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Amendments
March 2024
Shared Information
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
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. |
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Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities |
This chapter has been amended to include information from Special Educational Needs and Disability: Improving Local Authority Decision Making - Report of the Administrative Justice Council’s Working Group on Special Educational Needs and Disability. |
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. |
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Section 4, Different Situations whereby Children may be Living with Family and Friend Carers has been updated to include information about Ukrainian children being cared for my family and friends in the UK. |
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This chapter has been refreshed. |
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Section 2, Ordinary Residence has been updated in line with case law. |
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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 Revised Practice Guidance on the Court’s Approach to Unregistered Placements (October 2023). |
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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 Revised Practice Guidance on the Court’s Approach to Unregistered Placements (October 2023). |
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Additional information has been added about online safety. |
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This chapter has been refreshed. |
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This chapter has been refreshed and a link has been added to the National Early Permanence Practice Standards (Coram Centre for Early Permanence). |
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| Next Update: September 2024 |
Archive - Shared
September 2023
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | Amendments have been made to reflect case-law in relation to assessing legal capacity. |
| Case Records and Retention | This chapter has been updated. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Information in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adoptive parents in First Tier Tribunal appeals has been added into Section 15, Resolving Disagreements. It has also been updated to include information from Guidance: Area SEND Inspections Framework and Handbook (November 2022). |
| Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | This chapter has been updated to include information from the UK Social Work Practice in Safeguarding Disabled Children and Young People report. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Information in relation to the National Age Assessment Board has been added into Section 4, Assessment. |
| Decision to Look After | Section 3, Section 20 Accommodation has been updated in line with case-law. |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| 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). |
| Health and Safety | Information in relation to allergies has been added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies. |
| 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 amended to incorporate Ofsted feedback. Additional information has been added into Section 2, Positive Behaviour Support and Section 5.4, Recording of Sanctions. |
| 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 amended to note that with effect from 1 April 2023, the leaving care allowance increased from £2,000 to £3,000. It has also been revised to include information from the revised Ofsted Inspection Framework. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern has been added. |
| Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already Adopted | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern has been added. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Ofsted Inspection | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
March 2023
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| 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). |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been amended to refer to Guidance issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. A link has been also added to Self-harm: Assessment, Management and Preventing Recurrence NICE Guidance in the Further Information section. |
| 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 in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. |
| Family Time with Parents/Adults and Siblings | Section 3, Supervised Family Time has been updated to reflect a finding by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman that the supervisor's observations of the Family Time must be clearly recorded in the child's record and shared with the parents within 3 months of the visit. |
| Children Involved in the Youth Justice System Additional National Guidance | Links have been added to A Guide to Child First - Youth Justice Board and Matters of Concern, Safeguarding Concerns, Allegations and Complaints for Children in Custody -Youth Custody Service (Youth Justice Resource Hub). |
| 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. |
| Recruitment, Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Adoption Panel | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Disruption of Adoptive Placements | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect the updated Public Law Working Group Best Practice Guidance. This includes the new interim guidance, issued by the President of the Family Division, that addresses the lawful extension of care proceedings beyond 26 weeks. Section 6.3, Placement before a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is Granted is made has been added in line with guidance that states where there is no pre-existing relationship between the child and special guardians the child should be placed on an interim basis before the special guardianship order is made. |
September 2022
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
| 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. |
| Private Fostering | A note has been added in Section 1, Definition highlighting that the legal definition of a step-parent is that they are married or civil partnered to the child's parent. If they are unmarried, or were previously married and are now divorced, they do not meet this definition so would come under private fostering regulations, unless they have Parental Responsibility by some other means e.g. a parental responsibility agreement or an order made while they were married, or a child arrangements order. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | Section 1, The Duty to Provide Aftercare Services has been updated in line with case-law. |
| Decision to Look After | This chapter has been substantially updated and should be re-read. |
| 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 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. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021). Schools should have policies and processes in place to ensure all concerns about all adults working in or on behalf of the school or college (including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors) are dealt with promptly and appropriately. See Section 8.3, Protecting Children with a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children from Adults Who May Pose a Risk to Them and/or Other Children in the School. |
| Personal Care and Relationships | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Behaviour Management and Safe Caring | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Restrictive Physical Intervention | A link has been added to the Ofsted good practice guidance which is non statutory - Guidance: Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish (Ofsted). |
| Leaving Care and Transition | 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 Scope of This Chapter). |
| Fostering Panel | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Care Planning | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
| Risk Assessment and Planning | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
| Providing Personalised Care | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
| NICE Guideline: Looked After Children and Young People | A link to this Guideline has been added to the manual. |
| Health and Safety | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
| Leisure Activities | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
| Youth Offending Additional National Guidance | This procedure has been added to the manual. Links have been added to the National Appropriate Adult website, the Probation Service Management of Young Adults Policy and Framework and the the HMPPS Child Safeguarding Policy Framework. |
| Training and Development of Foster Carers | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
March 2022
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated in line with case-law. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Complaints and Representations | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Children's Statutory Complaint Process: Guide for Practitioners (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman) (see Relevant Guidance). |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been refreshed and updated and includes links to related reports from the House of Commons Library (see Relevant Guidance). |
| 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 | 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 updated and should be re-read. |
| Family and Friends Care (Kinship Care) | This chapter has been revised. A new Section 7, Education has been added and information has been added on the School Admission Code. |
| 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'. |
| Out of Area Placements | Section 7, 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. Additional information has also been added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case. |
| 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. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been significantly amended to reflect 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 peer on peer abuse). The chapter has also been amended to reflect Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker: Virtual School Head Role Extension. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
September 2021
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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. |
| 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. |
| Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated 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. Information has been added in relation to NICE Quality Standard: Decision-Making and Mental Capacity. Information has also been added on a High Court case in relation to consent in the context of the use of medication to suppress puberty. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council). See in particular Section 9, Expectations of the Local Authority by the Court. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | 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. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Minor amendments have been made to this chapter in line with the UK's exit from the EEA. |
| 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 Section 4, Housing Protocols for Care Leavers). |
| 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. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | A new Section 11, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty When One or More of the Relevant Criteria Under Section 25 Children Act 1989 are Not Satisfied has been added. |
| 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. |
| Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been substantially updated and should be re-read. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. Information on the School Admission Code has been added in Section 6, When a Child Needs or Joins a New School. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated with 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. 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 Section 2.6 Care leavers leaving custody in Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) (see Section 3.9, Planning for Release). |
| 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 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. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This policy applies when a child or care leaver is discharged from hospital after having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. |
March 2021
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated 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. |
| Complaints and Representations | Information contained in this procedure has been reviewed and refreshed as required. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated and should be reread. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Section 6, Placements of Children under 13 Years has been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. |
| Out of Area Placements | Details have been added in Section 3, Placement Considerations that when a Looked after Child or young person with complex health needs and/or disabilities is moved out of the area, it is important that a comprehensive knowledge of health and allied health services is understood. Liaison about the health needs of the Child or young person needs to take place with the Looked after Health Team in Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT). |
| 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. |
| Holidays and School Trips in the UK | This guidance has been reviewed and updated. |
| Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK | This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout. Section 4, 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 5, 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:
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| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
September 2020
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Storage of Data on Mobile Devices | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
March 2020
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Assessments | In Section 1, Assessments under the Children Act 1989 a new paragraph has been added reminding social workers of their responsibilities when a child or young person has been assessed as having social care needs in relation to their SEN or disabilities. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reference and note the Family Justice Council: Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, (Family Justice Council, May 2019). (See Section 1, Introduction). |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Ofsted X (formerly known as 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 Schools OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for LAC pupils are registered with the DFE has been added. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 9, Representations / Independent Review Procedure. |
| 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 link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 6, Representations / Review Procedure. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed, and terminology has been updated where required. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 10, Representations / Independent Review Procedure. |
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | A link has been added to Attending and IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 3.2, Adoption Orders made on or after 30 December 2005. |
| 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). |
| Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance | This chapter has been updated to note the Family Justice Council: Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, (Family Justice Council, May 2019). See Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court and final paragraphs 11 and 12. |
September 2019
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Children's Consultation and Participation | The Relevant 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. |
| 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 local information. |
| 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). |
| 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). |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been significantly updated and should be re-read throughout. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended to reflect the national changes in adoption registration and matching (see Section 9, After the Panel Recommendation). |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been amended to reflect the national changes in adoption registration and matching (see Section 7.13, Inter Agency Placements and Section 11, Children Approved for Adoption for Whom no Placement has been Identified). |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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. |
April 2019
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Children's Consultation and Participation | This chapter has been updated. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been revised to reflect updated guidance on Assessment in Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | 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). In Related Guidance a link has been added to Research in Practice supporting information and guidance on the Social Work Evidence template (SWET). |
| 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. |
| 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). It has also been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Case Records and Retention | Section 1, The Case Record has been updated in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which permits the transfer of a copy of the child's case record (or part of that record) to another adoption agency when the local authority considers this to be in the interests of the child. |
| Access to Records / Subject Access Requests | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read throughout. |
| Confidentiality Policy | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| 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 fully revised. It should be re-read throughout. |
| Family and Friends Care (Kinship Care) | This chapter has been updated. |
| Relinquished Children | Section 5, Consent and Competency has been updated to include additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Additional information has been added in to Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation, in line with recent case-law. |
| 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 on Welfare Grounds | 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 Reviews | Section 9, The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child has been amended to reflect the outcome of a High Court Judgement in respect of children who were subject to Section 20 and where there were concerns of significant delays in their planning for permanence. The court noted the IROs' recognition and action over a number of reviews but acknowledged that a more robust response had been needed. |
| 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 Panel | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| 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). |
| Adoption Reviews | In Section 5, The Conduct of Adoption Reviews, bullet point 1.f has been amended to reflect the status of adopted children as being 'previously looked after' when considering their educational needs. A link to DfE guidance on Promoting the Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After children has also been added. |
| Adoption Case Records | Section 3, Security, Retention and Sharing of Records has been updated in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which provides that an adoption agency may disclose an adoption case record to another adoption agency for purposes related to either agency's functions as an adoption agency. Further information has been added in relation to adoption records where an Adoption Order is not made. |
| Later Life Letters | This chapter has been fully reviewed. |
September 2018
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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. |
| Assessments | Section 4, Communication has been updated to include reference to parents with learning disabilities. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated by adding a new Section 12, Children in Need Moving to Another Local Authority - Principles. Information and communication is important between the respective local authorities to ensure 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 | 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 Case management in Section 4, Documentation). |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter, formerly known as 'Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children' has been substantially updated and should be re-read. |
| 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 reflect that the DBS has no eligibility for 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). |
| 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. |
| Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | Section 2, Different Types of Contact has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact. |
| 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 substantially updated and should be re-read. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | Section 8, After the Panel Recommendation has been updated to clarify 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. |
| Inter Country Adoption | Section 8, Home Study has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Deprivation of Liberty | A link to this resource has been added to the manual. |
| Mental Capacity | A link to this resource has been added to the manual. |
March 2018
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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. |
| 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 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 | A link has been added to information from the Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens in relation to the responsibilities that local authorities have to ensure that children in their care have effective access to specialist legal advice so their citizenship or any entitlement to citizenship is secured. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | A link has been added to information from the Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens in relation to the responsibilities that local authorities have to ensure that children in their care have effective access to specialist legal advice so their citizenship or any entitlement to citizenship is secured. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Section 2.1, The Care Plan – Contents 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. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been amended to fully reflect the Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Guidance and Regulation 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). |
| Change of Name of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Placement for Adoption | Section 1, Planning for Permanence has 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. This chapter has also been updated 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 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness). |
| 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. |
September 2017
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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 DHSC, Care and support statutory guidance (December 2016). (See Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has been added into Related Guidance to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017). |
| Short Breaks | A link has been added to Friendship For All (The Children's Society) in the Related National Guidance and Information section. |
| Family and Friends Care (Kinship Care) | A link has been added in the Relevant Legislation and Guidance Section to Family Rights Group - Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A Good Practice Guide. This guide sets out best practice as to how viability assessments should be conducted. |
| 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. |
| Young Carers | A link has been added in Related Information to CareFree Young Carers (Barnado's) website. |
| 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 Parents | Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement has been updated to include 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. |
| Placement with Connected Persons (Kinship Care) | Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children Connected Persons has been updated to include matters that should be considered when placing a child with a Connected Person should include an initial risk assessment of any pets, together with the environment in which the pet is kept. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays) | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Health Care Assessments and Plans | A link has been added to Children's Attachment: Attachment in Children and Young People who are Adopted from Care, in Care or at High Risk of Going into Care - NICE Guidelines (NG26) in the Related Guidance section. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker (During Placement) has been updated to reflect that the Safer Caring Plan, any changes in household circumstances along with any health and safety issues including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept should be reviewed as required. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | Section 5.3, Assessments has been updated to include where the 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. |
| Placement for Adoption | A link has been added to Contact After Adoption - Research in Practice in the Related Information section. This practical resource brings 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. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Children's Consultation and Participation | This chapter deals with the Local authorities commitment to the participation of children and young people in decisions about their lives and how this is carried out. |
March 2017
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | 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'). |
| 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). |
| Case Records and Retention | A note has been added to Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality of Records with regards to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (GODDARD INQUIRY/IICSA) - The Chair of the IICSA issued a notice, dated 2nd July 2015, to all local authority chief executives. The scope of this notice is very broad. It requires that all records/information (in any format) relating to child protection, safeguarding and the provision of services to children must be retained, pending the conclusion of this national inquiry. This supersedes all other guidance relating to the retention and destruction of records, and applies to all council records, particularly those relating to Children's Services. |
| Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings | Section 1, Placement Planning Meetings has been updated with regards to the first Placement Planning Meeting in relation to a placement should be held before the placement. Where this is not possible because of the urgency of the situation, It should be held within 5 working days. The Placement Plan must be prepared for the meeting. |
| Placements with Connected Persons (Kinship Care) | Section 4, The Placement has been updated with regards to the first Placement Planning Meeting in relation to a placement should be held before the placement. Where this is not possible because of the urgency of the situation. It should be held within 5 working days. The Placement Plan must be prepared for the meeting. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge the President of the High Court's judgement regarding applications in English courts for Secure Accommodation placements in Scotland (see Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been updated 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) |
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been slightly updated and should be re-read. |
| Life Story Books Guidance | Section 1, What is a Life Story Book? has been updated with regards to it is good practice that all children who are looked after have a Life Story Book. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | In Section 7, Report to the Court, a note has been added to say: For a child in Care proceedings, the Connected Person's assessment (Form C) may be used in lieu of the Regulation 21 report; this allows the court to make a SGO if appropriate at the final hearing. For a child already on a Care Order, the child's Social Worker and the Fostering Supervising Social Worker may write a joint Regulation 21 report, and support plan. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Guidance on the Use of Written Agreements | This is based on learning from Serious Care Reviews in other LA and this contains a model written agreement which is shown as completed document using fictitious names. |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter deals with the first stages of the adoption process for relinquished children, whilst signposting other key processes that should be progressed and which are expected for any child who is Accommodated or where the plan is for adoption. It also summarises the counselling and support that will be made available to the birth family in these circumstances. Once a decision is made and consent is formally given, although not irreversible, the adoption process is as for any other child. |
March 2016
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Decision to Look After a Child | This chapter replaced the previous Decision to Look After a Child chapter and should be read throughout. |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | Section 3, Single Assessment, a link to "good practice documents produced by the ADCS Asylum Task Force who worked with the Home Office has been added. |
| Access to Records | The links to the Leicester County Council's Access to Records and the Leicester City and Rutland County Council Access to Records Procedures have been updated. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been amended to reflect current practice regarding children who are Section 20 Accommodated. Where this is case there should be no delay in issuing proceedings where required. |
| Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Short Breaks | Links have been added to the respective Short Breaks Statements in the Related Information section. This chapter reflects current practice around Single and Carers Assessment. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | The links to Leicester and Leicestershire County Councils Permanence Planning Guidance and Rutland County Council's Permanency Planning Guidance have been updated. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | Both Leicestershire County Council's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review, and Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review have been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated including a link being added to Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers: Amendments to the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations in the Relevant Guidance section. |
| Intermediary Services | Section 6, Deciding Whether to Proceed with the Application information has been added with regards to if, at any time, the intermediary agency ascertains that the subject of an application is under the age of 18, it must not proceed further with the application. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Ceasing to Look After A Child | This chapter reflects the statutory guidance 'Ceasing to look after a child' in 'Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations' as amended by the 'Care Planning and Fostering (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2015' together with Working Together to Safeguard Children. It deals with the various situations where a child may cease to become looked after. |
| Young Carers | This chapter deals with the definition, assessment and response for young carers. |
September 2015
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated including the addition of Section 3, Independent Family Returns Panel. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Short Breaks | Links have been added to the respective Short Breaks Statements in the Related Information section. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Both Rutland County Council's and Leicester City Council's and Leicestershire County Council's Permanence Planning Guidance has been updated to reflect 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review'. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect the 2015 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review'. A new Section 8, Long-Term Foster Placements has also been added. |
| Looked After Children Review | This chapter has been updated to include the requirements of the 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review' |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated in to reflect the revised visiting requirements in respect of long term foster placements as set out in 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review'. |
| Health Care Assessments and Health Plans | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Professional Pathway - Sexual Health and Pregnancy | An updated version has been added. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| The International Child Abduction and Contact Unit | This guide outlines the role of the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit. |
March 2015
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Care of Unaccompanied and Trafficked Children: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on the Care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking and Trafficked Children (2014) and should be read throughout. |
| Access to Records | This chapter has been updated in line with Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers. A new Section 8, Applications by Care Leavers has been added. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter replaces the previous chapters on Public Law Outline and Court Proceedings. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. The main changes are in relation to adoption, specifically Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters. |
| Placement with Parents | Additional information has been added into Section 1.9, Ending of Placement to take account of recent case-law. |
| Out of Area Placement | This chapter has been updated to reflect Out of Authority Placement of Looked-after Children - Supplement to The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Education of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| Contact for Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout. |
| Contact with Relatives and Overnight Stays (Sleepovers) | This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout. |
| Leaving Care and Transitions | This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout. Section 5, Education, Training and Employment, Section 9, Access to Records and Appendix 1: Needs Assessment and Content of Pathway Plans for Relevant and Former Relevant Children have been added. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. Information has been added in relation to:
|
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. A new Section 2, Duty to Provide Information Concerning Adoption Support, has been added. |
| Intermediary Services | This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Working with Foreign Authorities: Child Protection Cases and Care Orders Non Statutory Guidance | This guidance contains advice for local authorities, social workers, service managers and children's services lawyers. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This procedure sets out the specific provision under the Children and Families Act 2014 in relation to children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs or disabilities. For the purposes of the Act, 'young person' is someone aged 16-25. |
| East Midlands Protocol for Notification by Other Local Authorities for Children Placed within Local Authorities in the East Midlands (LLR LSCP Procedures) | A link to the LLR Safeguarding Children Partnership has been added. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This procedure deals with placement of a child with carers who are dually approved, i.e. approved both as prospective adopters and as local authority foster carers. |
| Child Arrangements Order | This chapter deals with issues such as who can apply, directions and conditions. |
September 2014
| Updated Chapters (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect the updated Public Law Outline came into effect on 22 April 2014, alongside the statutory 26-week time-limit for completion of care and supervision proceedings under the Children and Families Act 2014. |
| Court Proceedings | Section 1, Introduction and Section 11, Parallel Criminal Investigations have been added. |
| Education of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. Additional information has been added in new Section 1, on the requirement for local authorities to appoint an officer to promote the educational achievement of Looked After children - sometimes referred to as a 'Virtual School Head'. |
| Leaving Care and Transitions | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. Additional information has been added in Section 1, Leaving Care Assessment of Need, in relation to Staying Put. |
| New Chapters and Features (all three authorities) | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | This new chapter details the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which is a government-funded scheme to compensate victims of violent crime, administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Where a Looked After child appears to qualify, legal advice must always be sought as to whether or not an application should be made. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter sets out who must be notified of specified events in relation to Looked After Children placed in foster care or residential care |
Archive - Local
September 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Leaving Care and Transition | Local information has been updated. |
March 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Local Contact Information | This chapter has been updated. |
September 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | These details have been updated. |
January 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been updated. |
September 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Local Contact Information | This chapter has been updated. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been updated. |
March 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Assessments | Additional Information on Assessments in Leicester City has been added to this chapter. |
| Allocation of Work and Transfer between Teams | An updated version of the Step Up Step Down Process and Transfer Protocol within Social Care and Early Help Services has been added to this chapter. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | A note has been added into the Local Information section: 'Leicester City has tailored the SWETs in line with local guidance. Internal templates should be use'. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | A note has been added into the Local Information section: 'Leicester City Council has a specialist Persons from Abroad Team (PFA) who work with cases across Adults and Children's Services. All cases which approach the department should be referred to the PFA Team'. |
| Placements with Connected Persons (Kinship Care) | A note has been added into the Local Information section:
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| Placements in Secure Accommodation | A note has been added into the Local Information section: 'Placement Commissioning Service will ensure relevant financial arrangements are in place'. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | A link has been added to the Leaving care support page on the Leicester City Council website. |
| Staying Put | A link has been added to the Leaving care support page on the Leicester City Council website. |
| Financial Arrangements for Care Leavers | A link has been added to information on Financial Support for Care Leavers. |
March 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Physical Intervention | Section 2, Definition of Physical Intervention has been updated with information with regards to restraint where it includes restricting the child's liberty of movement. |
| Please note: the Fostering Procedures in this manual do not currently apply to Leicester City Council, but the Adoption Procedures do apply. For full details go to the Foster Carer's Handbook - under review. | |
September 2015
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | A link has been added in the Related Information section to Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol England (2014) – Fostering Network. |
| Please note: the Fostering Procedures in this manual do not currently apply to Leicester City Council, but the Adoption Procedures do apply. For full details go to the Foster Carer's Handbook - under review. | |
March 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Details |
| Decision to Look After a Child | Both chapters have been updated in line with Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
| Staying Put Policy | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised May 2014). |
| Staying Put Procedure | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised May 2014). |
| Please note: the Fostering Procedures in this manual do not currently apply to Leicester City Council, but the Adoption Procedures do apply. For full details go to the Foster Carer's Handbook - under review. | |