the whole of the United Kingdom (unless otherwise specifically provided).

(2) Parts 2 to 4 extend to England and Wales only.

(3) In Part 5—

(a) sections 44 to 62 extend to England and Wales only;

(b) section 63 extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.

(4) In this Part—

(a) section 64 and Schedule 5 extend to England and Wales only; and

(b) the remaining provisions extend to the whole of the United Kingdom.

69 Short title U.K.

This Act may be cited as the Children Act 2004.