Section 20 of children's act .... Anyone know how this works?

[Littlemac1]

Hi I am not able to have my 17 year old here anymore for various reasons and trust me there are many and it's been said he is to stay with Dad for now and he won't let him in. My son has spent a night sleeping in his dads car and a night walking the streets . He won't come back here regardless if I'd let him.
Anyway under section 20 can I make someone anyone give him emergency accomadation tonight?

Have you called Civil legal advice? They will be able to challenge the council on their unlawful decision to not house him in interim accommodation. Seriously just ring them- he could be housed tonight!

To the PP who asked if it is the law- it is- Part 7 housing act 1996.
S20 of children act is a power not a duty.