The Government is delaying the implementation of new laws to help children who are leaving care.

The Children (Leaving Care) Act which received its royal assent last month was due to come into force in April but has been put back until October next year.

The delay is so that local authorities will have more time to ensure they meet the needs of 16 and 17-year-olds who are care leavers or are still in care, says Community Care.

The Act will mean councils will also have to "keep in touch" with care leavers until they are at least 21 and receive help in finding further education, training or employment.

John Hutton, health minister, told the social workers' magazine: "I have listened to the representations from local government, and other organisations, and have decided to delay the implementation of the act for six months.

"It is imperative that we get it right - the act has just received royal assent and local authorities clearly need more time to plan ahead."