The new Regulation of Care Act is coming into force today in a move which will see changes for previously unregulated agencies.
Under the new act all agencies and care service providers will be subject to inspection by the Department of Social Care.
It covers all aspects of care service provision, from child minders, nursing and residential homes through to the fostering and child care agencies.
Newly regulated services will be required to inform the Department that they are operating and meeting the mandatory conditions and minimum standards expected of them.
Minister Chris Robertshaw told us why it's essential:
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