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Children Act 1989

Type Public General Act
Publication 1989-11-16
Last updated 2026-08-27
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
Source legislation.gov.uk
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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
197

S. 24A restricted (8.1.2002) by 2002 c. 41, s. 54, Sch. 3 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

198

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

199

Words in s. 24A(2)(b) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 61(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

200

Words in s. 24A(3)(a) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 61(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

201

Words in s. 24A(5) substituted (7.11.2002) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 116(3), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8)

202

S. 24B restricted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 54, Sch. 3 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

203

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

204

Words in s. 24B(1)(3)(b) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 62 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

205

Word in s. 24B(3)(a) substituted (1.4.2011 for E., 19.6.2012 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 23(2), 44(4); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(h); S.I. 2012/1553, art. 2(b)

206

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

207

S. 24D inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 5; S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

208

S. 24D(1A) inserted (7.12.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(1), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(m)(xi)

209

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

210

S. 25 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

211

S. 25 extends to England and Wales with the exception of s. 25(8) which extends to Great Britain. See s. 108(11)(12).

212

S. 25 excluded (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1505, reg. 5(1). S. 25 excluded (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1505, reg. 5(2). S. 25 modified (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1505, reg. 6(1). S. 25 modified (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1505, reg. 7(1).

213

S. 26 wholly in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

214

Words in s. 26(2)(e) omitted (21.5.2004) and repealed (30.12.2005) by virtue of 2002 c. 38, ss. 118(1)(a), 139, 148, Sch. 5 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/1403, art. 2; S.I. 2005/2897, art. 2(b)

215

Words in s. 26(2)(e) inserted (21.5.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 118(1)(a), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/1403, art. 2

216

Words in s. 26(2)(f) omitted (21.5.2004) and repealed (30.12.2005) by virtue of 2002 c. 38, ss. 118(1)(a), 139, 148, Sch. 5 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/1403, art. 2; S.I. 2005/2897, art. 2(b)

217

Words in s. 26(2)(f) inserted (21.5.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 118(1)(b), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/1403, art. 2

218

Words in s. 26(3) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(5), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

219

S. 26(3A)(3B) inserted (7.12.2004 for specified purposes and otherwise 30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(4), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(m)(xi); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

221

Words in s. 26(4) inserted (30.12.2005 ) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(5), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

222

S. 26(4A) inserted (7.12.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(6), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(m)(xi)

223

S. 26(5A) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 117(7), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

225

S. 26A inserted (30.1.2004 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 119, 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2003/3079, art. 2(3)(4)(b)

226

S. 27 in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

230

Words in s. 27(3)(d) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 17, ss. 1(2), 2(1)(3), Sch. 1, Pt. III, para. 118(5)(with Sch. 2, para. 6)

231

Words in s. 27(3)(d) substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), arts. 2, 3 {Sch. para. 20(2)(d)}

233

S. 27(4) repealed (1.9.1994) by 1993 c. 35, s. 307(1)(3), Sch. 19 para. 147, Sch. 21 Pt. II; S.I. 1994/2038, art. 3, Sch. 2, Appendix

234

S. 28 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

236

S. 29 in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

237

Words in s. 29(3) inserted (25.8.2000 in relation to E. and otherwise 28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 103(1), 108(4); S.I. 2000/2420, art. 2

238

Words in s. 29(3) substituted (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 47, 61, Sch. 3 para. 18(a); S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(d)(iii) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

240

Words in s. 29(3) inserted (6.4.2003) by 2002 c. 21, ss. 47, 61, Sch. 3 para. 18(b); S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(d)(iii) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)

241

Words in s. 29(3)(3A) substituted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 28, 70, {Sch, 3 para. 6(4)}; S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

242

S. 29(3A) inserted (25.8.2000 in relation to E. and otherwise 28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 103(1), 108(4); S.I. 2000/2420, art. 2

243

S. 29(3B) inserted (2.7.2002 for certain purposes, otherwise 6.10.2003) by 2002 c. 16, s. 14, Sch. 2 para. 30; S.I. 2002/1691, art. 2; S.I. 2003/1766, art. 2(a)

246

Words in s. 29(8)(c) inserted (13.11.2008) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 39, 44, Sch. 3 para. 20

248

Words in s. 29(8)(c) substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), arts. 2, 3 {Sch. para. 20(2)(e)}

249

Words in s. 29(9) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 7(3)(a); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; 2001/2878, art. 2

251

S. 29(10) inserted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 7(3)(b); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2

252

S. 30 wholly in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

255

S. 26ZA inserted (20.11.2003 for certain purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 116(1), 199

256

S. 23ZA and cross-heading inserted (1.9.2009 and 15.11.2010 for certain purposes for E., 26.4.2010 for certain purposes for W., 28.3.2011 for W. otherwise, 1.4.2011 for E. otherwise) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 15, 44; S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(2)(d); S.I. 2010/1326, art. 2(d); S.I. 2010/2714, art. 2(d); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(d) (with art. 5); S.I. 2011/949, art. 3(1)(a)

257

Ss. 25A, 25B and cross-heading inserted (1.9.2009 for certain purposes for E., 26.4.2010 for certain purposes for W., and and 1.4.2011 otherwise for E.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 10(1), 44; S.I. 2009/2273, art. 2(2)(c); S.I. 2010/1329, art. 2(c); S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(c) (with art. 5)

258

S. 31 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

259

S. 31 applied (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/2032, art. 3(1).

260

S. 31(1)(a) extended (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 12(6)(a)(7); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(c) (subject to arts. 5-8)

261

Words in s. 31(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 90, Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)(g)

262

S. 31(2) modified (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 12(7); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(c) (subject to arts. 5-8).

264

S. 31(9): words in definition of "harm" inserted (31.1.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 120, 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(2)

265

S. 31A inserted (7.12.2004 for specified purposes and otherwise 30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 121(2), 148 (with s. 121(3), Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(m)(xii); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

266

S. 32 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

267

S. 33 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

268

Words in s. 33(3)(b) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

269

Words in s. 33(5) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

271

Words in s. 33(6)(b)(ii) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(c)(ii) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

272

Words in s. 33(9) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(d) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

273

S. 34 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

274

Words in s. 34(1)(b) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 64(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

275

S. 34(1)(ba) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 64(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

276

S. 35 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

277

S. 36 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

279

Words in s. 36(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 85(a)(with s. 1(4))

280

S. 36(5)(b) substituted (1.9.2005 for E. and 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), ss. 117, 119, Sch. 18 para. 1; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

283

Words in s. 36(8) repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993 c. 35, s. 307(1)(3), Sch. 19 para. 149, Sch. 21 Pt. II; S.I. 1993/1975, art. 9, Sch. 1, Appendix.

285

S. 37 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

287

S. 38 wholly in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

288

S. 38(1) restricted (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, rules 1, 28

289

Ss. 38A and 38B inserted(1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, ss. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1(with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art.3

290

Ss. 38A and 38B inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para.1 (with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art.3

291

S. 39 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

292

S. 39(3A) and (3B) inserted(1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, ss. 52, 67(3), Sch. 6 para.2; S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3

293

S. 40 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

294

S. 41 side note substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(e); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

295

S. 41 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

296

Words in s. 41(1)(2)(4)(a)(10)(a)(b)(c)(11)(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(a)(b)(c); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

297

Words in s. 41(1) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(2); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

298

S. 41(2) modified (14. 10. 1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, rules. 1, 11(1)

299

Words in s. 41(2)(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(3); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

300

S. 41(6)(hh) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 122(1)(a), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

301

S. 41(6A) inserted (7.12.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 122(1)(b), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(l)

302

S. 41(7)-(9)(12) repealed (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(d), Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)(g)

303

Words in s. 41(10)(a)(b) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(4)(a); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

304

Words in s. 41(10)(c) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

305

Words in s. 41(11) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(5); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

306

S. 42 sidenote substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch.7 Pt. II para. 92(c); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

307

S. 42 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

308

Words in s. 42(1) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, 80, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(a)(i); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

309

Words in s. 42(1)(2) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 10; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

310

Words in s. 42(1) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(a)(ii); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

313

Words in s. 42(1)(b) substituted (26.10.2000 for E. and otherwise 28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 107, 108(4), Sch. 5 para. 20; S.I. 2000/2849, art. 2(f)

316

Words in s. 42(2) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(b); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

318

S. 43 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

319

S. 44 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

320

Ss. 44A and 44B inserted(1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3(with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3

321

Ss. 44A and 44B inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, ss. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3(with Sch 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art.3

322

S. 45 in force at 14.10.1991 see 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

323

S. 45(8A)(8B) inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 4(with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3

325

S. 45(10) substituted (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 116, Sch. 16 para. 19; S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

326

Words in s. 45(12) substituted by S.I. 2002/253, art. 54, Sch. 5 para. 10(a) (with art. 3(18)) (the substitution coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2)(3) of the said S.I. 2002/253)

328

S. 46 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

329

S. 47 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

330

S. 47(1)(a)(iii) and preceding word repealed (12.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 112(2), 116(6)(a), Sch. 8 Pt. 13

331

Words in s. 47(1) repealed (12.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 112(2), 116(6)(a), Sch. 8 Pt. 13

333

S. 47(5A) inserted (1.3.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 53(3); S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(1)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(d)

335

Words in s. 47(11)(d) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 17, s. 2(1)(3), Sch. 1 Pt. III, para. 118(7)(with Sch. 2 para. 6)

338

S. 48 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

340

Words in s. 48(11) substituted by S.I. 2002/253, art. 54, Sch. 5 para. 10(b) (with art. 3(18)) (the substitution coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2)(3) of the said S.I. 2002/253)

342

S. 49 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828 art. 3(2))

343

S. 50 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

344

S. 50 extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland except s. 50(13) which also extends to Scotland. See s. 108(11)(12)

345

S. 50 applied (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/2032, art. 6(1). S. 50 applied (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/2032, art. 7(1).

348

S. 51 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

349

Word in s. 51(1) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 14, s. 116, Sch. 4 para. 14(7); S.I. 2001/4150, art. 3(3)(a) (subject to transitional provision in art. 4 of the commencing S.I. and to the amendment of art. 3 by S.I. 2002/1493, art. 6); S.I. 2002/920, art. 3(3)(d) (with art. 3(4)-(10) and transitional provisions in Schs. 1-3))

352

S. 52 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

353

S. 53 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

354

Words in s. 53(3)(a) substituted (8.3.1996) by 1994 c. 33, s. 22(2)(a)(i); S.I. 1996/625, art.2

355

Words in s. 53(3)(b)(i) substituted (8.3.1996) by 1994 c. 33, s. 22(2)(a)(ii); S.I. 1996/625, art. 2

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