Overview

This bill clarifies the responsibilities of local authorities for children in their care who are detained. It ensures continued support even while the child is in custody, establishes an advisory panel to guide funding decisions, and sets standards for care provided.

Description

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

• Continued Support in Custody: Children in care who enter custody (remand centers, young offenders institutions, etc.) remain considered "looked after children," ensuring continued support services from the local authority, excluding accommodation.
• Local Authority Duties: Local authorities must follow guidelines from the Secretary of State on how to fulfill their duties towards these children.
• Advisory Panel: A Care of Children in Custody Advisory Panel will be created to advise the Secretary of State on allocating funding for the care of detained children. This panel will include representatives from local authorities and the Youth Justice Board.
• Panel's Responsibilities: The panel will create reports with recommendations, which will be published, on the allocation of budgetary responsibility. The Secretary of State is required to consider and implement the panel's recommendations.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending on supporting children in care while they are detained. The exact amount is not specified in the bill, but it will cover the costs of the advisory panel and any increased expenditure incurred by local authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities. Funding will come from money provided by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Children in care: The bill directly impacts children in care who enter custody, ensuring they continue receiving support services.
• Local Authorities: Local authorities will have increased responsibilities and potentially increased costs in providing support for these children.
• The Secretary of State: The Secretary of State will be responsible for issuing guidelines, establishing and working with the advisory panel, and managing the resulting budget changes.
• The Care of Children in Custody Advisory Panel: This newly established body will have significant influence on how funding is allocated for the care of children in custody.
• Youth Justice Board: Members will be involved in the advisory panel.

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