97Duty of local authority to ensure visits to, and contact with, looked after children and other childrenE+W
(1)This section applies to—
(a)a child looked after by a local authority;
(b)a child who was looked after by a local authority but who has ceased to be looked after by the authority as a result of circumstances specified in regulations;
(c)a child who falls within a category specified in regulations.
(2)Regulations specifying a category for the purpose of subsection (1)(c) must also specify the local authority which must discharge the duties imposed by or under this section in relation to a child who falls within the specified category.
(3)The local authority must—
(a)ensure that a child to whom this section applies is visited by a representative of the authority (“a representative”);
(b)arrange for appropriate advice and other support to be available to a child to whom this section applies.
(4)The duties imposed by subsection (3)—
(a)are to be discharged in accordance with any regulations made for the purposes of this section;
(b)are subject to any requirement imposed by or under an enactment applicable to the place in which the child to whom this section applies is accommodated.
(5)Regulations under this section may, for the purposes of subsection (4)(a), make provision about—
(a)the frequency of visits;
(b)circumstances in which a child to whom this section applies must be visited by a representative;
(c)the functions of a representative.
(6)In choosing a representative, a local authority must satisfy itself that the person chosen has the necessary skills and experience to perform the functions of a representative.
Commencement Information
I1S. 97 in force at 6.4.2016 by S.I. 2016/412, art. 2 (with art. 4, Schs. 1, 2)