§ 40. Mrs. Virginia Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what response he has received to his White Paper "The Law on Child Care and Family Services."
§ Mrs. CurrieThe White Paper which sets out the Government's intention for legislation on child care and family services has been generally well received. The proposals take account of the recommendations of the report of the working party on child care law, which was issued as a consultative document, and the many comments received. The proposals will involve a major overhaul of child care law in order to provide a clearer and fairer framework for the provision of child care services and the protection of children at risk of harm.
Amongst the key points are a positive statement of the role of local authorities in promoting the care and upbringing of children within their families, which will generally be in the child's interest; for children looked after under voluntary arrangements an emphasis on partnership between parents and local authorities in caring for the child; and improved court processes, including new rights for parents and relatives, in the interest of a better outcome for the child.