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Change of name of Looked After Child
If the young person is subject to a Care Order
A young person cannot be known by another surname unless everyone with parental responsibility (including the Local Authority) has given their consent.
If a young person tells you they want to change their surname you should:
- ensure that you are fully informed about the reasons why the young person wants to do this
- ensure the young person understands the implications
- discuss the matter with your manager and form a view about whether this should be supported
- send a letter to all those who hold parental responsibility for the young person and ask for their views and whether they consent to the name change
If everyone agrees to the name change, then Legal Services must be consulted to confirm that there are no further issues to address. Once all matters dealt with then the Service Manager will need to approve the decision and formally refer the case to Legal Services for action.
If anyone refuses consent then the young person can apply to the Court.
If the young person is accommodated
The young person needs the consent of all those with parental responsibility (but not the local authority).
If a young person tells you they want to change their surname you should:
- discuss this with the young person
- write to those who hold parental responsibility for the young person for them to speak with the young person and decide whether they consent.