The Children and Families Act is a piece of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom in 2014. The Act brought about significant changes in various areas relating to children and families, focusing on improving the well-being and outcomes for children, especially those who are vulnerable or have special educational needs or disabilities.

Here are some key provisions of the Children and Families Act:

 The Act introduced significant reforms to the SEND system to improve support and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It introduced a new Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, which replaced the Statement of Special Educational Needs. The Act also emphasised the importance of involving parents and children in the decision-making process regarding their education and care.

The Act introduced reforms to the adoption system, aiming to speed up the process and improve support for adoptive families. It prioritised the child's welfare and introduced measures to ensure that decisions are made promptly to provide stability and permanence for children needing adoption or fostering.

The Act aimed to improve the family justice system by making it more efficient, child-focused, and accessible. It introduced measures to encourage parents to resolve disputes through mediation and out-of-court settlements, promoting a collaborative approach to resolving family issues.

The Act emphasised the importance of involving both parents in their children's lives after separation or divorce, promoting shared parenting responsibilities and ensuring that both parents have a meaningful relationship with their child, except in cases where it is unsafe or in the child's best interests.

 The Act introduced reforms to improve the care system for children in the state's care. It aimed to promote stability, better educational outcomes, and a smoother transition to adulthood for children in care.

These are just some key provisions of the Children and Families Act. The Act seeks to enhance the support and services available to children and families, emphasising collaboration, early intervention, and the child's best interests.