(This note is not part of the Order.)
This Order brings into force on 1st October 2001 in relation to Wales certain provisions of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 (“the Act”).
It brings into force sections 1 to 5 of the Act which insert provisions into the Children Act 1989 providing for new powers and duties for social services authorities. The provisions relate to certain categories of young people and children aged 16 and over who are or have been looked after by those authorities. The provisions cover assessment of needs, preparation and review of plans, maintaining contact and providing support and advice to such children and young people and as to the consideration of representations (including complaints) by them. They also impose duties on other organisations to inform local authorities when certain children have ceased to be accommodated by them. The commencement of parts of section 7 relates to technical amendments of the 1989 Act.