Voluntary Accommodation of Infants, Children, and Young People in Scotland (Section 25) : an initial exploration

In Scotland, Section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 enables parents, supported by social workers, to voluntarily place their child to secure their safety, into the care of a local authority away from the parental home. This report presents findings in relation to the purpose, frequency, and variation in the use of Section 25 orders in Scotland. It presents results from a literature review, data from three local authorities to illustrate what is known about the use of Section 25 orders, and highlights areas that would benefit from additional investigation.