The updated parental responsibility diagram v7 (2026) has been included in the Child Protection Companion under chapter 20: Appendices and is also available to download from NHS futures.

Summary of change

• In addition to the main diagram, a second page has been included to address common queries and more complex areas frequently raised by organisations and professionals, including:
  • assisted conception and surrogacy (including step-parents)
  • section 20 particularly in relation to consent
  • kinship care
  • signposting to relevent resources.
• The main diagram now contains additional hyperlinks to guidance, legislation and information to support users to access source documentation and background information.
• Updated terminology and information about unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and children and young people seeking asylum and refugees - unaccompanied.
• Minor formatting and wording improvements have been made throughout.
• A review date has been added to indicate when the diagram is due for review.