Adoption and Children Act 2002

A significant number of young people enter the LAC system or require support because of adoption breakdown. The Adoption and Children Act 2002 places a responsibility on local authorities to ensure adequate support services are available to assist families and young people going through difficulties as a result of an adoption. Support for adopted young people and their families must now be made available. The role of ‘special guardianship’ is introduced, which offers the possibility of long-term support and stability for those young people for whom adoption is not an option. Under section 24 of the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Children and Adoption Act 2002, local authorities children’s’ services will continue to have a responsibility for providing advice and support to children aged 16 and above under special guardianship and residence orders. In many local authorities this function will be undertaken by their leaving care and after care services.