Section 20 Agreement Consent Form For Children

Preamble:

Section 20 Agreements can be used to place a child in temporary local

authority accommodation where a parent may be temporarily unable to care
for a child, a parent-child relationship has broken down or there are child
protection concerns. Section 20 Agreements are completely voluntary and
families and children cannot be forced to agree to any arrangement under
Section 20. The agreement is intended to be a supportive partnership
between children, families and social workers.

This Section 20 Agreement is about [name of young person/s]

I [name of young person] confirm that I understand the purpose of this consent
form, and that I am Fraser Competent.

I have been assessed by a doctor who confirms I am Fraser Competent. (Please

attach a signed confirmation letter from your GP).

I confirm that my parent/s/carer/s is/are [name of parents/carers]

I understand that a Section 20 Agreement is voluntary, and cannot be made without

my consent and that the Local Authority cannot place me in alternative
accommodation unless I give my permission.

I understand that I can change my mind about the S.20 agreement or remove
myself from accommodation provided under the agreement at any time and without
notice.

I have/ have not asked the child protection team/ social worker to provide me with
further information so that I can fully understand the process.

I understand that my wishes and feelings about this S.20 Agreement must be taken
into account by the local authority and the social workers dealing with my
arrangement.

I have written down my wishes and feelings about this arrangement and given them
to the social worker. (Please attach a copy of this document to this consent form).

I understand that I can audio or video record all or any part of this meeting.

If you have recorded this meeting using video or audio, please tick here:

If you have been prevented from doing so, please tick here:
Please add any reasons for your request to record being denied here:

I have also asked for the agreement to be put into writing.

My first language is not English. I have requested that the agreement is written in
[choice of language] and my request has been accepted/ denied.

I understand that a Section 20 Agreement cannot be used to secure child protection

proceedings against me.

I understand that I am entitled to seek legal advice, and can find my own solicitor
should I want to contact a lawyer.

The terms of my agreement have been explained to me, including:

Where I will be placed,

What arrangements have been made for me to have contact with my family,
Arrangements about my health and education needs, and;
The level of communication I will have with my social work team.

I understand the terms of the agreement and I give my consent.

Signature of child:

Date:

Signature of lead social worker:

Date:

Law and Guidance for families and practitioners:

Gillick and Fraser Competent

President of the Family Divisions Guidance on Section 20 Agreements

Cafcass Guidance on Section 20 Agreements