The Children Act 1989 (Commencement and Transitional Provisions) Order 1991

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into force on 1st May 1991 paragraph 21 ofSchedule 10 to the Children Act 1989 which amends the Adoption Act 1976(c.36) so as to establish an Adoption Contact Register to facilitatecontact between an adopted person and any relative of his. The Orderbrings into force on 14th October 1991 all other provisions of theChildren Act 1989 except those which have already been brought intoforce by section 108(2) of that Act.

Article 4 of, and the Schedule to, this order add to and modify thetransitional provisions contained in Schedule 14 to the 1989 Act.

Paragraphs 2 and 3 make court directions relating to secureaccommodation subject to the provisions of section 25 (secureaccommodation) and any regulations made under that section and also to anew sub-paragraph 16(6) which provides that such directions shall ceaseto have effect after the maximum period specified by regulations undersection 25(2).

Paragraph 4 adds a sub-paragraph to paragraph 16A (cessation ofwardship where ward in care) to provide that wardship shall cease on thecommencement of the Act where a child who was already in care wassubsequently made a ward of court and remains in care.

Paragraph 5 adds a paragraph making provision for there to be adeemed order under section 34 of the Act (contact with child in care)where a local authority decision terminating access or refusing accesswas in force immediately before the Act comes into force.

Paragraphs 1 and 6 make minor amendments.