Section 20 Agreement Solicitors

• 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

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.

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.

Yes, it can be withdrawn at any time and this can be done verbally or in writing. We would suggest contacting us for advice if you wish to withdraw.