Written Statement: Launch of Consultation on Revisions to the Part 6 and Special Guardianship Codes of Practice

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 7^th 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:

• The Regulated Adoption Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) and Adoption Support Services (Local Authorities) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026
• The Adoption Support Services (Adoption Support Agencies) (Wales) Regulations 2026
• The Fostering Panels and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026
• The Independent Review of Determinations (Adoption and Fostering) (Wales) Regulations 2026

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.