ABSTRACT
This chapter consolidates and re-enacts previous legislation some important reforms have been introduced, notably in relation to child-minding and children's homes. It aims to strengthen and widen the regulatory framework and to ensure that uniform standards apply to all facilities. Although the great majority (80") of children is in community homes of various kinds, the children Act attempts to ensure parity of treatment for all children looked after in residential accommodation. Local authorities have substantial supervisory powers over children's homes. Registration, as before, is the key regulatory mechanism which applies to both private and voluntary homes. Independent schools with more than 50 boarders which are neither residential care homes nor children's homes are brought into the mainstream of the child care system for the first time by Section 87. Local authorities are not responsible for selecting, registering or approving private foster parents but they do have an important supervisory function.
