An inquiry into the use of section 20 arrangements has found that families do not often understand their rights and options when section 20 voluntary arrangements are discussed; that many parents describe facing significant pressure from practitioners to allow section 20 arrangements; and that social care practitioners face pressure to use section 20 arrangements to avert the need to begin care proceedings. The report from the Your Family Your Voice Alliance also found that there was limited direction for practitioners working with section 20 and recommended that government issue guidance on the law and how it applies to social work practice in this area.
Social workers feel ‘pressured’ into using section 20 arrangements
