86AVisitors for children notified to local authority under section 85 or 86

1

This section applies if the appropriate officer of a local authority—

a

has been notified with respect to a child under section 85(1) or 86(1); and

b

has not been notified with respect to that child under section 85(2) or, as the case may be, 86(2).

2

The local authority must, in accordance with regulations made under this section, make arrangements for the child to be visited by a representative of the authority (“a representative”).

3

It is the function of a representative to provide advice and assistance to the local authority on the performance of their duties under section 85(4) or, as the case may be, 86(3).

4

Regulations under this section may make provision about—

a

the frequency of visits under visiting arrangements;

b

circumstances in which visiting arrangements must require a child to be visited; and

c

additional functions of a representative.

5

Regulations under this section are to be made by the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers acting jointly.

6

In choosing a representative a local authority must satisfy themselves that the person chosen has the necessary skills and experience to perform the functions of a representative.

7

In this section “visiting arrangements” means arrangements made under subsection (2).