§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will issue guidance regarding the date of implementation of each section of the Children Act 1975; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the planned implementation date for each section of the Children Act 1975; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungGuidance has been issued to local authorities and others concerned when sections of the Children Act 1975 have been brought into force. No dates have yet been set for implementing the remaining provisions of the Act, which are: sections 1, 2, 4–7, 9, 14–16, 18–20, 22(1)-(3) sections 23, 25, 28—other 747W than part of paragraph (c)—32–46, 58—part—60–63, 64—part—95–97 and 102, together with certain minor and consequential amendments and repeals in schedules 3 and 4.
The Government support the main aims of the Act, but recognise that successful implementation of the remaining provisions over a period of years will require careful planning and adequate resources. The Department is therefore re-examining the costs of the unimplemented provisions in co-operation with the local authorities, on whom the responsibility for operating the Act will mainly fall.
If provisions which can be brought in without extra resources are identified, our aim would be their speedy introduction. We hope these might include the provisions for the approval of voluntary adoption societies by the Secretary of State. A working party is shortly being set up to consider the criteria and procedures for approval, and this will pave the way for introducing the approval provisions.
I have not dealt with the provisions which apply to Scotland.