Overview

This bill amends the Children and Families Bill, primarily focusing on improving support for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), young carers, and parent carers. It also introduces provisions related to adoption, contact with relatives of adopted children, and regulations concerning tobacco and nicotine products.

Description

Support for Children with SEND:

The amendments significantly enhance the support system for children with SEND, mandating assessments and plans, improving the process for disagreements, and introducing mediation for resolving disputes.

Adoption:

The bill allows for regulations to facilitate contact between adopted persons and their relatives for pre-commencement adoptions. It also modifies local authority responsibilities in considering adoption for children.

Young Carers and Parent Carers:

New clauses introduce needs assessments for young carers (under 18) and parent carers (over 18) providing care for disabled children, outlining the support and services local authorities must provide.

Tobacco and Nicotine Products:

The amendments introduce an offence for purchasing tobacco or cigarette papers for under-18s and empower the Secretary of State to regulate the sale of nicotine products to under-18s. It also allows regulations regarding the retail packaging of tobacco products.

Other Provisions:

The bill includes various other amendments, such as clarifying the definition of “involvement” concerning a child’s time, changes to education and health care provision for children, and additional requirements for reporting and consultation.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government spending due to the added responsibilities for local authorities in providing support for children with SEND, young carers, parent carers, and related services. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND): Increased support and improved dispute resolution processes.
• Adopted children and their relatives: Potential for increased contact depending on regulations.
• Young carers (under 18): Mandatory needs assessments and support services.
• Parent carers (over 18): Mandatory needs assessments and support services.
• Local authorities: Increased responsibilities in providing assessments, support services, and enforcing regulations.
• Retailers: New restrictions and potential penalties related to the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to minors.
• Manufacturers and suppliers of tobacco and nicotine products: New regulations affecting packaging and labeling.
• Schools and educational institutions: New duties to support pupils with medical conditions.

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