Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

7 Provision of advice and other support

After section 23CZA of the Children Act 1989 insert—

“23CZAA England: provision of staying close support

(1) A local authority in England has the duties provided for in this section towards a person—

(a) who is a former relevant child within the meaning of section 23C,

(b) to whom the authority has or had duties under that section, and

(c) who is under the age of 25.

(2) The authority must assess whether the provision of staying close support to the person is required in the interests of that person’s welfare.

(3) If following that assessment the authority determines that staying close support is so required, the authority must provide staying close support to the person of whatever kind the authority considers appropriate having regard to the extent to which that person’s welfare requires it.

(4) “Staying close support” is support provided to a former relevant child for the purpose of helping them—

(a) to find and keep suitable accommodation, and

(b) to access services relating to—

(i) health and wellbeing;

(ii) relationships;

(iii) education and training;

(iv) employment;

(v) participation in society.

(5) The support referred to in subsection (4) means support in the form of—

(a) the giving of advice or information to a former relevant child, and

(b) the making of representations on behalf of a former relevant child for the purpose mentioned in subsection (4).

(6) The duties imposed on local authorities by this section are in addition to the other duties imposed on them by this Part.”