Cross-Border Placements of Children - Justin Gray, Trinity Chambers

On the afternoon of Thursday 5th March 2026, senior children law barrister, Justin Gray from Trinity Chambers, will be delivering a free to attend a webinar in respect of ‘Cross-Border Placements of Children', aimed at members of local authority legal departments who deal
with Children's Services. 

The particular focus of Justin’s webinar will be on implications for practice arising from the Cross-Border Placement of Children (Requirements, Effect and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which came into force in Scotland on Monday 9 February 2026. 

These new Regulations represent the most significant reform in decades to the legal status and oversight of children from England & Wales placed in Scotland. They introduce an innovative new framework designed to ensure that the welfare of these children is properly monitored, safeguarded and promoted within the Scottish system, and that their legal status is clearly recognised in Scots law.  

Drawing on his extensive experience advising local authorities on cross-border placements, Justin's session will take those attending through the background, purpose and practical operation of the 2026 Regulations, including:  

•  Recognition of English public law orders and section 20 status in Scotland 
• Pre-placement requirements, notice provisions and undertakings
• Ongoing monitoring and enforcement obligations
• The legal effect of English orders in Scots law, compulsory supervision orders, deprivation of liberty authorisations, and the limits of the 2026 Regulations 
• A reminder of the existing requirements within English law when planning a cross-border placement of a child in Scotland, and how they relate to the new requirements within the Scottish legislation
• Practical risks and unresolved issues 

The session will conclude with time for questions and discussion, offering a valuable opportunity to explore how these changes will impact current and future placement decisions.  

The webinar will commence at 3.30 pm, concluding by 5pm. To book a place and receive further details please email via the button below with your name, authority, and email address.