The Children and young Persons Bill received Royal Assent on 13 November 2008.

There are over 40 clauses in the Act almost all of which extend to Wales.

The Children and Young Persons Act 2008 will reform the statutory framework for the care system, to ensure that children and young people receive high quality care and support and to drive improvements in the delivery of services focused on the needs of the child.

Key areas of focus within the Act include improving placement stability, educational experience and attainment and the transparency and quality of care planning, and ensuring that young people are not forced out of care before they are ready, by giving them a greater say over moves to independent living and ensuring they retain support and guidance as long as they need it.

The Welsh Assembly Government will be consulting on the implementation of provisions within the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 in the New Year.

Click here to read the Act in full.