The controversial measures were thrown out by members of the House of Lords last year but amended proposals have been drafted by government and could be re-introduced to the bill imminently, with MPs meeting to discuss the legislation this week.
Ahead of today's committee stage hearing of the bill, the Magistrates Association has announced it shares concerns raised by Lords and the Together for Children group, a coalition of around 40 children's organisations, that allowing councils to opt out of legislation may leave looked-after children more vulnerable.
In a statement the association said that despite amendments made by the government to the opt-out plans, "there remain considerable concerns."
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