Amendments

January 2024

CAPTION: January 2024 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Capacity and Consent	Section 3, Legal Capacity in Relation to Parents/those with Parental Responsibility has been updated.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	Information has been added into Section 4, Care Orders and Supervisions Orders on a Care Plan of the Child Remaining at Home in relation to Supervision Orders, in line with Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems: Supervision Orders.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been updated. Information has been added into Section 15, Resolving Disagreements in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adoptive parents in First Tier Tribunal appeals.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	This chapter has been updated. Information has been added into Section 4, Assessment in relation to the National Age Assessment Board.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	Section 5.2.5, Providing Support has been updated to reflect the Home Office increase in financial support to individuals waiting to find out if they will be given asylum in the UK.
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	Section 2, Ordinary Residence has been updated in line with case law.
Placements in Residential Care	This chapter has been updated to include information from Guidance - Placing Children: Deprivation of Liberty Orders - guidance for providers, social workers and placement commissioners on placing children, subject to a deprivation of liberty order (DoL), in unregistered settings; and President of the Family Division Practice Guidance: Placements in Unregistered Children’s Homes in England or Unregistered Care Home Services in Wales.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated to include information from Guidance - Placing Children: Deprivation of Liberty Orders - guidance for providers, social workers and placement commissioners on placing children, subject to a deprivation of liberty order (DoL), in unregistered settings; and President of the Family Division Practice Guidance: Placements in Unregistered Children’s Homes in England or Unregistered Care Home Services in Wales.
Placements in Other Arrangements	This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect supported accommodation for 16-17 year olds becoming regulated by Ofsted.
Health and Safety	Additional information has been added about online safety.
Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been refreshed throughout.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been amended to note that with effect from 1 April 2023, the leaving care allowance increased from £2,000 to £3,000.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Ofsted Inspection Framework	This chapter has been added to the manual.

CAPTION: next update

Next Update: July 2024

2023 Amendments

August 2023

CAPTION: August 2023 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Threshold Document - Continuum of Help and Support	This document has been added in place of the previous chapter.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been amended throughout in line with Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022. Section 8, Court Hearings has been updated in line with A View From the President's Chambers: Relaunching the PLO (November 2022) and that section should be re-read. In Relevant Guidance, a link has been added to Pre-proceedings and Family Justice Hub (Research in Practice).
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been updated to include information from Guidance: Area SEND Inspections Framework and Handbook (November 2022).
Decision to Look After	This chapter has been updated.
Care Planning	This chapter has been refreshed throughout.
Ceasing to Look After a Child	This chapter has been updated to add a note regarding transferring a child's belongings in appropriate luggage and includes a link to a link to NYAS, My Things Matter Report (see Section 5, Administration/Process Issues).
Placements in Foster Care	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS 'My Things Matter' Report - support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move (see Section 4, Placement Planning).
Placements in Residential Care	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS 'My Things Matter' Report - support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move (see Section 2.3, Placement Planning).
Placements Outside England and Wales	Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey has been updated in line with the Cross-border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 and Cross-Border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022: Practice Guidance, Notice and Undertaking Template.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	This chapter has been amended to include information from Annex to MOJ Circular 2022/03: Additional Information on Remand to Local Authority Accommodation (RLAA). It has also been amended in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Health and Safety	Information in relation to allergies has been added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies.
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings	Section 3, Supervised Contact has been updated to reflect a finding by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman that the supervisor's observations of the contact must be clearly recorded in the child's record and shared with the parents within 3 months of the visit.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	Information in relation to allergies has been added into Section 4, Health Plans.
Positive Relationships and Behaviour Management	This chapter has been refreshed and replaces the previous version.
Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint	This chapter has been updated.
Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been amended to reflect that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 26 February 2023.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been revised to include information from the revised Ofsted inspection framework.
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services	Section 2, Looked After Children who are Arrested has been updated in relation to appropriate adults.
Fostering Panel	This chapter has been refreshed and replaces the previous version.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been updated. Information in relation to timing of assessments has been added into Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings.
Case Records and Retention	This chapter has been updated in relation to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	This chapter has been added.
Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance	This chapter has been added.
Removed Chapters
Greenwich Adoption procedures now link directly over to the Adopt London Regional Adoption Agency Procedures Manual. Adoption Panel; Placement for Adoption; Adoption Support; Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive Placements; Adoption Reviews; Disruption of Adoptive Placements; Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already Adopted; Inter Country Adoption; Non Agency Adoption; Adoption Case Records; Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records; Intermediary Services; Life Story Books Guidance; Later Life Letters; Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters.

January 2023

CAPTION: January 2023 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Legal Planning Meetings	This chapter has been refreshed locally where required.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	Section 15, Resolving Disagreements has been updated in line with the First Tier Tribunal's extended powers to hear appeals and make non-binding recommendations about health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, provided those appeals also include education elements.
Short Breaks	The chapter has been refreshed locally where required.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	An amendment has been added to reflect the Home Office announcement in February 2022 that participation in the National Transfer Scheme is to become mandatory for all councils with responsibility for Children's Services.
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated in line with case-law.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	A link was added to Who Pays? Determining which NHS commissioner is responsible for making payment to a provider.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Equality and Diversity	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Risk Assessment and Planning	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Providing Personalised Care	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Health and Safety	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Leisure Activities	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Training and Development of Foster Carers	This chapter has been added to the manual.

2022 Amendments

April 2022

CAPTION: April 2022 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Capacity and Consent	Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated in line with case-law and new Section 5.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added to reflect High Court judgments. Section 2.1, Consent to Information Sharing has been updated to reflect revisions contained in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been amended throughout and should be re-read.
Legal Gateway/Planning Meetings	This chapter has been amended throughout and should be re-read.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been refreshed and includes links to related reports from the House of Commons Library (see Section 16, Further Information and Statutory Guidance). Section 15, Resolving Disagreements has been updated to reference recent case-law holding that, as part of the mediation process, a parent/child/young person is entitled to bring along any supporter they wish, including a lawyer.
Short Breaks	Information in relation to the prohibition on looked after children under the age of 16 being placed in 'other arrangements' placements for the purposes of a short break has been added into Section 7, Short Break Settings.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	A link has been added to the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians Referral Form. In areas where the ICTG service has been implemented, if the social worker considers a child to be a potential victim of modern slavery, they should refer them to the ICTG service by completing the online referral form. Section 6.1, Placement Options has been updated in relation to placements in 'other arrangements'. Section 4, Assessment has been updated in relation to Age Assessments.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	This chapter has been revised throughout to take account of the UK's withdrawal from the EU and reflect the UK's exit from the EEA, and updated to note that the High Court in ST (a child, by his Litigation Friend VW) & VW v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] EWHC 1085 (Admin) held that immigration caseworkers, when deciding whether to accept that the applicant is 'destitute or at risk of imminent destitution' are required to 'have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare' of any children involved in the application, in accordance with section 55 Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	This chapter has been updated to add a link to Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) to support the development of joint protocols that can help local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of care leavers (see new Section 4, Housing Protocols for Care Leavers).
Relinquished Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect case-law setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation has been revised in line with the Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children	This chapter has been refreshed and a link has been added to House of Commons Library Briefing Paper: Criminal Injuries Compensation for Victims of Child Abuse.
Placements with Parents	Section 1, Planned Placements has been updated to add information on placements in 'other arrangements'.
Placements in Residential Care	This chapter has been updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements.
Out of Area Placements	Section 6, Placements in Wales has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review.
Placements Outside England and Wales	Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	Information in relation to children under the age of 16 being placed in 'other arrangements' placements has been added into Section 3, Local Authority Accommodation.
Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers	A new Section 7.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added to reflect a High Court judgment.
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been significantly amended to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children, the 'Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted)'; updated 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (see Scope of This Chapter) and Sexual Harassment in Education – Briefing (House of Parliament Library) (see Section 8.2, Protecting looked after children from sexual harassment and child-on-child abuse). The chapter has also been amended to reflect Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker: Virtual School Head Role Extension. Information on the School Admission Code has been added in Section 6, When a Child Needs or Joins a New School.
Restrictive Physical Intervention	A link has been added to Guidance: Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish (Ofsted). See Further Information.
Leaving Care and Transition	Section 6, Pathway Planning has been updated to note that, in relevant cases, immigration status should be included as a separate section on the Pathway Plan. This will help to ensure that young people who have been granted Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme apply to convert this to Settled Status at the appropriate. Pathway Plans should contain clear information about what action needs to be taken by whom and when to ensure that the young person's right to remain legally in the UK is not jeopardised. A link has been added to Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) to support the development of joint protocols that can help local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of care leavers. Additional content has therefore been added in a new Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers as well as Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans and Section 13, Where Care Leavers Live or Move to a Different Local Authority Area.
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody	This chapter has been updated to reflect the Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice, Section 2.6 Care leavers leaving custody (DfE and MHCLG) (see Section 3.9, Planning for Release).
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been revised. Information on the School Admission Code has been added into Section 12, The Special Guardianship Support Plan.
Electronic Recording of Meetings	Part 1 of this chapter has been updated in line with case-law. Information has also been added on recording by employees in a professional capacity.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Placements in Other Arrangements	This chapter has been added to the procedures manual.

2021 Amendments

October 2021

CAPTION: October 2021 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Contacts and Referrals	Guidance contained in this chapter has been reviewed and updated as required to reflect guidance from the refreshed Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Child and Family Assessments	This chapter has been amended to add a new section on 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation and reflects the issue of Homelessness and the vulnerability of young people identified in Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	The link has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council). See Section 9, Expectations of the Local Authority by the Court in particular.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	This chapter has been amended to reflect Section 3 of the Care Planning and Care Leavers (Amendment) Regulations 2014. The Care Plan must identify whether there is reason to believe the child has been trafficked or is an unaccompanied asylum seeker (see Section 2.1, The Care Plan - Contents).
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	This chapter has been amended to include a link to the Leaving Care and Transition Procedure in relation to Personal Adviser visits to 'Relevant' or 'Former Relevant' young people.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship published by the Family Justice Council. See Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings and new Section 16, Special Guardianship Orders in International Cases.
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance	A link to Guidance regarding the process of assessment in 'Timetabling and Timescales for Full Family and Friends Assessment' (Family Justice Council) has been added.

April 2021

CAPTION: April 2021 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been amended to reflect changes from 'Practice Direction 27a - Family Proceedings: Court Bundles (Universal Practice to be Applied in the High Court and Family Court)', in relation to the required maximum length of certain court documents, (unless otherwise specifically directed by the court). In addition, a new subsection of Section 4.1, Local Authority Documentation - 'Final Care Plan' provides further detail on the importance of recording information on the Care Plan which will help the child, parent or the child's carer understand why decisions have been or are being made.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	A new Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been added. Section 6, Placements of Children under the Age of 13 Years has been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. A revised link has been added to Secure Children's Homes.
Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews	This chapter has been reviewed and updated. The requirement for clear separation of reviews (for clarifying whether the criteria for keeping a child in secure accommodation are met, and the child's looked after review) has been emphasised. Clarifying whether the criteria for keeping a child in secure accommodation are met must come before a LAC review so the decision can inform the LAC review and they must be chaired by different individuals.
Notifications of Significant Events	This chapter has been revised throughout and updated to reflect the latest Ofsted guidance for social care providers on the types of incident which they consider to be serious and which will therefore require notification to the regulatory authority.
Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UK	This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout. Section 2.3, Insurance Cover has been updated to include details of how to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which provides access to reduced cost or free medical insurance in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Section 2.4, Obtaining a Passport has also been updated to link to reissued Home Office guidance for Local Authorities Children's Services Departments when Applying for Passports on Behalf of Children.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been updated. Amendments have been made in: Section 5, Leaving Care Assessment of Need - in relation to children who are victims of trafficking or unaccompanied asylum seeking children; Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans - in relation to Relevant/Former Relevant young people moving to 'unregulated' accommodation; and Section 8, Personal Advisers - in relation to frequency of visits by Personal Advisers.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers.
Supervision and Support of Foster Carers	This chapter has been updated to reflect in more detail the foster carer's role and responsibilities with respect to Fostering National Minimum Standards – Notification of Significant Events (see Section 1, Introduction) and relevant aspects of Schedule 6 The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (see Section 2, Planned Supervision Visits).
Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers	A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers.
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records	This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout and information added on applying for a copy of a birth certificate online.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been updated to reference and reflect the Family Justice Council: Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council, May 2019) (see new Section 6.2, Special Guardianship applications in care proceedings).
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Capacity and Consent	This chapter has been added to the procedures site.
Children of Parents with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities	This chapter has been added to the procedures site.

2020 Amendments

September 2020

CAPTION: September 2020 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Education of Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 which replaces the 2018 version. Section 8, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School has been amended to include reference to Upskirting (which is now a criminal offence) and serious violence. In Section 1.3, Role of the Local Authority, Virtual School Head (VSH), and School, OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for LAC pupils are registered with the DFE has been added.

March 2020

CAPTION: March 2020 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Recording Policy and Guidelines	This chapter has been amended to reflect the Ofsted Twitter Blog of 24/7/19 by Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Social Care. The Blog highlights feedback from a number of inspections and explores what good recording should look like (Ofsted: developments in children's social care – What makes an effective case record?).
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	An update has been made in Section 1, Principles to draw attention to OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for pupils with SEN are registered with the DFE. The same diligence should be exercised on behalf of pupils with SEN.

2019 Amendments

September 2019

CAPTION: September 2019 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	The Related Guidance section has been updated to add supporting resources with regard to children's consultation and participation.
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children and the process for reporting a serious incident to the Panel via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification System.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	A new Section 6, Suitable Placements has been added. Details of the National Transfer Scheme Protocol for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children Version 2.0 March 2018 have been added into Section 1, Introduction and Definitions.
Placements with Parents	This chapter has been updated to note that this procedure does not apply to children subject to Interim Care Orders where the placement is required by the court under Section 38(6) Children Act 1989 for the purposes of assessment.
Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters	This chapter has been amended to reflect the suspension of the Adoption Register and Adoption Match (see Section 9, After the Panel Recommendation).
Placement for Adoption	This chapter has been amended to reflect the suspension of the Adoption Register and Adoption Match (see Section 7.13, Inter Agency Placements and Section 11, Children Approved for Adoption for Whom no Placement has been Identified).

March 2019

CAPTION: March 2019 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	This chapter has been updated.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated to add a link in Related Guidance to Research in Practice supporting information and guidance on the Social Work Evidence template (SWET) This chapter has been amended to reflect HHJ Greensmith's comments regarding M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018] EWFC 40 (1 June 2018)). (See Section 9, Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings).
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been amended. From 29 June 2018 local authorities in England must notify the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within 5 working days of becoming aware of a serious incident.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the designated teacher to provide support to previously Looked After Children. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	This chapter has been refreshed and should be re-read
Ceasing to Look After a Child	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. These changes relate to the status of 'previously Looked After Children'. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales. Previously Looked After Children are entitled to support from their school through the Designated Teacher (see Section 2.5, Children Who Move into Permanency).
Permanence Planning Guidance	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. These changes relate to the status of 'previously looked after children'. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales. Children subject to a Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order are entitled to support from their school, through the designated teacher.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	This chapter has been updated to fully reflect the updated guidance 'Secure children's homes: how to place a child aged under 13 (July 2018)'. (See Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years.)
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 2.3, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services	This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 7.7, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody	This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 3.8, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
Adoption Support	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, to offer support to previously looked after children. A previously looked-after child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales).
Life Story Books Guidance	This chapter has been updated.
Later Life Letters	This chapter has been updated.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the designated teacher to provide support to previously Looked After Children A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales. This chapter has also been updated to reflect the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman good practice points to follow when working with Special Guardians. A link to the full report 'Firm Foundations: Complaints about Council Support and Advice for Special Guardians (Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman) (May 2018)' has been added into the Relevant National Guidance section of this chapter.
Recording Policy and Guidelines	This chapter has been amended to reflect HHJ Greensmith's comments regarding M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018] EWFC 40 (1 June 2018).

2018 Amendments

September 2018

CAPTION: September 2018 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles	A new Section 2, Corporate Parenting has been added in response to the DfE, Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers – Statutory Guidance (Feb 2018). It includes the seven corporate parenting principles set out in the guidance.
Child and Family Assessments	Section 4, Communication has been updated to include reference to parents with learning disabilities. This chapter has also been renamed to Child and Family Assessment.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated to provide some emphasis on parents who lack capacity and added links to the President of the Family Division, Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability note, and a relevant link to working with parents who have a learning disability see Section 2, Pre-proceedings and Practice Direction 3AA - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and Giving Evidence (see Section 4, Documentation).
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	This chapter has been extensively updated and replaces the original chapter: 'Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children'.
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	Section 2, Exceptions has been revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those set out in Section 1, Normal Frequency.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	A new Section 3.5, Consent to Health Care Assessments has been added.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been extensively updated.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Deprivation of Liberty	The link to this resource has been added to the manual.
Mental Capacity	The link to this resource has been added to the manual.

March 2018

CAPTION: March 2018 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Contacts and Referrals	This chapter has been revised to set out in more detail the timetable and partnership requirements associated with effectively managing contacts and referrals.
Child in Need Plans and Reviews	This chapter has been updated by adding a new Section 4, Children in Need Moving to Another Authority - Principles. Information and communication is important between the respective local authorities to ensure that appropriate services continue for the child and family and, where relevant, any risk of harm is recognised and identified with the receiving local authority. It should be noted that the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child lies with the local authority where the child is to be found.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	Section 4.2, Case Analysis has been updated to reflect the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan added by s.8 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 (amending section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	Section 3, Assessment has been updated to set out that, in advance of undertaking an age assessment for an unaccompanied asylum seeking child, local authorities must seek Home Office assistance with verifying the authenticity of identity documents e.g. travel documents or a birth certificate. A link to the relevant contact details for local authorities has been added. The statutory guidance has been updated to link to the DfE 2017 Care of unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery – statutory guidance for local authorities. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is referenced in relation to age assessments. A further link has been added to Securing British Citizenship for Looked After Children (NRPF Network).
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	A link to Securing British Citizenship for Looked After Children (NRPF Network) has been added.
Young Carers	This chapter has been entirely revised and updated and should be re-read in full.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	Section 2, The Care Plan has been amended to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Permanence Planning Guidance	Section 5, Assessing and Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (under s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Placements with Parents	This chapter has been updated to indicate that the DBS is not able to undertake a standard or enhanced check for birth parents or other adults living in the household. However, the Local Authority has a requirement under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England Regulations) 2010 to obtain information about unspent convictions and cautions before placing a child back with parents (see Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement).
Placements in Secure Accommodation	A note has been added in respect of Secure Accommodation - Placements in Scotland: Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017, with immediate effect, now enables local authorities to make placements in Secure accommodation under Sect 25 (Children Act 1989) (see Section 7.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval).
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	Section 1, Normal Frequency has been revised to reflect the statutory requirement.
Looked After Reviews	This chapter has been amended to fully reflect the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review with respect to the circumstances as to when a Looked After Review should be brought forward. The list is not exhaustive (see Section 2, Frequency of Looked After Reviews).
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings	Section 2, Different Types of Contact has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication as a means of contact.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	Section 8, After the Panel Recommendation has been updated to clarify that the decision as to the suitability of the applicant must be made within 7 working days of receipt of the panel's recommendation and final set of panel minutes – The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 4: 5.39 and Standard 14 (14.9) Fostering panels and the fostering service's decision-maker.
Placement for Adoption	This chapter has been amended to emphasise 'procedural fairness' as a key aspect of the adoption planning process in respect of ensuring parents are provided with information throughout, including the dates of placement/proposed changes of a child's Status, etc. This follows the outcome of a judicial review ([2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin)). (See new Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness). Section 1, Planning for Permanence has also been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) into the list of considerations that whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.
Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters	Section 4.1, Duty to Consider Fostering for Adoption Placement has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.

2017 Amendments

September 2017

CAPTION: September 2017 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online notification form.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a court judgement on Ordinary Residence that was included in DoH, Care and support statutory guidance (December 2016). (See Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). The Further Information and Statutory Guidance section has been moved to the end of the chapter at Section 16. The following links have been added into this section as follows: guidance on SEND: 19 to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017); DfE/DOH Send Resources, and Carers Trust resources.
Private Fostering	This chapter has been amended to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regards to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school in accordance with Schedule 8 (para.9) Children Act 1989.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	This chapter has been amended to reflect the outcome of an Appeal Court hearing (2017) with respect to 'consent'. The court recognised that the term 'consent' itself was not used in Section 20. However, it described previous court observations as 'good practice guidance', emphasising its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these (see Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent).
Placements with Connected Persons	A link to the Family Rights Group Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment good practice guide has been added. This resource outlines what a viability assessment for family and friend carers should look like, what social workers should consider and how to undertake international assessments.
Advocacy and Independent Visitors	This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Children's Society 'Advocacy services for children and young people – a guide for commissioners'. This guide outlines the legislative requirements of local authorities in the provision of advocacy support to children in need and looked after children.
Change of Name of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been revised as part of the continuing review of the procedures and should be re-read throughout.
Placement for Adoption	A link to Contact after adoption website has been added into Related Guidance. The website provides practical resources which bring together knowledge from research and practice to support professionals to be reflective and explore their own assumptions, attitudes and values when developing contact plans.
Inter Country Adoption	Section 3, Initial Meeting, the DfE have published Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements which set out the minimum requirements, however entry clearance requirements vary depending upon the circumstances of each case and prospective adopters will need to obtain their own independent legal advice to establish the requirements that apply to their individual circumstances. In Section 4, Formal Approval, a link has been added to Intercountry adoption: means test form which contains information on how to apply for a fee reduction for people who wish to adopt a child from overseas and who earn £45,000 per year or less. In Section 12, After Approval, information has been added on the Intercountry Adoption Forms: checklist for adoption which details the paperwork adoption agencies must include in the intercountry adoption applications they submit to DfE.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been substantially revised to reflect the most recent national Special Guardianship Guidance (January 2017) and should be re-read in full.
Case Records and Retention	This chapter has been reviewed to note the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse requires all institutions to retain their records relating to the care of children for the duration of the Inquiry (see Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality of Records).

March 2017

CAPTION: March 2017 amendments

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Assessments	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted 'good practice steps' to undertaking assessments and issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth, including the assessment process (see Section 11.1, Pre-birth 'Good Practice Steps'). The linked information regarding the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit has also been updated.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted what were thought to be 'good practice steps' to issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth (see Section 3.1, Pre-birth Planning and Proceedings).
Legal Planning Meetings	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge set out what were thought to be 'basic and good practice steps'. (See Section 2, Considerations).
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	The listing of Related Guidance has been enhanced and updated.
Short Breaks	A link to Friendship for All (The Children's Society) has been added to this chapter.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	A link has been added to the ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20.
Placements with Parents	Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement, has been updated to include the requirement that consideration should be given as to whether the home environment is safe for the child including, where relevant, the need for a risk assessment of any pets and the environment in which they are kept.
Placements with Connected Persons	Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children with Connected Persons, has been updated. The list of matters that should be considered when placing a child with a Connected Person has been updated to include the requirement of an initial risk assessment of any pets, together with the environment in which the pet is kept.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	This chapter has been entirely revised and updated and should be re-read in full.
Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers	The links in this chapter to the BMA Consent Toolkit and the Fostering Network Delegated Authority Decision Support Tool have been updated.
Looked After Reviews	This chapter has been amended to note The Law Society guidance 'Attendance of solicitors at local authority Children Act Meetings' and their Code of Conduct where the child or family who attend reviews are supported by a legal representative. (See Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities).
Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers	This chapter has been updated in relation to the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer in line with the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. In particular, the IRO being sensitive to the close and active involvement of parents of a child looked after in a series of Short Breaks and problem-solving where there might be difficulties or issues.
Notifications of Significant Events	The telephone number for the Ofsted Business Unit has been revised in this chapter.
Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)	This chapter has been entirely revised and updated and should be re-read in full.
Education of Looked After Children	The reference to Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions has been updated to link with the 2015 edition.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	Links to the BMA Consent Toolkit, the Nice Guidelines on Children's Attachment and the NCB Practice Guide: supporting young people with HIV testing and prevention have been added to this chapter.
Staying Put	A link to Staying Put: What does it mean for you? (Catch 22 National Care Advisory Service) has been added to this chapter.
Supervision and Support of Foster Carers	Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker (During Placement), has been updated to set out the requirement that the Safer Caring Plan should reviewed and that health and safety issues within the foster home (including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept) should be assessed and reviewed.
Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters	Section 5.3, Assessment, has been updated to address the issue of pets. Where applicants have pets, a risk assessment should be conducted and any associated risks should be taken into account with regard to the pet itself and where the pet is kept. Where necessary, an independent assessment should be undertaken by a vet to establish whether the dog falls within the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Inter Country Adoption	A link to the Adoption Support Fund has been added to this chapter.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	The chapter has been updated to link with and reflect the updated DfE Special Guardianship Guidance (2017), to include details of the Adoption Support Fund as the Fund now covers therapeutic support for children, living in England, who were previously in care immediately before the making of a Special Guardianship Order.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	This chapter has been added to the manual.
Relinquished Children	This chapter has been added to the manual.