The Local Authority Adoption Service and Miscellaneous Amendments (Wales) Regulations 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations are made under the Adoption Act 1976 (“the 1976 Act”) and the Care Standards Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”) and apply to Welsh local authorities. They provide a new regulatory framework for local authority adoption services. Part II of the 2000 Act provides for the registration and inspection of establishments and agencies, including local authority adoption services, by the National Assembly for Wales (“the National Assembly”). Part III of the 2000 Act provides for the inspection of local authority services by the National Assembly. Parts II and III of the 2000 Act (so far as not already in force) will be brought into force in relation to local authority adoption services on 30th April 2003.

Regulations 3 and 4 provide that each local authority who provides an adoption service must have a statement of purpose setting out the aims and objectives of the service and a children’s guide. The service must be carried on in a manner which is consistent with the statement of purpose.

Part 2 makes provision about the persons managing the service, and requires satisfactory information to be available in relation to the matters prescribed in Schedule 3.

Part 3 makes provision about the conduct of the service, staffing and fitness of workers, the suitability of the premises and about complaints and record keeping

Part 4 deals with various amendments. Regulations 19 and 20 make the necessary amendments to the provisions in regulations concerning registration requirements and payment of fees in line with other establishments and agencies regulated under the 2000 Act. Regulation 21 changes the requirement that information be obtained about criminal convictions and cautions committed at the age of 18 or over, as opposed to over 18.