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282 <h2>
282 Looked After Reviews
282 </h2>
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287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 RELATED CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 <a href="p_app_role_iro.html">
289 Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers Procedure
289 </a>
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 <span class="bold">
290 Note
290 </span>
290 that different provisions apply to children who acquire Looked After status as a result of a
remand to local authority accommodation or Youth Detention Accommodation. In relation to those
children, please see
290 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html#care_planning">
290 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure, Care
Planning for Young People on Remand or Youth Detention Accommodation
290 </a>
290 .
290 </p>
291 <h3>
291 AMENDMENT
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 <a href="#role_looked_after">
292 Section 9 The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child
292 </a>
292 was amended in October 2018 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.
292 </p>
293 </div>
294 <div id="sections">
296 <h3 id="sections_list">
296 Contents
296 </h3>
297 <ol>
298 <li>
298 <a href="#purp_rev">
298 The Purpose of Looked After Reviews
298 </a>
298 </li>
299 <li>
299 <a href="#freq_rev">
299 Frequency of Looked After Reviews
299 </a>
299 </li>
300 <li>
300 <a href="#chairing_review">
300 Chairing of Reviews
300 </a>
300 </li>
301 <li>
301 <a href="#convening">
301 Convening Looked After Reviews
301 </a>
301 </li>
302 <li>
302 <a href="#invitations">
302 Invitations and the Child's Participation
302 </a>
302 </li>
303 <li>
303 <a href="#role_social">
303 The Role of the Social Worker
303 </a>
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 <a href="#supporters_int">
304 Supporters and Interpreters
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 <a href="#indep_rev_resp">
305 Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 <a href="#role_looked_after">
306 The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#la_rev_long_term">
307 Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#lac_sub_cpp">
308 Looked After Reviews on Children who are the Subject of Child Protection Plans
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#recording_look">
309 Recording of Looked After Reviews
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#rev_dec">
310 Review Decisions
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#monit_reviews">
311 Monitoring of Review Decisions
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 <a href="#conflict_resolution">
312 Escalation Policy for Child Protection and Looked After Children
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 </ol>
314 <h3 id="purp_rev">
314 1. The Purpose of Looked After Reviews
314 </h3>
315 <p>
315 A Looked After Review must take place before any significant change is made to the child's Care
Plan, unless that is not reasonably practicable, including a decision to cease looking after a
child.
315 </p>
316 <p>
316 Looked After Reviews should normally be conducted at a meeting although this may not be required
in respect of a child who has been in a designated Long-term Foster Placement for over twelve
months (see
316 <a href="#la_rev_long_term">
316 Section 10, Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements
316 </a>
316 ).
316 </p>
317 <p>
317 The purpose of the Looked After Review is to:
317 </p>
318 <ul>
319 <li>
319 Ensure that appropriate plans are in place to safeguard and promote the overall welfare of the
Looked After child in the most effective way and achieve permanence for them within a timescale
that meets their needs;
319 </li>
320 <li>
320 To monitor the progress of the plans and ensure they are being progressed effectively;
320 </li>
321 <li>
321 To make decisions, as necessary, for amendments to those plans to reflect any change in
knowledge and/or circumstances;
321 </li>
322 <li>
322 To ensure the needs of children looked after as a result of a secure remand are met;
322 </li>
323 <li>
323 To ensure that an Eligible Young Person moving into semi-independent accommodation is ready and
prepared to move;
323 </li>
324 <li>
324 For a young person living in foster care, the first Looked After Review following their 16th
birthday should consider whether a Staying Put arrangement (whereby the young person remains in
the foster home after the age of 18) should be an option.
324 </li>
325 </ul>
326 <p>
326 It is important that decisions taken at Looked After Reviews are implemented and responsibility
for actions clearly defined.
326 </p>
327 <p>
327 The key plans that should be considered at a Looked After Review are:
327 </p>
328 <ul>
329 <li>
329 Care Plan;
329 </li>
330 <li>
330 Permanence Plan;
330 </li>
331 <li>
331 Health Care Plan;
331 </li>
332 <li>
332 Pathway Plan if applicable;
332 </li>
333 <li>
333 Personal Education Plan (PEP);
333 </li>
334 </ul>
335 <p>
335 The review should also take account of the child's Placement Plan (recorded on the Placement
Information Record) and any other plans or strategies (e.g. behaviour management strategy),
ensuring that they are up to date, or that arrangements are in place to update them.
335 </p>
336 <h3 id="freq_rev">
336 2. Frequency of Looked After Reviews
336 </h3>
337 <table class="borderless" title="section 2 - Frequency of Looked After Reviews">
338 <tr>
339 <td>
339 <p>
339 2.1
339 </p>
339 </td>
340 <td>
340 <p>
340 Normally, Looked After Reviews should be convened at the following intervals
340 </p>
340 </td>
341 </tr>
342 <tr>
343 <td style="width:3%">
343 <p>
343 2.2
343 </p>
343 </td>
344 <td>
344 <p>
344 In relation to children placed with prospective adopters or where there is Authority to
Place for Adoption, see the
344 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
344 Adoption Reviews Procedure
344 </a>
344 .
344 </p>
344 </td>
345 </tr>
346 <tr>
347 <td style="width:3%">
347 <p>
347 2.3
347 </p>
347 </td>
348 <td>
348 <p>
348 Looked After Reviews should be brought forward by an IRO where the circumstances of an event
has a significant impact upon the child's care plan, as suggested in the following sorts of
circumstances:
348 </p>
349 <ul>
350 <li>
350 A proposed change of care plan for example arising at short notice in the course of
proceedings following directions from the court;
350 </li>
351 <li>
351 Where agreed decisions from the review are not carried out within the specified timescale;
351 </li>
352 <li>
352 Major change to the contact arrangements;
352 </li>
353 <li>
353 Changes of allocated social worker;
353 </li>
354 <li>
354 Any safeguarding concerns involving the child, which may lead to enquiries being made
under Section 47 of the 1989 Act ('child protection enquiries') and outcomes of child
protection conferences, or other meetings that are not attended by the IRO;
354 </li>
355 <li>
355 Complaints from or on behalf of the child, parent or carer;
355 </li>
356 <li>
356 Unexpected changes in the child's placement provision which may significantly impact on
placement stability or safeguarding arrangements;
356 </li>
357 <li>
357 Significant changes in birth family circumstances for example births, marriages or deaths
which may have a particular impact on the child;
357 </li>
358 <li>
358 If the child is charged with any offence leading to referral to youth offending services,
pending criminal proceedings and any convictions or sentences as a result of such
proceedings;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 If the child is excluded from school;
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 If the child has run away or is missing from an approved placement;
360 </li>
361 <li>
361 Significant health, medical events, diagnoses, illnesses, hospitalisations, or serious
accidents; and panel decisions in relation to permanency.
361 <br>
362 <br>
363 <span class="tiny_text">
363 (DfE Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and
Case Review)
363 </span>
363 </li>
364 </ul>
364 This is not an exhaustive list and the IRO may judge that other events are significant and
require an earlier review. The parents and child should also be consulted about the need for
an additional review.
364 </td>
365 </tr>
366 </table>
367 <h3 id="chairing_review">
367 3. Chairing of Reviews
367 </h3>
368 <p>
368 Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO's) will chair reviews. They are located within the Independent
Review and Conferencing Team.
368 </p>
369 <p>
369 The IRO's responsibilities are outlined in
369 <a href="#indep_rev_resp">
369 Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities
369 </a>
369 .
369 </p>
370 <p>
370 See also
370 <a href="p_app_role_iro.html">
370 Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers Procedure
370 </a>
370 .
370 </p>
371 <p>
371 If the allocated IRO cannot attend the meeting and it is important that the review meeting is not
delayed, the meeting will be chaired/attended by a substitute IRO.
371 </p>
372 <h3 id="convening">
372 4. Convening Looked After Reviews
372 </h3>
373 <h4>
373 4.1 Arranging the first review
373 </h4>
374 <p>
374 As soon as a child becomes Looked After, the child's social worker will start the Looked After
process on Liquid Logic. The Placement team complete the process and send a notification to the
Looked After Administrators and the Virtual School.
374 </p>
375 <p>
375 This will trigger the appointment of an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) for the child. The
Service Manager of the Independent Review and Conference Team will then allocate a named IRO and
send an email to both the social worker and the Independent Review Unit. They will then arrange
the date, time and venue of the child's first Looked After Review.
375 </p>
376 <p>
376 The Looked After Administrators will send out invites to the review, a list of which will be sent
by the social worker to the administrators.
376 </p>
377 <p>
377 The venue will be agreed with the social worker and the allocated IRO - ideally the review should
take place in the placement.
377 </p>
378 <h4>
378 4.2 Arranging second and subsequent reviews
378 </h4>
379 <p>
379 At the end of each review the IRO will set the date, time and venue of the next review, taking
account of what is convenient for review participants, in particular the child/young person.
379 </p>
380 <p>
380 Review dates cannot be rearranged unless there are exceptional circumstances and then only if the
rearranged meeting can take place within statutory timescales, in which case the new date should
be agreed by the social worker with the IRO and the Looked After Administrators who will inform
the other participants.
380 </p>
381 <p>
381 In the event of a key participant being ill or unable to attend the review, the meeting will go
ahead but the IRO may decide that the review be adjourned to a new date when all participants can
attend - see
381 <a href="#indep_rev_resp">
381 Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities
381 </a>
381 .
381 </p>
382 <p>
382 Should the child cease to be Looked After before the review date, the child's social worker will
notify the Independent Review and Conferencing Team who will notify the IRO and other prospective
attendees that the review is cancelled and why.
382 </p>
383 <h3 id="invitations">
383 5. Invitations and the Child's Participation
383 </h3>
384 <p>
384 Discussion should take place between the social worker and the child (subject to age and
understanding) at least 20 working days before the meeting about who the child would like to
attend the meeting and where the meeting will be held.
384 </p>
385 <p>
385 Invitations to reviews will be sent by the Looked After Administrators following consultation with
the child's social worker and the IRO, who will decide who should be invited in consultation with
the child. Invitations to reviews and consultation documents should be sent out to all those
participating in the review at least 10 working days before the meeting.
385 </p>
386 <p>
386 The following people should normally be invited:
386 </p>
387 <ul>
388 <li>
388 The child. There is a presumption that the child will attend the review. A child's disability
must not be a bar to the child's attendance;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 The parents and those with Parental Responsibility, carers and any significant people or
specialists involved in the child's case, (except as set out below);
389 </li>
390 <li>
390 The supervising social worker, if the child is placed with foster carers;
390 </li>
391 <li>
391 The link worker if the child is in residential care;
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 The most appropriate teacher at the child's school (usually the Designated Teacher for looked
after children);
392 </li>
393 <li>
393 A Personal Adviser, if the child is over the age of 16;
393 </li>
394 <li>
394 An Independent Visitor, if involved;
394 </li>
395 <li>
395 If required, an interpreter;
395 </li>
396 <li>
396 Any other person with a legitimate interest in the child e.g. health care professional, GP, a
representative from the Local Authority in whose area it is proposed that the child will be
placed; (Such attendance should always be discussed with the child before invitations are made
and his/her views obtained);
396 </li>
397 <li>
397 The officer with lead responsibility for implementing the authority's duty to promote the
educational achievement of its looked after children.
397 </li>
398 </ul>
399 A balance must be struck in relation to who the child wishes to be present and the need for
information and input from the professionals and family members involved. The IRO Handbook states
that the review should be seen as a process and not always a single meeting. Efforts should be made
to keep the number present at the review as small as possible. It may be appropriate for information
to be provided in writing or at a separate meeting where the contribution is strictly factual.
400 <p>
400 Children and parents should also be informed that they can arrange to see the IRO separately if
they wish or bring a supporter or interpreter to the review.
400 </p>
401 <p>
401 Where the child does not wish to attend the review, the IRO must at the very least speak to the
child before the review - wherever possible in a face to face meeting.
401 </p>
402 <p>
402 The child's social worker must ensure that children and families have been given information about
the Complaints Procedure. They should provide the child with details of independent advocacy
services who may provide support if the child requires it.
402 </p>
403 <p>
403 See
403 <a href="#supporters_int">
403 Section 7, Supporters
403 </a>
403 .
403 </p>
404 <p>
404 A decision not to invite a child or parent(s) to a review should only be made in exceptional
circumstances and in consultation with the IRO, prior to the review. The decision should be
recorded, together with reasons, on the review document and child's record.
404 </p>
405 <p>
405 There may be exceptional circumstances where the child's social worker, in consultation with the
IRO decides that the attendance of the carer at all or part of the review meeting will not be
appropriate or practicable. Where this is the case, a written explanation of the reasons should be
given and other arrangements made for the carer to contribute to the review process. Details of
the reasons why a carer is excluded and a record of their input should be placed on the child's
case record.
405 </p>
406 <p>
406 Where any other invited person cannot attend, the IRO may agree that a delegate attend instead.
406 </p>
407 <h3 id="role_social">
407 6. The Role of the Social Worker
407 </h3>
408 <p>
408 The child's social worker must discuss the purpose of the review with the child, parents and
carers and consult the child about invitations at least 20 working days before the review meeting.
408 </p>
409 <p>
409 Where the child wishes to chair their own review, the social worker should inform the IRO.
409 </p>
410 <p>
410 In all cases, the child and parent(s) should be encouraged and supported by the social worker to
prepare for the review, in writing or other ways if they wish, for example by seeing the IRO
separately. The social worker should agree with the IRO how this will be achieved. This requires
early consultation between the social worker and the IRO, and should be part of a thorough
preparation of all the key issues for the review.
410 </p>
411 <p>
411 The child's social worker must also ensure the child's IRO is kept informed of any significant
changes in the child's circumstances and the outcomes of any other meetings held as part of the
review process, which consider aspects of the child's Care Plan. In addition, the social worker
must notify the IRO if they believe that decisions made at a review are no longer appropriate
because of a change in circumstances.
411 </p>
412 <p>
412 Where the child has been or is the subject of Court proceedings, the social worker should ensure
the IRO has clear information of the child's legal status and the Court timetable.
412 </p>
413 <p>
413 Prior to the review, the social worker must ensure the child's records and plans are up to date,
for example, that they include records of the placement visits and the last date when the
child's sleeping accommodation was seen. Any changes in household membership need to be clearly
recorded.
413 </p>
414 <p>
414 The social worker must send the IRO the following documents
414 <span class="bold">
414 2 working days before an Initial Review and 3 working days before a subsequent review:
414 </span>
414 </p>
415 <ul>
416 <li>
416 Review of Arrangement Report;
416 </li>
417 <li>
417 Care Plan or Pathway Plan;
417 </li>
418 </ul>
419 <p>
419 Copies of these documents should be brought to the review by the social worker for all review
participants.
419 </p>
420 <p>
420 In addition, the child's social worker should bring to the review the following documents for the
IRO:
420 </p>
421 <ul>
422 <li>
422 All completed consultation documents (the social worker is responsible for sending these to the
child, carers and family members as appropriate).
422 </li>
423 <li>
423 Health Care Plan;
423 </li>
424 <li>
424 Personal Education Plan;
424 </li>
425 <li>
425 Any other relevant reports by professionals.
425 </li>
426 </ul>
427 <p>
427 It is not necessary to copy these for all participants. The IRO may have a pre meeting with the
social worker to review the relevant aspects of the Health Action Plan and Personal Education
Plan. The IRO will then summarise these documents during the review and provide information about
the discussion with the social worker as appropriate.
427 </p>
428 <p>
428 After the review, the social worker is responsible for updating the Care Plan within 10 working
days, in relation to any changes to the Care Plan agreed at the review.
428 </p>
429 <p>
429 The social worker should also update the Permanence Plan, Health Care Plan and Personal Education
Plan as required, and arrange for a Pathway Plan to be completed/updated, if relevant.
429 </p>
430 <p>
430 The social worker should also ensure that the child's Placement Plan (recorded on the Placement
Information Record) is updated.
430 </p>
431 <p>
431 Where the child and/or the parents are unable to attend the review, the social worker must ensure
that they are informed in writing of the outcome.
431 </p>
432 <p>
432 See also
432 <a href="p_app_role_iro.html#duty_soc_worker">
432 Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers Procedure, Duty of Social Worker to Keep
IRO Informed
432 </a>
432 .
432 </p>
433 <h3 id="supporters_int">
433 7. Supporters and Interpreters
433 </h3>
434 <p>
434 The social worker and IRO should consider prior to the review whether either the child or
parent(s) would benefit from the presence of a supporter or advocate and if so, the social worker
should ensure the necessary arrangements are made. A supporter may be either an advocate on behalf
of the child/parent(s) or a person with specialist skills or knowledge.
434 </p>
435 <p>
435 It may also be necessary for the social worker to make arrangements for an interpreter to attend.
Special needs, for example those arising from disability, should always be considered and
appropriate assistance arranged where relevant.
435 </p>
436 <p>
436 Any request by the child or parent(s) for their legal adviser to attend as their supporter should
be notified to the IRO prior to the review and arrangements made where appropriate for the
attendance at the review of a local authority legal adviser.
436 </p>
437 <h3 id="indep_rev_resp">
437 8. Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities
437 </h3>
438 <p>
438 The IRO's role is to chair Looked After Reviews and monitor the appropriateness of the Care Plan
(on an ongoing basis including whether any safeguarding issues arise), its implementation and to
establish whether the milestones set out in the plan are being achieved in a timely way.
438 </p>
439 <p>
439 See also
439 <a href="p_app_role_iro.html">
439 Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers Procedure
439 </a>
439 , which sets out in detail to role of the IRO outside the Looked After Review.
439 </p>
440 <p>
440 In relation to their role at reviews, a key task for all IRO's is to ensure that the review
process is child and family centred and that the child's views are heard. They should be satisfied
that disabled children's contributions are obtained and effectively presented in the review.
440 </p>
441 <p>
441 The IRO should consult the child about their Care Plan at each review and at any time that there
is a significant change to the Care Plan. The IRO should meet the child before the first Looked
After Review and arrange to meet the child as appropriate in advance of subsequent Looked After
Reviews.
441 </p>
442 <p>
442 The IRO must be satisfied that the wishes and feelings of the child's parents, any person who is
not a parent but who has parental responsibility and the current carer (foster carer or registered
person in respect of a children's home) have been taken into account as part of the review
process.
442 </p>
443 <p>
443 Wherever possible, the child should be encouraged to chair the meeting and in these circumstances
the IRO will assist the child. In all other cases, the IRO will chair the review - see
443 <a href="#chairing_review">
443 Section 3, Chairing of Reviews
443 </a>
443 .
443 </p>
444 <p>
444 More than one meeting may be required to ensure the views of relevant people inform the review
without the meeting becoming too large. For example it may be appropriate to hold a meeting
involving the child prior to a meeting involving the parent to obtain information and ascertain
the views of both where the child does not wish to attend a review with their parents present.
444 </p>
445 <p>
445 The IRO is responsible for ensuring that all relevant people, including the child and parents,
understand the purpose of the review and have been given appropriate opportunities to contribute
and express their views. The IRO should also ensure that relevant consultation has taken place
with those professionals who are not in attendance at the meeting.
445 </p>
446 <p>
446 Where participants' views are not followed, an explanation of the reasons why needs to be provided
by the IRO and/or the social worker. Any differences of opinion should be recorded in the
minutes.
446 </p>
447 <p>
447 If the parent(s) or the child brings a supporter, the IRO will need to explain their role,
ensuring that the supporter understands that their may clarify information but may not
cross-examine any contributor.
447 </p>
448 <table title="law society guidance and code of conduct">
449 <tr>
450 <td class="table_row_even">
450 <p>
450 Where the 'supporter' is a legal representative then the IRO should note The Law Society
guidance '
450 <a
href="http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/advice/practice-notes/attendance-of-soli
citors-at-local-authority-children-act-meetings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
450 Attendance of solicitors at local authority Children Act Meetings
450 </a>
450 ' and related '
450 <a href="http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/handbook/code/content.page" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
450 Code of Conduct (2011)
450 </a>
450 '.
450 </p>
451 <p>
451 All solicitors attending these meetings should be aware of the local policies and procedures
in respect of Children Act Meetings.
451 </p>
451 </td>
452 </tr>
453 </table>
454 <p>
454 The agenda for each review will be agreed at the beginning of the meeting and each participant
will be invited to contribute their own items to the agenda and have the opportunity to contribute
to the discussion.
454 </p>
455 <p>
455 The IRO will decide on what actions in principle are necessary to meet the child's reviewed needs
and make recommendations as to how these should be achieved.
455 </p>
456 <p>
456 The IRO may adjourn a review meeting once, for not more than 20 working days, if not satisfied
that sufficient information has been provided by the Local Authority to enable proper
consideration of any of the factors to be considered.
456 </p>
457 <p>
457 The IRO should consider the effects on the child of delaying the meeting, and seek the wishes and
feelings of the child, carer and parents where appropriate.
457 </p>
458 <p>
458 No proposal under consideration at the adjourned review can be implemented until the review has
been completed.
458 </p>
459 <p>
459 It will be necessary for the IRO to ensure decisions are clear and establish who is responsible
for action and the timescales agreed for completion. The IRO should ensure that the following are
considered and accounted for during the review:
459 </p>
460 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
461 <li>
461 The effect of any change in the child's circumstances since the last review, any change made to
the Care Plan, whether decisions taken at the last review have been successfully implemented and
if not the reasons;
461 </li>
462 <li>
462 Whether any change should be sought in the child's legal status;
462 </li>
463 <li>
463 Whether there is a plan for permanence;
463 </li>
464 <li>
464 Arrangements for contact/whether there is any need for changes to the arrangements in order to
promote contact between the child and parents/other Connected Persons;
464 </li>
465 <li>
465 Whether the placement continues to be the most appropriate available, whether any change to the
placement agreement or any other aspect of the arrangements is likely to become necessary before
the next review;
465 </li>
466 <li>
466 Whether the placement safeguards and promotes the child's welfare, and whether any safeguarding
concerns have been raised;
466 </li>
467 <li>
467 The child's educational needs, progress and development and whether any change is likely to
become necessary or desirable before the next review, including consideration of his/her most
recent assessment of progress and development; whether the arrangements are meeting the
child's educational needs; whether the child has a Personal Education Plan (PEP) and whether its
content provides a clear framework for promoting educational achievement;
467 </li>
468 <li>
468 The child's leisure interests and activities and whether the arrangements are meeting his/her
needs;
468 </li>
469 <li>
469 The child's health report, and whether any change in health care arrangements is likely to be
necessary or desirable before the next review; whether the content of the Health Plan provides a
clear framework for promoting the child's health; whether the arrangements are meeting the
child's health needs;
469 </li>
470 <li>
470 Whether the child's needs related to identity are being met and whether any change is required
having regard to the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural background;
470 </li>
471 <li>
471 Whether the arrangements for advice, support and assistance continue to be appropriate and
understood by the child;
471 </li>
472 <li>
472 Whether any arrangements need to be made for the time when the child will no longer be looked
after;
472 </li>
473 <li>
473 The child's wishes and feelings and the views of the IRO about any aspect of the case and in
particular about any changes made since the last review or proposed to be made to the Care Plan;
whether the plan fulfils the duty to safeguard and promote the child's welfare and whether it
would be in the child's interests for an Independent Visitor to be appointed;
473 </li>
474 <li>
474 Where the child is placed with parents before an assessment is completed, the frequency of the
social worker's visits;
474 </li>
475 <li>
475 Whether the delegation of authority to take decisions about a child's care continues to be
appropriate and in the child's best interests;
475 </li>
476 <li>
476 Other matters which may arise should also be considered with due regard to the circumstances of
the child and the placement.
476 </li>
477 </ol>
478 <p>
478 After the review, the IRO will notify the Looked After Administrators of the way in which the
child participated in the review, together with the outcome and the date for the next review.
478 </p>
479 <p>
479 Where there is evidence of poor practice, the IRO will consider what action is needed to bring
this to the attention of the relevant and appropriate managers - see
479 <a href="#monit_reviews">
479 Section 14, Monitoring of Review Decisions
479 </a>
479 .
479 </p>
480 <p>
480 It is also the IRO responsibility to focus on conflict resolution - see
480 <a href="#conflict_resolution">
480 Section 15, Conflict Resolution
480 </a>
480 .
480 </p>
481 <h3 id="role_looked_after">
481 9. The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child
481 </h3>
482 <p>
482 The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) must check that the child's Care Plan includes a
Permanence Plan with measurable milestones and a Contingency Plan should the preferred plans not
materialise.
482 </p>
483 <p>
483 At the first review the IRO will make a recommendation that a Permanency Planning meeting is held
before the second review.
483 </p>
484 <p>
484 At the second Looked After Review, there is a requirement to focus on the Permanence Plan, to
ensure it provides permanence for the child within a timescale which is realistic, achievable and
meets the child's needs.
484 </p>
485 <p>
485 If it is considered that the chosen avenue to permanence is not viable, the IRO should ensure that
the social worker arranges as a matter of urgency to consider the most appropriate permanent
alternative.
485 </p>
486 <p>
486 At the third Looked After Review there will be a need for a Twin Track/Parallel Plan to be made
where a Permanence Plan has not been achieved. For example where a plan for rehabilitation of the
child has not been achieved, the Review should seek to establish whether the lack of progress is
as a result of drift or whether there are valid child-centred reasons, properly recorded and
endorsed by the social worker's manager. No further rehabilitation plan should be recommended
unless there are exceptional reasons justifying such a plan or where further assessment is
specifically directed by the Court. In this case, the Parallel Plan must include the active
pursuit of an alternative placement for the child.
486 </p>
487 <p>
487 All subsequent Reviews should review the progress and validity of the Permanence Plan.
487 </p>
488 <p>
488 <span class="bold">
488 Children who are Section 20 Accommodated (Children Act 1989)
488 </span>
488 : IROs should pay particular regard to children accommodated under Section 20 to ensure there is
appropriate progression of their plans and that there are no delays in respect of them having
'permanence', (which should include a return home). A High Court judgement (see Herefordshire
Council v AB [2018] EWFC 10 rtf) was critical of protracted delay in a child's planning and
failure to respond to a parent's request to have a child return home to their care under Section
20(8). Further, that the IRO, whilst recognising the issues of delay and planning, and
highlighting these to managers, did not respond more robustly (see
488 <a href="#conflict_resolution">
488 Section 15, Conflict Resolution
488 </a>
488 ).
488 </p>
489 The judgement considered that in circumstances where the threshold criteria (for Care / Supervision
Orders) under Section 31 Children Act 1989 are met, (i.e. where a child is at risk of significant
harm, or the likelihood of significant harm), then care proceedings should be issued without delay.
490 <h3 id="la_rev_long_term">
490 10. Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements
490 </h3>
491 <p>
491 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441643/Children_Ac
t_Guidance_2015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
491 Paragraph 4.17 of The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning,
Placement and Case Review
491 </a>
491 sets out that where a child is placed in a designated long-term foster placement and has been in
this placement for more than a year consideration should be given to whether it is necessary to
hold a meeting as part of each review.
491 </p>
492 <p>
492 The guidance requires that the social worker should consult the IRO and the child (where
appropriate to age and understanding) in reaching a decision on whether to hold a meeting. Where
it is agreed that a meeting will not be held as part of every review a meeting should be held at
least once a year. The factors leading to a decision to hold review meetings on a less frequent
basis must be recorded in the child's Care Plan.
492 </p>
493 <p>
493 Where a decision is taken that the review process will not include a meeting the IRO must ensure
that full consultation with all relevant individuals, including the child, has taken place to
inform the review of the child's case.
493 </p>
494 <p>
494 It is Bexley's policy that all children who are looked after have a review involving a meeting
every six months.
494 </p>
495 <h3 id="lac_sub_cpp">
495 11. Looked After Reviews on Children who are the Subject of Child Protection Plans
495 </h3>
496 <p>
496 Where a looked after child remains the subject of a Child Protection Plan, there should be a
single planning and reviewing process, led by the IRO, leading to the development of a single
plan.
496 </p>
497 <p>
497 The IRO will end the Child Protection Plan at the first review and include in the Looked After
Review Care Planning with a Safety Plan.
497 </p>
498 <p>
498 The timing of the review of the child protection aspects of the Care Plan should be as in
498 <a href="#freq_rev">
498 Section 2, Frequency of Looked After Reviews
498 </a>
498 .
498 </p>
499 <p>
499 The Looked After Review, when reviewing the child protection aspects of the plan, should consider
whether the criteria continue to be met for the child to remain the subject of a Child Protection
Plan. If the child/young person has a plan to return home within a three month timescale, the
Child Protection Plan will remain and reconsidered at the second review if the child is still
looked after.
499 </p>
500 <p>
500 Consideration must be given to ensuring that the multi-agency contribution to the review of the
Child Protection Plan is addressed within the review of the Care Plan.
500 </p>
501 <h3 id="recording_look">
501 12. Recording of Looked After Reviews
501 </h3>
502 <p>
502 It is the responsibility of the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to record the review. A
written record of the decisions and recommendations will be completed and circulated by the
Independent Review Officer to all participants within 5 working days of the meeting. This should
also be sent to the designated senior manager who will consider the decisions made at the review -
see
502 <a href="#rev_dec">
502 Section 13, Review Decisions
502 </a>
502 .
502 </p>
503 <p>
503 The full written record of the review will be completed within 15 working days of the review. The
full record should contain an accurate and comprehensive record of the meeting, or meetings, which
constituted the review and of the views of all those who attended or were consulted as part of the
review process. The record should also reflect the review process for a designated long term
foster placement where a meeting did not take place. The Looked After Administrators will send
copies out to all relevant parties who have provided their full name and address on the attendance
sheet within 20 working days of the completion of the review.
503 </p>
504 <p>
504 The decisions should have any identifying details removed as necessary, for example,
exceptionally, the address of the placement.
504 </p>
505 <p>
505 Where parents do not attend the review/part of the meeting and contribute their views in some
other manner, a discussion should take place between the social worker and the IRO as to whether
it is in the child's interest for the parents to receive a full record of the review, and, if not,
what written information should be sent to them. Examples of where this should be a consideration
are where there is a 'no contact order' or supervised contact only.
505 </p>
506 <h3 id="rev_dec">
506 13. Review Decisions
506 </h3>
507 <p>
507 A Team Manager should consider the decisions made at each Looked After Review within five working
days of receiving them and to advise the IRO and all those who attended the review if they are
unable to agree them.
507 </p>
508 <p>
508 If no response is received the decisions should be considered agreed by the Local Authority and
should be implemented within the timescales set out in them.
508 </p>
509 <p>
509 If the Team Manager disagrees with any of the decisions within that initial five working day
period, this should be notified in writing to the IRO and all those who attended the review.
509 </p>
510 <p>
510 In the first instance the IRO should attempt to resolve the issue informally. If this is not
successful the IRO can consider activating the local dispute resolution process - see
510 <a href="#conflict_resolution">
510 Section 15, Conflict Resolution
510 </a>
510 .
510 </p>
511 <h3 id="monit_reviews">
511 14. Monitoring of Review Decisions
511 </h3>
512 <p>
512 The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) plays an important part in the quality assurance function
of the local authority's service for looked after children, it will be important that they
recognise and report on good practice by individuals or teams.
512 </p>
513 <p>
513 It is important for the IRO to have a collaborative relationship with the social workers and their
managers.
513 </p>
514 <p>
514 Monitoring sheets must be completed by the IRO after every review meeting in order that accurate
data is reported for audit, quality assurance and individual performance management. This
information is then coordinated by the Service Manager of the Independent Review and Conference
Team and reported in the monthly manager's report.
514 </p>
515 <p>
515 Where there is evidence of poor practice, the IRO should, wherever practicable, address these
issues through the normal channels, contacting the social worker's manager and where necessary the
Independent Review Unit Service Manager.
515 </p>
516 <h3 id="conflict_resolution">
516 15. Escalation Policy for Child Protection and Looked After Children
516 </h3>
517 <p>
517 <a href="files/escalation_policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
517 Click here to view the Escalation Policy for Child Protection and Looked After Children
517 </a>
517 .
517 </p>
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