Member

Amendment 6 also seeks to extend the mandatory offer for family group decision-making, as we have heard, at the point of reunification. I have sympathy with its objective and can see the point of family group decision-making at this point, not least because of the points made by noble Baronesses opposite about the challenge of reunification and the need to ensure that it is supported. I talked in group 2 about the reason why the Government identified the particular time at which we think there should be a legislative duty to offer a family group decision- making process. Just because it is not mandated in this case does not mean that it is not potentially a good idea. Regulations are already clear that, where a child is returning home to family from care, local authorities should consider what help and support will make reunification a success, which could include family group decision-making. Our Families First Partnership Programme will strengthen this through the family help offer. I hope that gives the noble Baroness suitable reassurance that we have thought about it and think that it is appropriate but should not be mandated in legislation.