The Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 comes into force on 1 September, but Vivian McConvey, director of Voice of Young People in Care, said regional implementation officers to direct and drive forward the new measures had yet to be appointed.

"This may have an adverse impact on care leavers if policies and procedures have not been put in place prior to commencement," she said.

- www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/publications/2005/leaving-after-care.asp.