Section 20 Agreements | Waldrons Solicitors

What is a Section 20 Agreement?

A ‘Section 20 Agreement’ is an agreement between parent(s) and Social Services allowing the Local Authority to temporarily take children into the care of the Local Authority. Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 requires social services to provide accommodation to certain children in need in their area. Social Services can also place children with family or friends.

Social Services will usually ask you to sign a Section 20 agreement do if they are worried about your child’s safety or if you are unable to look after your child.

A Section 20 Agreement does not give the Local Authority parental responsibility for the child. Only the parents/those carers with parental responsibility can make decisions for the child. It is therefore important that the Local Authority keep the child’s parents/carers informed of any changes in the child’s circumstances.

Section 20 Agreements

FAQs

I have been asked to sign a Section 20 Agreement, what are my rights?

The consent of every person with parental responsibility should be sought if the Local Authority wants to accommodate a child under s.20
A Section 20 Agreement is voluntary. You do not have to sign it
If you have signed a Section 20 Agreement, you can withdraw your consent at any time, but Social services often ask for 7 days’ notice in writing

You should never feel forced into signing a Section 20 Agreement.

How long does a Section 20 last?

There is no set timeframe for a Section 20 agreement, however, they are normally used as a temporary arrangement, they should not be used as a long-term arrangement.

What happens after Section 20?

After agreeing to a Section 20 your child will usually be placed in temporary foster care or with family or friends. The child may already be with family and friends before the Section 20 agreement is signed. This could be by way of a private family arrangement.

The child will be described as ‘looked after’ by the local authority. This means that the child is kept under review in terms of future plans for their life. The local authority will hold ‘looked after child’ reviews where the child’s needs are discussed.