These Regulations provide for an extension of the functions of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, enabling court proceedings to be brought as necessary following a referral from an independent reviewing officer under section 26(2A)(c) of the Children Act 1989 (inserted by section 118 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002).

The Regulations further provide for the manner in which any functions of the officers of the Service are to be exercised following such a referral. For example, the officer of the service will assess the case, decide on a course of action, issue court proceedings if appropriate and report back to the independent reviewing officer on the outcome of any action taken.