CYP Now - Sector leaders hit back at 'dangerous' relaxation of councils' statutory duties

Sector leaders have hit back over the government’s “unacceptable” decision to relax local authorities' statutory duties to vulnerable children, with many concerned it could be made permanent after lockdown measures are lifted.

Experts warn that criminals may target children isolated due to coronavirus. Picture: Adobe Stock

The new rules, which came into force today (24 April), amend 10 regulations regarding children’s social care including care proceedings, foster care and adoption arrangements.

The rules relax time frames around mandatory visits to looked-after children from their local authority and six-monthly independent reviews of a child’s care.

Changes have been brought in to speed up the adoption process and emergency foster care placements as well as the removal of care plans for kinship carers and a reduction of the expected standards of care in residential settings including children’s homes.

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