The scheme is now being piloted among 150 families in Manchester, north London and Yorkshire before the Home Office rolls it out across the country.
John Coughlan, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Social Services' children and families committee, said: "We have complex procedures in place to ensure children are not removed from their parents unless it's absolutely clear it's in the best interests of the child.
"Our concerns are about having powers not based upon that fundamental principle."
Under the measures, families are asked to attend an interview with the immigration service.
The case files of those who do not attend the interview, or who fail to convince immigration staff that they are taking steps to comply with their deportation, will be passed to the National Asylum Support Service.
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