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Keeping Children and Parents in Contact since 1974
Amendments of The Children Act 1989
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 contained some amendments to The Children Act 1989.
While the act became law in November 2002, the provisions of the act are being phased in gradually over two years, with full implementation planned for 2004.
The most significant change for many unmarried fathers is regarding Parental Responsibility which came into force on 1 December 2003. From this date, a father may obtain Parental Responsibility if both parents register the birth together.
The Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 3079 (C.117) is the official document from HMSO detailing the dates etc. the relevant wording follows:
The Adoption and Children Act 2002 (Commencement No. 4) Order 2003 (Made 27 November 2003)
Appointed days
2. (2) 1st December 2003 is the appointed day for the coming into force of the following provisions of the Act -
(a) section 111 (parental responsibility of unmarried father);
Margaret Hodge
Minister of State, Department for Education and Skills