, Minister for Children and
Social Care: This week, I have launched a public consultation on
proposed revisions to two key Codes of Practice issued under
section 145 of the Social Services and Well‑being (Wales) Act
2014:
- the Code of Practice on the exercise of social services
functions in relation to Part 6 (looked after and accommodated
children), and
- the Code of Practice on the exercise of social services
functions in relation to Special Guardianship Orders.
These revisions follow extensive engagement and consultations
undertaken in 2025, which sought views on strengthening
subordinate legislation and guidance relating to corporate
parenting, the voice of the child, adoption pathways, fostering
and kinship care arrangements, and special guardianship support.
The draft updated Codes reflect the policy positions previously
consulted upon, incorporate feedback received, and introduce a
number of minor amendments to improve clarity, consistency and
alignment with relevant legislation and guidance.
The consultation seeks
views on whether the revised wording provides clear, practical
guidance for practitioners and local authorities, and whether the
proposed changes will support more consistent and effective
practice across Wales. The consultation will run until
7th April.
I encourage stakeholders, practitioners, local authorities and
all those with an interest in supporting children, young people
and families to share their views. Their contributions will
ensure that the final Codes of Practice are robust, clear and
truly supportive of high-quality practice across our social care
system.
As part of this wider programme of improvement, I would also like
to highlight that revised Regulations to improve adoption,
fostering and kinship services in Wales, have now been laid
before the Senedd and will come into force on 1 April 2026. These
Regulations form an important element of our ongoing work to
strengthen the systems that support adoption, fostering, and
kinship care in Wales. They include:
Together, these regulatory changes and the proposed revisions to
the Codes of Practice represent an important step towards a more
coherent, child-centred and effective system of care and support
in Wales. I am personally committed to ensuring these
improvements make a real and lasting difference to the children,
young people and families who rely on our services.
