The Local Authority Corporate Parent: Still Needing Parenting Classes?

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The article discusses the operation of the local authority 'parenting' role, ie where the local authority has assumed care and other responsibilities for children and young people, usually in the aftermath of orders made under the Children Act 1989. It considers, in particular, changes made to the legal regime dealing with the assessment of needs of young people in the care system after leaving care to live in the community, and the support they receive in practice. It comments on the likely impact of legislative changes made to the system of Pathfinder Plans, and examines case-law and case studies highlighting the system's weaknesses, especially in relation to follow-up support in areas like housing and employment.