Part 2Functions in relation to children and young persons
Visiting
18Visits to children in long-term care
After section 86 of the 1989 Act insert—
86AVisitors for children notified to local authority under section 85 or 86
1
This section applies if the appropriate officer of a local authority—
a
has been notified with respect to a child under section 85(1) or 86(1); and
b
has not been notified with respect to that child under section 85(2) or, as the case may be, 86(2).
2
The local authority must, in accordance with regulations made under this section, make arrangements for the child to be visited by a representative of the authority (“a representative”).
3
It is the function of a representative to provide advice and assistance to the local authority on the performance of their duties under section 85(4) or, as the case may be, 86(3).
4
Regulations under this section may make provision about—
a
the frequency of visits under visiting arrangements;
b
circumstances in which visiting arrangements must require a child to be visited; and
c
additional functions of a representative.
5
Regulations under this section are to be made by the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers acting jointly.
6
In choosing a representative a local authority must satisfy themselves that the person chosen has the necessary skills and experience to perform the functions of a representative.
7
In this section “visiting arrangements” means arrangements made under subsection (2).