Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022

Accommodation for children: requirements

125.—(1) Article 27 of the Children Order (accommodation and maintenance for children) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2)(aa) after “him” insert “(subject to any regulations made by the Department)”.

(3) After paragraph (7) insert—

“(7A) The Department may by regulations impose requirements which an authority must comply with before making any decision concerning the provision of accommodation for a child whom it is looking after.”.

(4) In Article 28 of the Children Order (regulations under Article 27), after paragraph (3) insert—

“(4) Regulations under Article 27(7A) may, in particular, impose requirements which an authority must comply with—

(a) before making any decision concerning the provision of accommodation for a child whom it is looking after, which could disrupt the child’s education;

(b) before making any decision to provide a child whom it is looking after with accommodation at a place outside the area of the authority; or

(c) if a child’s welfare requires the immediate provision of accommodation at a place outside the area of the authority, within such period of the accommodation being provided as may be prescribed.”.