eir functions under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989. It is issued as guidance under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 which requires local authorities in exercising their social services functions, to act under the general guidance of the Secretary of State. This guidance should be complied with by local authorities when exercising these functions, unless local circumstances indicate exceptional reasons that justify a variation. The guidance is addressed to: • personal advisers • children’s services social workers; • frontline managers who have particular responsibilities in relation to care leavers and looked after children; • lead members in local authorities; • directors of children’s services; • managers of services for care leavers and looked after children; and • commissioners of services for care leavers and looked after children. It will also be relevant to partner agencies and to providers of services for care leavers and looked after children, including agencies in the private, voluntary and public sectors. These regulations and guidance are designed to ensure care leavers are given the same level of care and support that their peers would expect from a reasonable parent and that they are provided with the opportunities and chances needed to help them move successfully in to adulthood. Research and practice show that those leaving care supported according to the following principles have the best chance of a successful transition to adulthood: • quality; • giving chances where needed; • tailoring to individuals’ needs. This guidance seeks to have these principles at the centre of decision making for care leavers. 6 Changes in the current version The following amendments, revisions and changes have been made in the current version of thi