person falling within section 23C; ● A person qualifying for advice and assistance; or ● A person falling within section 24B(2), about the discharge of their functions under Part 3 of the Children Act in relation to him. In considering such representations a local authority is required to comply with regulations. 16 The Regulations made under sections 26 and 24D are the Representations Procedure (Children) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/894) as amended. They set out the procedures to be followed by local authorities in considering representations and impose other requirements relating to such matters as monitoring the operation of the procedures and providing information to people making representations. In practice most authorities currently operate three stages in complaints procedures: ● stage 1 – initial stage with the emphasis on problem solving leading to early resolution (the regulations only require this in relation to complaints made under section 24D); ● stage 2 – formal investigation by the local authority with an independent person; ● stage 3 – review panel of at least three persons which includes an independent person. 3.7 A formal procedure is not the most appealing way for children to air grievances. There continues to be evidence that children in foster care appear less informed about complaints procedures than their contemporaries in residential care. Many local authorities have contracts with national advocacy organisations so that advocates routinely visit children’s homes and meet children in foster care in order to build relationships and identify emerging concerns or problems as early as possible. Children and young people themselves have stressed the importance of this, and we see it as being best practice and want to encourage such initiatives. As m