Children Act 1989

Type Public General Act
Publication 1989-11-16
Last updated 2026-08-27
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
PDF Download
articles Not indexed

An Act to reform the law relating to children; to provide for local authority services for children in need and others; to amend the law with respect to children’s homes, community homes, voluntary homes and voluntary organisations; to make provision with respect to fostering, child minding and day care for young children and adoption; and for connected purposes.

Reform history JSON API
52

S. 8(4)(i) inserted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 119, Sch. 8 para. 68; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(y)(2)(u) (subject to arts. 5-8)

53

S. 9 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

54

Words in s. 9(3)(c) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 113(a), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

56

Words in s. 9(6) substituted (1.9.2009) for the words from the beginning to "which" by virtue of Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 37(1), 44; S.I. 2009/1921, art. 2(b); S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(2)(k)

57

S. 10 wholly in force at the 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

58

Words in s. 10(4)(a) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 56(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

59

S. 10(4)(aa) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 56(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

60
61

S. 10(5A) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 56(c) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

63

S. 10(7A) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 56(d) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

64

S. 11 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

65

S. 11(3) restricted (14. 10. 1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, r.28

66

S. 12 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

68

Words in s. 12(3)(b) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 57(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

73

S. 13 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

90

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

92

S. 14A(7) applied (with modifications) (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 29(6), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(c)

93

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

96

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

97

S. 14C(1)(b) modified (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 29(7)(a), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(c)

98

S. 14C(3)(4) excluded (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 29(7)(b), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(c)

99

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

100

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

101

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

102

Ss. 14A-14G inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

103

S. 14G ceases to have effect (17.1.2005 for E. and 30.12.2005 for W.) by virtue of Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 117(2); S.I. 2005/38, art. 2(b); S.I. 2005/3285, art. 2(1); and s. 14G repealed (prosp.) by that same amending Act, s. 196, {Sch. 14 Pt. 2}

104

Ss. 14A-14G and heading inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 115(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, {art. 2k}

105

S. 15 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

109

S. 16 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

110

Words in s. 16(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 89(a); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

111

Words in s. 16(1) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 7; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

112

Words in s. 16(2)(a) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 58 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

113

S. 16(3)(a) repealed (1.10.2007 for certain purposes and 8.12.2008) by Children and Adoption Act 2006 (c. 20), ss. 6(2), 15, 17, Sch. 3; S.I. 2007/2287, art. 2(2)(a)(d); S.I. 2008/2870, art. 2(2)(f)

115

Words in s. 16(5) substituted (1.10.2007) by Children and Adoption Act 2006 (c. 20), ss. 6(4), 17; S.I. 2007/2287, art. 2(2)(a)

119

s. 17 excluded (6.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3056, reg. 12

120

S. 17 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

121

S. 17 restricted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 54, Sch. 3 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

122

S. 17(4A) inserted (1.3.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 53(1); S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

123

Words in s. 17(5)(a) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 7(2); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

124

Words in s. 17(6) inserted (7.11.2002) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 116(1), 148(1) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8)

125

Words in s. 17(9) substituted (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 47, 61, Sch. 3 para. 16(2)(a); S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(d)(iii) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

127

Words in s. 17(9) inserted (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 47, 61, Sch. 3 para. 16(2)(b); S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(d)(iii) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

128

Words in s. 17(9) substituted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 28, 70, Sch. 3 para. 6(2); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

129

S. 17(12) inserted (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 47, 61, Sch. 3 para. 16(3); S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(d)(iii) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

130

S. 17A substituted (16.3.2003 for certain purposes and 8.4.2003 otherwise for E. and 1.11.2004 for W.) by 2001 c. 15, ss. 58, 70(2) (with ss. 64(9), 65(4)); S.I. 2003/850, art. 3(1)(b)(2)(a); S.I. 2004/1754, art. 2(2)(b)

131

Words in s. 17A(5)(b) repealed (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 60, 61, Sch. 6; S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(e) Sch. 1 (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

132

Words in s. 17A(5)(b) substituted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 28, 70, Sch. 3 para. 6(3); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

133

S. 18 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

134

S. 19 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

135

S. 19 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8, s. 80(1), Sch. 4; S.S.I. 2002/162, art. 2(g)(i) (subject to arts. 3-13)

136

S. 19(1)(2) repealed (1.10.2002 for E. and 31.3.2003 for W.) by 2002 c. 32, ss. 149, 215(2), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2002/3185, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

137

Words in s. 19(1)(c) substituted (2.7.2001 (E.) and 1.4.2002 (W.)) by 2000 c. 14, ss. 116, 122, Sch. 4 para. 14(2)(a); S.I. 2001/2041, art. 2(d)(ii) (with transitional provisions and savings in Sch); S.I. 2002/920, art. 3(3)(d) (subject to art. 3(4)-(10) and transitional provisions in Schs. 1-3)

138

In s. 19(4) words repealed (1.10.2002 for E. and 31.3.2003 for W.) by 2002 c. 32, s. 215(2), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2002/3185, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

139

S. 19(5): definition of “relevant establishment” substituted (2.7.2001 (E.) and 1.4.2002 (W.)) by 2000 c. 14, ss. 116, 122, Sch. 4 para. 14(2)(b); S.I. 2001/2041, art. 2(d)(ii) (with transitional provisions and savings in Sch); S.I. 2002/920, art. 3(3)(d) (subject to art. 3(4)-(10) and transitional provisions in Schs. 1-3)

140

Words in s. 19(7)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 17, ss. 1(2), 2(1)(3), Sch. 1, Pt. III, para. 118(2)(with Sch. 2 para. 6)

141

Words in s. 19(7)(a) inserted (E.W.) (8.2.2000) by S.I. 2000/90, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 24(2)

143

S. 20 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

144

Words in s. 20(6)(a)(b) inserted (1.3.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 53(2); S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

145

S. 20(8) restricted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 30(6), 148 (subject to ss. 31-33) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(c)

146

S. 20(9)(aa) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 59 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2003/2213, art. 2(o)

147

S. 21 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

150

S. 21(2)(c)(ii)(iii) substituted (30.11.2009) for s. 21(2)(c)(ii) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 34(2)(b) (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(v)

153

S. 21(2)(c)(ii)(iii) substituted (30.11.2009) for s. 21(2)(c)(ii) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 34(2)(b) (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(v)

154

Words in s. 21(3) inserted (13.11.2008) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 39, 44, Sch. 3 para. 5

156

Words in s. 21(3) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 17, ss. 1(2), 2(1)(3), Sch. 1, Pt. III, para. 118(3) (with Sch. 2 para. 6)

157

Words in s. 21(3) substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), arts. 2, 3 {Sch. para. 20(2)(a)}

158

S. 22 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

160

Words in s. 22(1)(b) substituted (26.10.2000 for E. and otherwise 28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 107, 108(4), Sch. 5 para. 19; S.I. 2000/2849, art. 2(f)

162

Words in s. 22(1)(b) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 2(2); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

163

Word in s. 22(1) inserted (7.11.2002) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 116, 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8)

164

S. 22(3A) inserted (1.7.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 52; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(3)(b); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

165

S. 22(4)(b)-(d)(5)(b): power to apply with modifications or exclude conferred (7.2.2004 for W. and 7.12.2004 for E.) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 53(1)(2), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/252, art. 2(b); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(h)

167

S. 22(4)(c) modified (30.12.2005) (E.) by The Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/389), art. 45(2)(b) S. 22(4)(c) applied (with modifications) (30.12.2005) (W.) by The Adoption Agencies (Wales) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1313), art. 46(2)(b)

168

S. 22(5)(b) modified (30.12.2005) (E.) by The Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/389), art. 45(2)(c) S. 22(5)(b) applied (with modifications) (30.12.2005) (W.) by The Adoption Agencies (Wales) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1313), art. 46(2)(c)

169

Words in s. 22(7) substituted (13.11.2008) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 39, 44, Sch. 3 para. 6(b)

170

Ss. 22A-22F substituted (1.9.2009 for E. and 26.4.2010 for W. for the insertion of ss. 22C(11), 22F, 1.4.2011 otherwise for E.) for s. 23 by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 8(1), 44; S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(2)(a); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(a); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(a)

172

Ss. 23A, 23B, 23C inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 2(4); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

173

S. 23A(2) modified (W.) (1.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/2189, reg. 4(4)(5) (as amended (1.8.2002) by S.I. 2002/1855, reg. 2(b)(i))

174

Words in s. 23A(5) substituted (13.11.2008) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 39, 44, Sch. 3 para. 8(3)(b)

175

Ss. 23A, 23B, 23C inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 2(4); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

176

S. 23B(4)-(7) repealed (1.4.2011 for E., 19.6.2012 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 22(1), 44, Sch. 4; S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(g)(l); S.I. 2012/1553, art. 2(a)(e)

177

S. 23C restricted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 54, Sch. 3 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

178

Ss. 23A, 23B, 23C inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 2(4); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

179

S. 23C(5A)-(5C) inserted (12.2.2009 for certain purposes for E. , 22.8.2009 otherwise for E., 26.4.2010 for certain purposes for W., 18.3.2011 otherwise for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 21(2), 44; S.I. 2009/268, art. 3(1)(d); S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(1); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(g); S.I. 2011/824, art. 2(b)

180

Words in s. 23C(9) inserted (22.8.2009 for E., 18.3.2011 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 21(3), 44; S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(1); S.I. 2011/824, art. 2(a)

181

Words in heading before s. 24 inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, ss. 2(3); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

182

S. 23CA inserted (1.4.2011 for E., 19.6.2012 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 22(2), 44; S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(g) (with art. 6); S.I. 2012/1553, art. 2(a) (with art. 3

183

Ss. 23D, 23E and cross-heading inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 3; S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

184

Word in s. 23D(1) substituted (1.1.2010 for E. and 26.4.2010 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 23(1)(a), 44; S.I. 2009/3354, art. 3(1); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(i)

185

S. 23D(1)(d) and word inserted (1.1.2010 for E. and 26.4.2010 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 23(1)(b), 44; S.I. 2009/3354, art. 3(1); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(i)

186

Ss. 23D, 23E and cross-heading inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 3; S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

187

Words in s. 23E(1)(b) inserted (1.4.2011 for E., 19.6.2012 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 22(4), 44(4); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(g); S.I. 2012/1553, art. 2(a)

188

S. 23E(1A)-(1D) inserted (1.9.2009 for certain purposes for E., 26.4.2010 for certain purposes for W., 1.4.2011 for E. so far as not already in force, 19.6.2012 for W. so far as not already in force) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 22(5), 44; S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(h); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(g) (with art. 6)

189

Ss. 24, 24A, 24B, 24C substituted for s. 24 (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 4(1); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

190

S. 24(1)-(1B) substituted (30.12.2005) for s. 24(1) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 60(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

191

Words in s. 24(2) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 60(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

192

S. 24(2)(c)(d)(ii) amended (temp. from 1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 4(2)(a)(b); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

193

Words in s. 24(2)(d)(i) substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 20(2)(b)

196

S. 24(5)(za) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 60(c) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

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