Amendments

This chapter was refreshed in December 2024.

In December 2024, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.

This chapter was refreshed throughout in December 2024.

In December 2024, information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.

In December 2024, information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.

In June 2024, a link to Ofsted Guidance Children’s Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults was added in Further Information.

In June 2024, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.

In June 2024, a new Section 8, Other Harmful Practices was added. The Health and Care Act 2022 has made it illegal to carry out, offer or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK. It is also illegal for UK nationals and residents to do these things outside the UK. Information was also added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance.

In June 2024, information was added to reflect the reclassification of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (as amended).

In June 2024, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This chapter was refreshed in June 2024.