This circular contains statutory guidance under section 26 of the Children Act 2004, which requires local authorities in Wales to prepare and publish a plan setting out the authority’s strategy for discharging their functions in relation to children and relevant young people.

The Children and Young People’s Plan (Wales) Regulations 2007 relate to this guidance and they came into force on 1 September 2007.

Section 26 requires local authorities to have regard to this guidance in discharging their functions under the regulations.