Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 53
53
Accepted
Effective reunification with birth families positively supports children leaving care.
Conclusion
When done carefully and effectively, reunification of children with their birth families can be a positive way of supporting children to leave care. (Conclusion, Paragraph 132)
Government Response Summary
The government highlighted its £500 million investment in Family Help and multi-agency child protection, which is expected to support safe family reunification. It also committed to publishing a practice guide for reunification in summer 2026, building on existing regulations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Our investment in reforms includes over £500 million for Family Help and multi-agency child protection. We expect Family Help to provide support where children in care may be able to return safely to their families. We have also commissioned Foundations to develop a practice guide for reunification which will set out the strongest available evidence translated into actionable key principles and recommendations for local leaders. This is due to be published in summer 2026. The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review regulations and guidance already provides clear direction for local authorities regarding their duty to return a looked after child to their family unless this is not consistent with safeguarding and promoting the child’s welfare. The rollout of Family Help provides an opportunity to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for these children and their families. We believe this investment in whole system change will have a greater impact than additional guidance.