Ruth Cabeza

This Practice Note provides local authorities with best practice guidance on accommodating children pursuant to a voluntary agreement under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989). It covers the requirements of the section 20 arrangement and the need to avoid drift and delay in making decisions about the child’s long-term care. It also discusses whether claims for damages under the Human Rights Act 1998 on the basis of a breach of article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights are sustainable.

This Practice Note provides guidance on local authority designation for the purposes of section 31 of the Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989). It covers the different statutory tests for designation under care or supervisory orders and the ‘stop the clock’ provisions contained in ChA 1989, s 22 and ChA 1989, s 105(6).

This Practice Note explains the ‘staying put’ arrangements contained in section 23CZA of the Children Act 1989. It covers the purpose of the arrangement, eligibility criteria, how the arrangements should be formalised, what the local authority duties are and the what the implications of continuation of care are for the foster carer.