Last amended by Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 in 2026. 9 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
Reformed family justice (introducing a 26-week time limit for care proceedings), reformed adoption law, introduced Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs, created the Office of the Children's Commissioner, and extended the right to request flexible working.
Key Points
- 26-week time limit for care proceedings (s.14)
- Child arrangements orders replacing residence and contact orders (s.12)
- Revised adoption provisions (Part 1)
- Special educational needs and disability — EHCPs (Part 3)
- Shared parental leave and pay (Part 7)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — The Children and Families Act 2014 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2014
26 commencement (coming-into-force) effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2022 — Health and Care Act 2022
20 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2018 — Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018
18 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2026 — Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
9 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2014 — The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014
6 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Frequently asked questions
- What is a child arrangements order and what does it replace?
- The Children and Families Act 2014 replaced the previous residence and contact orders with a single 'child arrangements order'. This new order regulates with whom a child lives, spends time, or has contact, simplifying the legal framework for family justice in England and Wales.
- How long do care proceedings take under the 2014 Act?
- Under the Act, care proceedings should be disposed of without delay. There is a statutory time limit requiring these proceedings to be concluded within 26 weeks. This period begins on the day the application for care proceedings was issued, ensuring cases are handled promptly.
- What is an Education, Health and Care Plan?
- An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is a document prepared by a local authority for children and young people aged 0 to 25. It is created when an EHC needs assessment shows that special educational provision is necessary. The plan specifies the individual's needs, desired outcomes, and the specific provision required.
- When must a local authority carry out an EHC needs assessment?
- A local authority must secure an EHC needs assessment if a child or young person may have special educational needs and may require special educational provision through an EHC plan. This assessment determines whether the authority must prepare and maintain a formal plan for the individual.
- What are the main areas covered by the Children and Families Act 2014?
- The Act introduced several key changes, including reformed family justice with a 26-week time limit for care proceedings, reformed adoption law, and the creation of the Office of the Children's Commissioner. It also introduced Education, Health and Care Plans for special educational needs and extended the right to request flexible working.