To ask the Minister of Health to detail a timeline for implementation of Part two of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, specifically in relation to the statutory duty to provide support services for foster carers and care leavers.

Part 2 of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (the Act) contains amendments to the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the intention is to implement these at different stages, in accordance with a phased implementation plan. There is no statutory duty in the Act relating to the provision of support services to foster carers. There is however such a duty relating to the provision of adoption support services, to cover an initial transitional period and also as part of the full new Adoption Framework, when implemented.

The introduction of transitional adoption support services and also extended support for care leavers is scheduled for implementation in 2026/27, subject to the provision of additional and sustained funding. Once the necessary budget has been secured, operational dates will be agreed and the Statutory Rules required to give effect to these new provisions will be finalised and laid before the Assembly.