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Total errors found:
4
WCAG21 A [2]:
E958 [1], P908 [1]
WCAG21 AA [2]:
E910 [1], E916 [1]
Total warnings found:
1
WCAG21 A [1]:
W889 [1]
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 282           <h2>
 282             Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions
                 in Long-Term Residential Settings
 282           </h2>
 284         </div>
 287         <div id="scope_box">
 288           <h3>
 288             SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
 288           </h3>
 289           <p>
 289             This chapter reflects statutory guidance in relation to children who are placed by health
                 authorities or local authorities for more than 3 months in residential establishments for
                 educational purposes and children placed in care homes or independent hospitals (including
                 hospices) by health authorities or local authorities (Sections 85 and 86 of the Children Act
                 1989).
 289           </p>
 290           <p>
 290             Statutory visits and monitoring of these placements are undertaken by the Responsible Authority
                 (see
 290             <a href="#definitions">
 290               Section 1.2, The Responsibilities of Authorities – Definitions
 290             </a>
 290             ).
 290           </p>
 291           <p>
 291             However, note that this guidance is not relevant for Looked After Children – who have their own
                 statutory visiting requirements (see
 291             <a href="p_sw_visits.html">
 291               Social Work Visits to Looked After Children Procedure
 291             </a>
 291             ).
 291           </p>
 292           <h3>
 292             RELEVANT GUIDANCE
 292           </h3>
 293           <p>
 293             <a href="http://www.workingtogetheronline.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 293               DfE/DoH, Working Together to Safeguard Children – A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard
                   and promote the welfare of children (2018)
 293             </a>
 293           </p>
 294           <p>
 294             <a
                 href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visiting-children-in-residential-special-schools-
                 and-colleges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 294               DfE/DoH, Statutory visits to children with special educational needs and disabilities or health
                   conditions in long-term residential settings - Statutory guidance for local authorities, health
                   bodies and health or educational establishments (2017)
 294             </a>
 294           </p>
 295           <p>
 295             <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25"
                 target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 295               DfE/DoH, Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years Statutory
                   guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have
                   special educational needs or disabilities
 295             </a>
 295           </p>
 296           <p>
 296             This chapter was added to the manual in October 2019.
 296           </p>
 297         </div>
 298         <div id="sections">
 299           <h3 id="sections_list">
 299             Contents
 299           </h3>
 300           <ol>
 301             <li>
 301               <a href="#placing">
 301                 Placing a Child in a Long Term Residential Establishment
 301               </a>
 301             </li>
 302             <li>
 302               <a href="#visiting">
 302                 Visiting By The Local Authority Representative
 302               </a>
 302             </li>
 303             <li>
 303               <a href="#arrangements">
 303                 Maintaining Contact Between Children, Young People and their Families and Community
 303               </a>
 303             </li>
 304             <li>
 304               <a href="#reports">
 304                 Reports by the Visiting Representative
 304               </a>
 304             </li>
 305             <li>
 305               <a href="#further">
 305                 Further Information
 305               </a>
 305             </li>
 306           </ol>
 307           <h3 id="placing">
 307             1. Placing a Child in a Long Term Residential Establishment
 307           </h3>
 308           <h4 id="Considerations">
 308             1.1 Considerations to be taken into Account When Placing a Child
 308           </h4>
 309           <p>
 309             Children and young people who spend long periods of time living away from home in residential
                 settings are a vulnerable group. They can be vulnerable to abuse, experience a range of poor
                 outcomes and dwindling contact with their families. The likely impact of a placement in long term
                 residential care away from home on children and young people and their families should be an
                 important consideration when making a placement. The local authority or health body making the
                 placement should look to make the placement close to home where possible.
 309           </p>
 310           <p>
 310             The Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 document; lists vulnerabilities that may
                 potentially put a child at greater need for early help. For example, children who have
                 disabilities as well as a new section on assessments for children with a disability and their
                 carers. This includes siblings who care for or support a child with a disability.
 310           </p>
 311           <ul>
 312             <li>
 312               The Local Authority must also consider whether it is necessary to provide support under section
                   2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA) 1970 within the assessment;
 312             </li>
 313             <li>
 313               The Local Authority must take into account the results of such an assessment when deciding
                   whether to provide services to the child with disabilities;
 313             </li>
 314             <li>
 314               If the Local Authority considers that the parent or carer may have support needs, it must carry
                   out an assessment under Sec.17ZD of the Children's Act 1989. Such an assessment must also
                   consider whether it is appropriate for the parent or carer to provide, or continue to provide
                   care for the child with a disability, in light of the parent or carer's needs and wishes.
 314             </li>
 315           </ul>
 316           <p>
 316             The assessment outcomes and recommendations need to be reviewed annually in order to ensure that
                 the care plan for the child with disabilities continues to be appropriate. A review of the support
                 to the parent/carer should be undertaken to ascertain if the support continues to be appropriate.
 316           </p>
 317           <p>
 317             The Children and Families Act 2014 built on measures provided in the Children Act 2004 by
                 requiring local authorities and health commissioning bodies to make joint commissioning
                 arrangements for education, health and social care provision for children and young people with
                 special educational needs and disabilities. Local authorities are also required to integrate
                 education, health care and social care provision where they consider it would promote the
                 wellbeing of such children and young people.
 317           </p>
 318           <p>
 318             Local authority staff responsible for services for children in need under the Children Act 1989,
                 should be involved in making decisions about residential placements which are being considered by
                 education and/or health colleagues.
 318           </p>
 319           <p>
 319             When arranging a residential placement, the accommodating authority should have regard to:
 319           </p>
 320           <ul>
 321             <li>
 321               The views, wishes and feelings of the child or young person and their family. This should have
                   regard to the child's maturity and their capacity to consent and the nature of the decision
                   being sought;
 321             </li>
 322             <li>
 322               Ensuring the child or young person and their family are provided with impartial information and
                   support so that they can be as fully involved as possible in making decisions about the child or
                   young person's future accommodation;
 322             </li>
 323             <li>
 323               Recognising that some disabled children and young people, such as those who have learning
                   disabilities and/or are on the autism spectrum, may need support to help them understand the
                   issues involved in relation to placements;
 323             </li>
 324             <li>
 324               Identify children and young people who may need support in communicating their wishes and
                   feelings. This will depend on their individual needs and could include use of alternative and
                   augmentative communication, British Sign Language Interpreters, and advocates, etc.
 324             </li>
 325           </ul>
 326           <p>
 326             Many children who are likely to require residential placements for consecutive periods of more
                 than 3 months will have had a holistic, multi-agency assessment or review of their needs – such as
                 an Education, Health and Care (EHC) (for those who have special educational needs), alongside
                 their Care and Treatment Review.
 326           </p>
 327           <p>
 327             There may be exceptions to this where, for example, children or young people are admitted to
                 learning disability hospitals or Assessment and Treatment Units quickly because of urgent mental
                 health needs.
 327           </p>
 328           <p>
 328             Where this is the case, such a multi-agency assessment must be undertaken as a matter of urgency.
 328           </p>
 329           <h5 id="Considering">
 329             1.1.1 Considering the Child's Status: Child in Need or Looked After
 329           </h5>
 330           <p>
 330             The statutory guidance identifies that where a child is placed away from their parents for longer
                 than 3 months it should be considered whether the child should become looked after within the
                 meaning of the Children Act 1989, particularly Section 20 of the Act.
 330           </p>
 331           <p>
 331             This decision is a judgment that can only be made after a Single Assessment has been undertaken by
                 a social worker which has included the views of the parents, and others who have parental
                 responsibility, together with the wishes of the child. The full facts and implications of consent
                 should be fully discussed with the parents, and those with parental responsibility (see
 331             <a href="p_dec_look_aft.html">
 331               Decision to Look After and Care Planning Procedure
 331             </a>
 331             ).
 331           </p>
 332           <p>
 332             'The Short breaks' chapter in
 332             <a
                 href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/f
                 ile/441643/Children_Act_Guidance_2015.pdf#page=134" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 332               DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case
                   Review (2015), 'Deciding which provision is most appropriate for the child'
 332             </a>
 332             may provide a useful framework for making such a decision.
 332           </p>
 333           <h4 id="definitions">
 333             1.2 The Responsibilities of Authorities – Definitions
 333           </h4>
 334           <p>
 334             <span class="bold">
 334               Accommodating authority:
 334             </span>
 334             The health body or local authority which is arranging the placement for a child or young person.
 334           </p>
 335           <p>
 335             <span class="bold">
 335               Host authority:
 335             </span>
 335             The local authority in which the institution providing the placement is situated.
 335           </p>
 336           <p>
 336             <span class="bold">
 336               Home authority:
 336             </span>
 336             The local authority in whose area the child or young person is ordinarily resident.
 336           </p>
 337           <p>
 337             <span class="bold">
 337               Responsible authority:
 337             </span>
 337             The local authority that is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the progress and well-being
                 of a child or young person who is placed in long-term residential care, and for arranging visits
                 in order to safeguard and promote their welfare.
 337           </p>
 338           <br>
 339           <table title="Responsibility for Visits">
 340             <caption class="hide">
 340               CAPTION: Responsibility for visits
 340             </caption>
 341             <tr class="hide">
 342               <th scope="col">
 342                 &nbsp;
 342               </th>
 343               <th scope="col">
 343                 &nbsp;
 343               </th>
 344             </tr>
 346             <tr>
 347               <td colspan="3" class="table_header">
 347                 Responsibility for Visits to Children and Young People Placed in Long-Term Residential
                     Settings
 347               </td>
 348             </tr>
 349             <tr>
 350               <td>
 350                 &nbsp;
 350               </td>
 351               <td>
 351                 Placement is within the local authority area where child is ordinarily resident –
 351                 <span class="italic">
 351                   the
 351                   <span class="bold">
 351                     home
 351                   </span>
 351                   local authority.
 351                 </span>
 351               </td>
 352               <td>
 352                 Placement is within the area of a local authority area where the child is not ordinarily
                     resident –
 352                 <span class="italic">
 352                   the
 352                   <span class="bold">
 352                     host
 352                   </span>
 352                   local authority
 352                 </span>
 352                 .
 352               </td>
 353             </tr>
 354             <tr>
 355               <td>
 355                 Child or young person is placed in a residential setting
 355                 <br />
 356                 (Under section 85 of Children Act 1989)
 356               </td>
 357               <td>
 357                 <span class="bold">
 357                   Home
 357                 </span>
 357                 local authority is the responsible authority
 357               </td>
 358               <td>
 358                 <span class="bold">
 358                   Home
 358                 </span>
 358                 local authority is the responsible authority
 358               </td>
 359             </tr>
 360             <tr>
 361               <td>
 361                 Child or young person is placed in a residential care home or independent hospital
 361                 <br />
 362                 (Under Section 86 of Children Act 1989)
 362               </td>
 363               <td>
 363                 <span class="bold">
 363                   Home
 363                 </span>
 363                 local authority is the responsible authority
 363               </td>
 364               <td>
 364                 <span class="bold">
 364                   Host
 364                 </span>
 364                 local authority is the responsible authority
 364               </td>
 365             </tr>
 366           </table>
 367           <p class="tiny_text">
 367             <span class="bold">
 367               From: DfE/DoH, Statutory visits to children with special educational needs and disabilities or
                   health conditions in long-term residential settings - Statutory guidance for local authorities,
                   health bodies and health or educational establishments (2017)
 367             </span>
 367           </p>
 368           <p>
 368             If the placement is in the area of another local authority, the responsible local authority will
                 depend on whether the placement is in an educational or a health setting.
 368           </p>
 369           <p>
 369             Where the host authority is the responsible authority as set out in the table above, it is
                 considered good practice for the accommodating authority to ensure that the home local authority
                 is also made aware of the placement without delay. The home local authority should consider
                 whether any duties are owed to the child living in their area including providing services under
                 Section 17 Children Act 1989.
 369           </p>
 370           <h4 id="Residential">
 370             1.3 Placing a Child in a Residential Establishment
 370           </h4>
 371           <p>
 371             Discussions should normally take place between the accommodating authority, the responsible local
                 authority, education, social care and health professionals, and the child or young person and
                 family, before a child or young person is placed in a residential setting. It is recognised that
                 this may not be possible when an admission is as a result of a child's urgent health needs.
 371           </p>
 372           <p>
 372             Formal notification of all placements should be made without delay so that the responsible
                 authority can fulfil its statutory duty to visit the child or young person living in their area to
                 ensure their welfare is safeguarded and promoted:
 372           </p>
 373           <ul>
 374             <li>
 374               Where a placement has been pre-planned, the responsible authority should be notified before the
                   child or young person takes up the placement;
 374             </li>
 375             <li>
 375               In other circumstances the notification should be made on the day of the placement.
 375             </li>
 376           </ul>
 377           <p>
 377             When a child or young person is placed in an educational establishment, the accommodating
                 authority must ensure that the Director of Children's Services of the local authority where the
                 child or young person is ordinarily resident (the 'home' authority) is notified of the placement.
 377           </p>
 378           <p>
 378             Where it is not the accommodating authority, it is important for the relevant Clinical
                 Commissioning Group (CCG) also to be made aware of the placement so that it is prepared for any
                 subsequent financial responsibilities for a health care element of the placement.
 378           </p>
 379           <table title="not been resident">
 380             <tr>
 381               <td class="table_row_even">
 381                 Where the child or family have not been resident in any local authority area prior to the
                     placement (where they have come from abroad for example) the accommodating authority must
                     notify the host authority – which then also becomes the Responsible Authority.
 381               </td>
 382             </tr>
 383           </table>
 384           <p>
 384             Parents or carers with parental responsibility who have children and young people with learning
                 disabilities and/or autism who are in a 52-week residential school, should be offered the
                 opportunity to have their child's name on the CCG 'at risk of admission' register (Care and
                 Treatment Review Policy 2017) to assist with strategic planning and commissioning.
 384           </p>
 385           <h5>
 385             Advocacy
 385           </h5>
 386           <p>
 386             The responsible local authority should ensure that all children and young people in long-term
                 residential placements have accessible means of requesting a visit.
 386           </p>
 387           <p>
 387             Children and young people in long-term residential placements who have communication needs may
                 require the support of an advocacy service which is skilled in methods of non-verbal
                 communication.
 387           </p>
 388           <h4 id="Independent">
 388             1.4 Placement of a Child in a Care Home or Independent Hospital
 388           </h4>
 389           <p>
 389             When a child is provided with accommodation in a care home or independent hospital/hospice the
                 Responsible Manager of the establishment must notify the local authority's Director of
                 Children's Services where it is located.
 389           </p>
 390           <p>
 390             The local authority then becomes the responsible authority for the child – irrespective of where
                 the child or young person are ordinarily resident.
 390           </p>
 391           <p>
 391             When notified of the placement, the local authority, (as the responsible authority), should inform
                 the local authority where the child/young person is ordinarily resident, so that there is general
                 awareness and can be properly involved in any element of the educational aspects of the placement.
 391           </p>
 392           <h5>
 392             Advocacy
 392           </h5>
 393           <p>
 393             Children detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 have the right to an independent advocate and
                 eligible for support from an IMHA (Independent Mental Health Advocate) irrespective of their age.
                 (Care and Treatment Review Guidance 2017).
 393           </p>
 394           <h3 id="visiting">
 394             2. Visiting By The Local Authority Representative
 394           </h3>
 395           <h4 id="Qualities">
 395             2.1 The Local Authority Representative - Required Qualities
 395           </h4>
 396           <p>
 396             The responsible local authority must provide a representative who has the skills and experience to
                 fulfil the statutory requirements and has the capacity to visit the child or young person on
                 successive visits, in order to build and maintain a relationship with the child or young person
                 and their family and develop a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
 396           </p>
 397           <p>
 397             Nevertheless, whenever possible, the Responsible Local Authority should ascertain and take into
                 account the views of the child or young person who they would prefer to carry out the visits.
 397           </p>
 398           <p>
 398             In most cases this will be a social worker with whom the child has developed a positive
                 relationship.
 398           </p>
 399           <p>
 399             Where this is not possible, the skills and experience should include:
 399           </p>
 400           <ul>
 401             <li>
 401               An ability to communicate with the child or young person and their parents – this may include
                   competence in, or access to, different forms of non-verbal communication;
 401             </li>
 402             <li>
 402               An understanding of any specific impairments and behaviours the child or young person has
                   (including behaviours that challenge) and their impact on the child or young person and on
                   family life;
 402             </li>
 403             <li>
 403               An understanding of child development and the impact of separation on a child or young
                   person's attachments;
 403             </li>
 404             <li>
 404               The ability to identify any safeguarding concerns; and
 404             </li>
 405             <li>
 405               An understanding of how to promote contact between the child or young person and their family.
 405             </li>
 406           </ul>
 407           <h4>
 407             2.2 Visits by the Local Authority Representative
 407           </h4>
 408           <p>
 408             Visits to children must be in accordance with
 408             <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1010/contents/made" target="_blank"
                 rel="noopener">
 408               Long-Term Residential Care Regulations 2011
 408             </a>
 408             .
 408           </p>
 409           <p>
 409             The identified visiting local authority representative must be sensitive to the particular care
                 circumstances of each child and care setting.
 409           </p>
 410           <ul>
 411             <li>
 411               If the child or young person has not had their needs assessed for the purposes of Section 17 of
                   the Children Act 1989 in the preceding 12 months, the responsible authority must ensure that an
                   appropriate representative visits the child within 7 working days of receiving notification of
                   the placement;
 411             </li>
 412             <li>
 412               If the child or young person has had their needs assessed for the purposes of Section 17 of the
                   Children Act 1989 within the last 12 months, and the responsible authority has full access to
                   all the relevant assessments and data, it must ensure that an appropriate representative visits
                   the child within 3 months of receiving notification of the placement;
 412             </li>
 413             <li>
 413               Subsequently, the representative must visit at least every 6 months; or
 413             </li>
 414             <li>
 414               Whenever reasonably requested to do so, if the representative believes that a visit is required
                   in order to safeguard and promote the child's or young person's welfare as a result of views
                   expressed by:
 415               <ul>
 416                 <li>
 416                   The child or young person;
 416                 </li>
 417                 <li>
 417                   Their family or carers;
 417                 </li>
 418                 <li>
 418                   Their advocate; or
 418                 </li>
 419                 <li>
 419                   By the establishment caring for the child or young person.
 419                 </li>
 420               </ul>
 421             </li>
 422             <li>
 422               Whenever a Regulatory Authority reports a concern or publishes an adverse report about the
                   Residential Home or establishment.
 422               <br />
 423               <br />
 424               <span class="bold">
 424                 Note:
 424               </span>
 424               consideration should be given as to whether a Child Protection Enquiry (Section 47 Children Act
                   1989) may be appropriate.
 424             </li>
 425           </ul>
 426           <h4>
 426             2.3 Structure and Framework of the Visit
 426           </h4>
 427           <p>
 427             <span class="bold">
 427               Before each visit:
 427             </span>
 427           </p>
 428           <ul>
 429             <li>
 429               The representative should consult with the parents/carers to establish their views about their
                   child's progress and well-being. (There may be good reasons to conduct the visit jointly with
                   the parents/carers);
 429             </li>
 430             <li>
 430               The representative should read and make themselves aware of actions set out in any previous
                   visit and expected outcomes;
 430             </li>
 431             <li>
 431               Ensure they have authenticated documents proving their identity for the purpose of entering the
                   care home or residential hospital (see
 431               <a href="#powertoenter">
 431                 note below
 431               </a>
 431               ).
 431             </li>
 432           </ul>
 433           <p>
 433             <span class="bold">
 433               During the visit:
 433             </span>
 433           </p>
 434           <ul>
 435             <li>
 435               The local authority representative must speak to the child or young person in private, unless
                   the child or young person refuses, or it is inappropriate due to the child's or young
                   person's age or levels of understanding. If the child or young person does not want a private
                   meeting, the representative should ensure they know the reasons for this and record it;
 435             </li>
 436             <li>
 436               Where children and young people have significantly impaired communication, the representative
                   should speak directly to those working most closely with the child or young person, (for
                   example, their key worker), so they can ascertain their views. Children's Communication
                   Passports
 436               <span class="tiny_text">
 436                 [1]
 436               </span>
 436               will also help the representative in doing this;
 436             </li>
 437             <li>
 437               Seek to ensure the child is safeguarded and protected;
 437             </li>
 438             <li>
 438               Confirm their health and well-being is promoted;
 438             </li>
 439             <li>
 439               The child has their positive behaviour acknowledged and their relationships are promoted;
 439             </li>
 440             <li>
 440               Ensure the child has their views heard, listened to and acted upon;
 440             </li>
 441             <li>
 441               Where the child or young person does not have an advocate, whether such a person should be
                   appointed;
 441             </li>
 442             <li>
 442               Access the Residential Home or establishment's policies and practices, particularly with regard
                   to safeguarding;
 442             </li>
 443             <li>
 443               Ensure there is the required support by staff and whether staff deployment enables and promotes
                   this;
 443             </li>
 444             <li>
 444               That the child could make a complaint or have their differences of opinion, difficulties and
                   issues responded to and resolved;
 444             </li>
 445             <li>
 445               Should review how any plans are being implemented and whether the intended outcomes for the
                   child or young person are being achieved;
 445             </li>
 446             <li>
 446               Assess and identify whether there are further steps the responsible authority should take to:
 447               <ul>
 448                 <li>
 448                   Promote the welfare of the child or young person; and
 448                 </li>
 449                 <li>
 449                   Promote contact with their family (as long as this is in the child's best interests).
 449                 </li>
 450               </ul>
 451             </li>
 452           </ul>
 453           <p>
 453             <span class="tiny_text">
 453               [1]
 453               <a href="http://www.communicationpassports.org.uk/Home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 453                 Communication Passports
 453               </a>
 453               are a practical and person-centred way of supporting children, young people and adults who
                   cannot easily speak for themselves and pull together complex information in an easy-to-follow
                   format
 453             </span>
 453           </p>
 454           <p>
 454             From Year 9 onwards, (i.e. when the child is 14 years), the visiting representative should
                 consider what preparation for adulthood is being made, including employment, independent living
                 and participation in society.
 454           </p>
 455           <p>
 455             The visit should also seek to ensure there are clear systems that are available to staff to for
                 recording welfare and contact information and ensuring key issues are addressed and reviewed
                 regularly during the placement.
 455           </p>
 456           <table title="power to enter">
 457             <tr>
 458               <td class="table_row_even" id="powertoenter">
 458                 The local authority representative has the power to enter a care home or independent hospital
                     to ensure they can meet their responsibilities and safeguard the well-being of the child. They
                     should produce an authenticated document proving their identity and make clear that they have
                     this authority.
 458               </td>
 459             </tr>
 460           </table>
 461           <h3 id="arrangements">
 461             3. Maintaining Contact Between Children, Young People and their Families and Community
 461           </h3>
 462           <p>
 462             Contact from family and significant others for children and young people living away from home on
                 a long term basis is important for them in the short and long term future, (unless there are
                 contra-indicators that this is the case). It may also indicate what status the child should be
                 placed in the establishment (see
 462             <a href="#Considering">
 462               Section 1.1.1, Considering the Child's Status: Child in Need or Looked After
 462             </a>
 462             ).
 462           </p>
 463           <p>
 463             The Responsible Authority must ensure that a child's needs are met where assessments identify
                 safeguarding and welfare needs. This includes contact with parents, carers and other significant
                 people for the child or young person. These services may include:
 463           </p>
 464           <ul>
 465             <li>
 465               Advice, guidance and counselling;
 465             </li>
 466             <li>
 466               Services necessary to enable the child or young person to visit, or be visited by, members of
                   their family, including assistance with the costs of travel; and
 466             </li>
 467             <li>
 467               Assistance to enable the child or young person and members of their family to have a holiday
                   together;
 467             </li>
 468             <li>
 468               Financial support in order to enable families to visit; and
 468             </li>
 469             <li>
 469               Particular consideration for children or young people with communication impairments to use
                   media solutions as Skype or Face Time to support contact. (Care and Treatment Review Guidance
                   2017).
 469             </li>
 470           </ul>
 471           <h3 id="reports">
 471             4. Reports by the Visiting Representative
 471           </h3>
 472           <p>
 472             Under Regulation 5 of the Visits to Children in Long-Term Residential Care Regulations 2011, the
                 representative of the responsible authority must provide a report of each visit. Reports must
                 include the representative's assessment of:
 472           </p>
 473           <ul>
 474             <li>
 474               The child or young person's wishes and feelings about the accommodation provided by the
                   residential placement, so far as the visitor has been able to ascertain them;
 474             </li>
 475             <li>
 475               Whether the child or young person's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted by placement
                   in the accommodation;
 475             </li>
 476             <li>
 476               The success of the placement, including any comments made by the child or young person or those
                   caring for the child or young person. (It would be helpful to include progress towards
                   identified outcomes);
 476             </li>
 477             <li>
 477               Whether further visits, in addition to those specified in the Regulations, are required in order
                   to safeguard and promote the child's or young person's welfare;
 477             </li>
 478             <li>
 478               Whether advocacy support was requested and provided;
 478             </li>
 479             <li>
 479               Any services which the visitor considers should be made available to promote contact between the
                   child or young person and their family; and
 479             </li>
 480             <li>
 480               Any other steps that should be taken by the responsible authority to safeguard and promote the
                   child's or young person's welfare, (these could, for example, include access to particular
                   facilities or community activity).
 480             </li>
 481           </ul>
 482           <p>
 482             The representative's reports of visits should highlight any matters of concern or difficulties so
                 that action can be discussed with their supervisor and then, as necessary, with other agencies. It
                 is important for action to address matters of concern or difficulties:
 482           </p>
 483           <ul>
 484             <li>
 484               Specifies agreed and appropriate timescales;
 484             </li>
 485             <li>
 485               Is clear who is responsible for taking action.
 485             </li>
 486           </ul>
 487           <p>
 487             Where there are serious concerns about the child's or young person's welfare and there is
                 dwindling contact with their family, the reasons for this should be fully explored and should
                 consider:
 487           </p>
 488           <ul>
 489             <li>
 489               Whether these concerns require the local authority to adopt a safeguarding approach;
 489             </li>
 490             <li>
 490               Whether the placement is appropriate to meet the child's holistic needs;
 490             </li>
 491             <li>
 491               Whether a multi-agency review should be held and, if required, brought forward;
 491             </li>
 492             <li>
 492               Whether the legal status of the child or young person should be re-considered.
 492             </li>
 493           </ul>
 494           <p>
 494             The Visiting Representative should ensure that an appropriate existing report format is used, or
                 is developed, to ensure that all the issues highlighted are covered and commented on, together
                 with an evaluation of the child or young person's progress against the aims and objectives that
                 have been established in the child's plan. The report should also identify / describe their
                 relationship with the child or young person; how they were able to communicate with them and
                 reflect whether they have made previous visits to them or their family or carers.
 494           </p>
 495           <p>
 495             A copy of the report must be sent to:
 495           </p>
 496           <ul>
 497             <li>
 497               The child or young person, unless inappropriate given their age and understanding;
 497             </li>
 498             <li>
 498               The parent's and/or any person with parental authority unless to do so would place the child or
                   young person at risk of significant harm;
 498             </li>
 499             <li>
 499               Any other person with responsibility for the child or young person's welfare, (e.g. extended
                   family);
 499             </li>
 500             <li>
 500               The local authority with responsibility for the child or young person's welfare, unless the
                   responsible authority is also the home authority.
 500             </li>
 501           </ul>
 502           <h3 id="further">
 502             5. Further Information
 502           </h3>
 503           <h4>
 503             National Minimum Standards and Quality Standards
 503           </h4>
 504           <ul>
 505             <li>
 505               <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-capacity-act-code-of-practice"
                   target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 505                 Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice
 505               </a>
 505               ;
 505             </li>
 506             <li>
 506               <a
                   href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/boarding-schools-national-minimum-standards
                   " target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 506                 The National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools
 506               </a>
 506               ;
 506             </li>
 507             <li>
 507               <a
                   href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/residential-special-schools-national-minimum-st
                   andards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 507                 The National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools
 507               </a>
 507               ;
 507             </li>
 508             <li>
 508               <a
                   href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-residential-accommodation-nat
                   ional-minimum-standards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 508                 Further education residential accommodation: national minimum standards
 508               </a>
 508               ;
 508             </li>
 509             <li>
 509               <a href="https://qualitystandards.proceduresonline.com/homes/contents.html" target="_blank"
                   rel="noopener">
 509                 The Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations and standards
 509               </a>
 509               .
 509             </li>
 510           </ul>
 511           <h4>
 511             Useful web links
 511           </h4>
 512           <ul>
 513             <li>
 513               <a href="http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/who-we-are" target="_blank"
                   rel="noopener">
 513                 Council for Disabled Children
 513               </a>
 513               ;
 513             </li>
 514             <li>
 514               <a href="https://contact.org.uk/parentcarerparticipation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 514                 Contact a Family
 514               </a>
 514               ;
 514             </li>
 515             <li>
 515               <a href="http://www.nnpcf.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
 515                 National Network of Parent Carer Forums
 515               </a>
 515               ;
 515             </li>
 516             <li>
 516               <a href="http://www.gov.uk/childrens-education-advisory-service" target="_blank"
                   rel="noopener">
 516                 Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS)
 516               </a>
 516               .
 516             </li>
 517           </ul>
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