Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000

HC Deb 07 December 2000 vol 359 c1W

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to implement the provisions of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. [141300]

Mr. Hutton

The Children (Leaving Care) Act received Royal Assent on 30 November. Local authorities will need sufficient time to prepare thoroughly for implementation once the regulations and guidance are published. Following representations from local government, the Action on Aftercare Consortium (AOAC), Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS), Local Government Association and others, we have therefore decided that the legislation will take effect from October 2001, to allow sufficient time for these processes. In the meantime, we shall continue to use the Quality Protects programme and the Quality Protects Special Grant to encourage and finance local authorities' work to bring their local policies into line with the Act and to put systems in place to be ready for full implementation. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will shortly be announcing revised details of Revenue Support Grant allocations for 2001–02.