Briefing for debate on Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations (2020)

On 23 April 2020, Statutory Instrument No. 445 – (SI445) was laid before Parliament and came into force the very next day.  This diluted and removed important legal protections built up over many years for children in care in England. We recommend that SI445 should be immediately withdrawn. This is the best option to safeguard children and young people in care and ensure local authorities continue to meet their statutory obligations.At the absolute minimum, the government should commit to centrally collecting, monitoring and publishing information about the use of new emergency regulations.