Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 is a provision that allows Local Authorities to place children in the care of someone else, usually a foster carer or residential home, with the agreement of the child???s parents. This is known as a co-operative agreement into care. This article will explore what a co-operative agreement into care is, what it means for parents and children, and how it works in practice.

What is a Co-operative Agreement into Care?

A co-operative agreement into care is a voluntary agreement between a Local Authority and a child???s parents, where the child is placed in the care of someone else, usually a foster carer or residential home. The agreement is made with the consent of the child???s parents and is intended to be a temporary arrangement, with the aim of returning the child home as soon as possible.

The co-operative agreement into care can be made either in writing or verbally. If it is made verbally, the Local Authority must follow up with a written agreement within 10 days. The Local Authority must also give written notice to the parents of their right to take legal advice.

What Does a Co-operative Agreement into Care Mean for Parents?

For parents, a co-operative agreement into care means that they are agreeing to their child being placed in the care of someone else, usually a foster carer or residential home. They retain parental responsibility for their child, but they must work with the Local Authority to ensure that their child???s needs are met.

Parents must also agree to any conditions set out in the co-operative agreement into care, such as allowing the Local Authority to visit their home or attend meetings. They should also be aware that the co-operative agreement into care is a temporary arrangement, and that their child will be returned home as soon as it is safe to do so.

What Does a Co-operative Agreement into Care Mean for Children?

For children, a co-operative agreement into care means that they are placed in the care of someone else, usually a foster carer or residential home. They may feel upset or confused about being separated from their parents, but it is important that they understand that this is a temporary arrangement, and that their parents still love them and want them to return home.

Children should also be made aware of their rights while they are in care, such as their right to be consulted about decisions that affect them, and their right to have a say in their care plan. They should also be given support to maintain contact with their family and friends.

How Does a Co-operative Agreement into Care Work in Practice?

When a Local Authority decides that a child needs to be placed in the care of someone else, they must first explore all other options, such as support for the family or kinship care. If it is decided that a co-operative agreement into care is the best option, the Local Authority will work with the child???s parents to agree on the terms of the agreement.

The Local Authority must make sure that the child???s needs are met while they are in care, including their physical, emotional, and educational needs. They must also work with the child???s parents to ensure that they are able to meet the conditions of the co-operative agreement into care, such as attending meetings or making changes to their home environment.

The co-operative agreement into care is reviewed regularly, usually every six months, to ensure that it is still the best option for the child. If it is decided that the child can return home, the Local Authority will work with the child???s parents to support them in making the necessary changes to ensure that the child???s needs are met.

Conclusion

A co-operative agreement into care is a voluntary agreement between a Local Authority and a child???s parents, where the child is placed in the care of someone else, usually a foster carer or residential home. It is intended to be a temporary arrangement, with the

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