Overview

This bill clarifies the responsibilities of local authorities for children in their care who are also in custody (e.g., remand centers, young offender institutions). It establishes a new advisory panel to advise the government on how to manage the costs associated with these children's care and ensure consistent standards.

Description

The Children in Care (Custody) Bill amends the Children Act 1989. Key changes include:

• Continued Care: Children in local authority care who are detained will remain considered "looked after children" even while in custody (excluding accommodation provision).
• Local Authority Duty: Local authorities must comply with guidance from the Secretary of State on standards of care for these children.
• Advisory Panel: A Care of Children in Custody Advisory Panel will be created to advise on budgeting and allocation of resources for these children's care. The panel will comprise 5-9 members appointed by the Secretary of State, including at least one local authority member and one Youth Justice Board member. The panel will publish reports on their recommendations.

Government Spending

The bill states that all expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the act, as well as any increase in sums payable under other acts as a result of this Act, will be met from public funds. No specific figures are provided in the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: They will have new responsibilities and potentially increased costs for caring for children in their care who are also in custody.
• Children in Care: The bill aims to ensure these children continue to receive appropriate care while in custody.
• The Secretary of State and Government Departments: They will have responsibilities for issuing guidance, establishing the advisory panel, and managing the costs associated with the changes.
• The Care of Children in Custody Advisory Panel: They will have a key role in advising the government on the effective and efficient use of resources.
• Youth Justice Board: They will have a representative on the Advisory Panel.

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