Contact with children

Children Act 1989 amendments

Sections 1 to 5, 8 and Sched 1 of the Children and Adoption Act 2006, which came into force on 8 December, insert new ss11A to 11P and Sched A1 into the Children Act 1989. These sections introduce new powers and concepts into the court’s armoury for dealing with contact cases. The court can require parents to undertake a ‘contact activity’ (such as attending parenting programmes or information sessions) whenever the court considers whether to make or vary a contact order. Means tested financial assistance may be available for those ordered to attend.