Part 5Miscellaneous
Local authority services
I153Ascertaining children’s wishes
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.