§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why part II of the Children Act 1975 relating to custodianship orders is not to be implemented early in 1980; when it will be implemented; how much money will be saved by the delay; and what representations have been received opposing this change in the timetable.
§ Sir George YoungAlthough we had hoped that it might be possible to implement part II of the Children Act 1975 early in 1980 if any necessary resources264W could be found, it has not proved possible to form an early view of the resources which would be required. Part II has, therefore, been included in the examination of the costs of all the unimplemented provisions of the Act now being carried out by the Department and the local authorities. The prospects for bringing into force further provisions, including part II, will be considered when this costing exercise has been completed.
No representations have been received about the decision that part II could not be brought into force early this year.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he will implement each of the following sections of the Children Act 1975; section 1, sections 4–7, sections 14–16, section 18, section 22, section 25, section 28, and section 32; how much money is saved by the delay in each instance; and what representations have been received against the delay in each case;
(2) what are the expected costs of implementing the sections of the Children Act 1975 which relate to (a) the approval of voluntary adoption societies, section 4–7, (b) freeing for adoption, sections 14–16, (c) the introduction of schemes for approved adoption allowances, (d) notification of intention to adopt in non-agency placements, section 18, (e) notification to natural parents of a hearing date, section 22(1) and (2), (f) proposed foreign adoption, section 25; and why the Government have a stated intention to implement the first three before the latter three.
§ Sir George YoungNo dates have yet been set for further implementation of the Children Act 1975. The Department is currently re-examining the costs of the unimplemented provisions of the Act in cooperation with the local authorities, on whom the responsibility for operating the Act will mainly fall. We shall then consider the prospects for further implementation. We have stated that our aim would be the speedy introduction of any provisions which are identified as needing no extra resources. We hope that these might include the provisions for approval of voluntary adoption societies, freeing for adoption and approved adoption allowances because these particular provisions have frequently been mentioned in 265W the representations we have received. I must stress, however, that no decisions have been made about the timing or order of implementation of these or other unimplemented provisions.
We have received representations from a number of bodies in the adoption and fostering field, and from some individual members of the public, about the delay in implementation of the Act.
I have not dealt with the position in Scotland.