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15 May 2008 / Noel Arnold
Issue: 7321 / Categories: Features , Local government , Public , Human rights
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A state of flux

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Noel Arnold reports on the rise and rise of the s 20 Children Act 1989 agreement

Care and supervision proceedings under s 31 of the Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989) are in a state of flux. Recent developments in the law and procedures concerning such proceedings have resulted in arguably the most prolific shake-up in care work for all professionals since the inception of ChA 1989.

New Developments
  •   
    ●     The replacement of the Protocol for Judicial Case Management in Public Law Children Act Cases 2003 by a new Practice Direction issued by the president of the Family Division containing the Public Law Outline which became operational on 1 April 2008.
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    ●     The revision of Volume 1: Court Orders of ChA 1989 Guidance and Regulations (the statutory guidance). This was published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and came into force on 1 April 2008. It was issued under s 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 thereby requiring
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