Parent initiated Section 20

[CV4R5H]

Hello - does anyone have any experience or advice as to how we, as adopters, are able to initiate a Section 20 under the Childrens Act? I have found lots of information about how a Social Worker initiates one and I know it can be requested by parents but I am really struggling to find out how? Thanks in advance

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear CR4R5H

Welcome to the parents’ discussion forum and thank you for posting.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and I will respond to your query.

It is not clear from you post if you have children’s services involvement now or not. As you are asking about s.20 voluntary arrangement under the Children Act, I assume that you are experiencing difficulties as your child. You may be able to ask children’s services to do a child in need assessment so suitable support can be identified and offered to your family.

Alternatively, if you child was a looked after child prior to the adoption order being made, you may be able to obtain assistance from the Adoption and special guardian fund through children’s services. You can read more about this on our website HERE


You can ask for adoption support services from your local authority who should have this available to adopters and special guardians. This is the government guidance relating to support services

In response to your specific question about how to initiate s20 with children’s services, there is no set procedure, it would require you to contact children’s services and explaining the difficulties you are having, why you believe your child being away from home would be in his or her best interests. There is no automatic right to s.20 accommodation. The likelihood is children’s services would treat your request as a referral and follow the procedure when they receive a referral HERE

Here is information about s.20 voluntary arrangement which you might be useful to you.

Should you wish to speak with one of our experienced advisers, you can telephone our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

You are also able to contact us for further advice by posting again or using our web enquiry form or webchat

Here are other services you can contact for support PACT, Adoption UK and first4adoption

I hope this information is helpful as you have given very little information about your circumstances in your post.

Best wishes

Suzie