If Children’s Services have become involved with your family because they are concerned about the child or children in your care, they may ask you to agree to a “Section 76 Agreement.” A Section 76 Agreement is a voluntary agreement between you and Children’s Services.
If agreed, it allows your child (or children) to be placed with foster carers or another family member while Children’s Services undertake necessary investigations or assessments. This arrangement can also provide a family with time to make changes, engage with support, or receive help, which could prevent Children’s Services from taking more extreme measures, such as initiating court proceedings.
While a child is accommodated under a Section 76 Agreement, you retain parental responsibility, but have consented to Children’s Services exercising parental responsibility for the day-to-day care. This arrangement allows you to work with Children’s Services to address concerns and potentially avoid further legal action.
In some cases, a Section 76 could be agreed upon where the child or children are placed into care for a significant period of time without a court order. However, this prevents an independent judge from reviewing the situation and a child’s voice from being represented by a Guardian in court. This could result in no real change or progress being made.
If Children’s Services have asked you to agree to a Section 76 Agreement, it is crucial to obtain legal advice to ensure that you fully understand the implications and that it is the best option for you and your family.
If Children’s Services have become involved with your family, or have asked you to agree to a Section 76 Agreement or informed you that they are issuing an application to court, contact us today. The Care Department at Martyn Prowel is here to provide you with advice at any stage of Children’s Services involvement. Please call us on 029 2047 0909.