PART 3CONDUCT OF AGENCIES

Arrangements for the protection of children12

1

The registered person in relation to an agency providing adoption support services to children shall prepare and implement a written policy which—

a

is intended to safeguard from abuse or neglect children receiving adoption support services from the agency; and

b

sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect.

2

The procedure under paragraph (1)(b) shall provide in particular for—

a

liaison and co-operation with any local authority which is, or may be, making child protection enquiries in respect of the child;

b

written records to be kept of any allegation of abuse or neglect and the action taken in response; and

c

arrangements to be made for persons working for the purposes of the agency and adults and children to whom the agency has provided adoption support services to have access to information that would enable them to contact—

i

the local authority in whose area the agency is situated and any other local authority on behalf of whom the agency is providing adoption support services to a child, and

ii

the registration authority,

regarding any concern about child welfare or safety.

3

In this regulation “child protection enquiries” means any enquiries carried out by a local authority in the exercise of any of its functions conferred by or under the Children Act 1989 relating to the protection of children.