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282 <h2>
282 Decision to Look After and Care Planning
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 This procedure applies to all decisions to Look After children.
289 </p>
290 <p>
290 It should be read in conjunction with the
290 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
290 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
290 </a>
290 .
290 </p>
291 <h3>
291 NOTE
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 A child who is dealt with by a court by way of a Remand to Local Authority Accommodation or a
Remand to Youth Detention Accommodation will be a Looked After Child. The care planning
requirement will be amended in relation to such children - see
292 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html">
292 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure
292 </a>
292 .
292 </p>
293 <h3>
293 RELATED GUIDANCE
293 </h3>
294 <p>
294 <a href="http://adcs.org.uk/assets/documentation/S20_Practice_Guidance_final.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
294 ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20
294 </a>
294 </p>
295 <p>
295 <a
href="http://www.bexley.gov.uk/sites/bexley-cms/files/2017-11/Looked-After-Children-and-Leaving-Ca
re-Strategy-2017-to-2020_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
295 Bexley Looked After Children & Leaving Care Strategy 2017 – 2020
295 </a>
295 </p>
296 <p>
296 <a href="files/escalation_policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
296 Escalation Policy for Child Protection and Looked After Children
296 </a>
296 </p>
297 <h3>
297 RELATED CHAPTER
297 </h3>
298 <p>
298 <a href="p_ceasing_to_la_ch.html">
298 Ceasing to Look After a Child Procedure
298 </a>
298 </p>
299 <p>
299 <a href="files/social_resource_panel.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
299 Children's Social Care Resource and Care Panel
299 </a>
299 </p>
300 <h3>
300 AMENDMENT
300 </h3>
301 <p>
301 This chapter was amended in October 2019 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
301 <a href="#care_contents">
301 Section 2.1, The Care Plan - Contents
301 </a>
301 ).
301 </p>
302 </div>
303 <div id="sections">
305 <h3 id="sections_list">
305 Contents
305 </h3>
306 <ol>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#dec_look_aft">
307 Decision to Look After Child
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#care_plan">
308 The Care Plan
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#timescales_comple">
309 Timescales for Completion of Care Plan
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#approval_care_plan">
310 Approval of the Care Plan
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#circulation">
311 Circulation of the Care Plan
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 <a href="#other_req_plans">
312 Other Required Plans, Documentation and Actions
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 </ol>
314 <h3 id="dec_look_aft">
314 1. Decision to Look After Child
314 </h3>
315 <h4>
315 1.1 The Decision
315 </h4>
316 <p>
316 A child may not come into care without the express permission of a
316 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
316 Designated Manager (Decision to Look After)
316 </a>
316 . This will be a Head of Service or the Assistant Director.
316 </p>
317 <p>
317 Outside office hours, the Emergency Duty Team will contact the designated Duty Senior Manager on
call to make that decision.
317 </p>
318 <p>
318 Any decision to look after a child made outside office hours will be communicated by fax or email
to the relevant team by the beginning of the next working day.
318 </p>
319 <h4>
319 1.2 Considerations before a Decision to Look After is Made
319 </h4>
320 <p>
320 The decision to look after a child will only be made where those making the decision are satisfied
that:
320 </p>
321 <ul>
322 <li>
322 Suitable appropriate alternatives have been fully considered;
322 </li>
323 <li>
323 Appropriate consideration has been given to the necessity of Accommodation, the purpose and
nature of the proposed placement;
323 </li>
324 <li>
324 Whether the Accommodation provided should be via a Court Order or undertaken with Parental
Consent using Section 20 (1989 Act). In considering this the local authority should:
325 <ul>
326 <li>
326 Identify whether, under the particular circumstances, it needs to share Parental
Responsibility with the parent/carer;
326 </li>
327 <li>
327 Whether the parent is able to provide fully informed consent to an agreement for the child
to be accommodated (see
327 <a href="#obtaining">
327 Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent
327 </a>
327 ).
327 </li>
328 </ul>
329 </li>
330 <li>
330 Appropriate consultation has taken place;
330 </li>
331 <li>
331 However, where the circumstances constitute an emergency, opportunities for consultation may be
limited e.g. where a parent/carer is not available.
331 </li>
332 </ul>
333 <p>
333 Before a decision is made to look after a child, consideration must be given to making
arrangements with other extended family members or friends who might be prepared to care for the
child without the need for the child to come into care. In these circumstances, care must be taken
where the local authority has been involved in the arrangements for the child to be cared for by
relatives; the child may be viewed as within the definition of Looked After and a legal view may
be helpful to clarify the status of the child and the placement. In these circumstances, if the
child is regarded as looked after and placed with a relative or friend, the
333 <a href="p_place_conn_pers.html">
333 Placements with Connected Persons Procedure
333 </a>
333 .
333 </p>
334 <p>
334 Alternatively, the child may come within the definition of Privately Fostered after 27 days, in
which case the
334 <a href="p_private_fost.html">
334 Private Fostering Procedure
334 </a>
334 will apply.
334 </p>
335 <p>
335 <span class="bold">
335 N.B.
335 </span>
335 Any arrangements whereby the child is not regarded as Looked After would have to be agreed with
the parent or a person with Parental Responsibility, and the social worker must be satisfied that
such an arrangement is sufficiently secure to meet the child's needs and is supported by a Child
in Need Plan.
335 </p>
336 <p>
336 If no such arrangement can be identified or such an arrangement would not meet the child's needs,
the child's social worker, with his or her team manager, should consider:
336 </p>
337 <ul>
338 <li>
338 The child's immediate placement needs - including the child's views, the views of the parents,
those with Parental Responsibility and any other person whose wishes and feelings the authority
consider to be relevant - and whether a placement with a Connected Person may be possible;
338 </li>
339 <li>
339 The timescales for the child's placement;
339 </li>
340 <li>
340 A date for the child to return home or when the decision will be reviewed;
340 </li>
341 <li>
341 The actions of support and work to be included in the Care Plan to enable the necessary change
for the child to return home wherever possible - see
341 <a href="#obtaining">
341 Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent
341 </a>
341 ;
341 </li>
342 <li>
342 The obtaining of parental consent to look after the child and consent to medical care;
342 </li>
343 <li>
343 Any impact on educational arrangements;
343 </li>
344 <li>
344 The contact arrangements with birth parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
344 </li>
345 </ul>
346 <p>
346 Where it is considered that Care Proceedings should be initiated to secure the child's placement,
see also
346 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
346 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
346 </a>
346 .
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 <span class="bold">
347 N.B.
347 </span>
347 Any decision that a child should be the subject of Care Proceedings should have regard to the
requirements of the Public Law Outline, and in particular the Pre-Proceedings Checklist which is
set out in the
347 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
347 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
347 </a>
347 .
347 </p>
348 <p>
348 All decisions made should be recorded on the child's electronic record, including the reasons for
reaching the decision. (See also
348 <a href="#rec_parental_consent">
348 Recording Parental Consent
348 </a>
348 ).
348 </p>
349 <h4 id="section_20">
349 1.3 Section 20 Accommodation
350 </h4>
351 <p>
351 There are many scenarios in which Section 20 is used positively and these include situations of
family support (e.g.
351 <a href="files/short_breaks_policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
351 Short Term Breaks
351 </a>
351 ) and where parents are unable to care for children, for whatever reason, and there are no agreed
alternative family or friends to undertake this.
351 </p>
352 <p>
352 In Accommodating a child under Section 20, it must always be borne in mind that the local
authority does not have Parental Responsibility; only the parents / those carers with Parental
Responsibility can make decisions for the child. The parent/carer with Parental Responsibility can
remove the child from Accommodation at any time and any such request must be responded to promptly
by the local authority, or it must otherwise take action through the court. A number of court
cases have confirmed that a local authority failing to permit a parent to remove a child in
circumstances within Section 20(8) acts unlawfully. (See Herefordshire Council v AB [2018] EWFC 10
rtf). (See also
352 <a href="p_ceasing_to_la_ch.html">
352 Ceasing to Look After a Child Procedure
352 </a>
352 ).
352 </p>
353 <p>
353 The parents/carers should be advised of any changes in the child's circumstances whilst the child
is in local authority care.
353 </p>
354 <p>
354 It is therefore important to ensure that the parents/carers have full information about their
continuing responsibilities as well as those of the local authority and that this is enshrined in
the Care Plan and a written agreement.
354 </p>
355 <p>
355 (See also
355 <a href="files/social_resource_panel.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
355 Children's Social Care Resource and Care Panel
355 </a>
355 )
355 </p>
356 <h5 id="obtaining">
356 1.3.1 Obtaining Parental Consent
357 </h5>
358 <p>
358 A recent
358 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2017/26.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
358 Court of Appeal hearing (L B Hackney v Williams & Anor [2017] EWCA Civ 26)
358 </a>
358 confirmed that 'Consent' under any of the Section 20 provisions was not a statutory requirement as
such. It stated that the local authority has a duty to provide accommodation for children,
(subject to a parent being able to legally object and/or remove) where the person who had been
caring for them was 'prevented (whether or not permanently and for whatever reason) from providing
them with suitable accommodation or care'.
358 </p>
359 <p>
359 This, therefore, supports the local authority in its duties towards children on those occasions
where 'parental consent' cannot, for a variety of reasons, be obtained at the time of a child's
accommodation or parents cannot effect care of the child themselves.
359 </p>
360 <p>
360 Nevertheless, with regard to previous court judgments on 'consent', it reflected that they were,
'in short, good practice guidance and a description of the process that the family court expects
to be followed'.
360 </p>
361 <p>
361 Therefore obtaining Parental Consent as a matter of good practice remains an essential part of
Accommodating a child under this part of the 1989 Act. A number of court decisions have been
particularly critical of local authorities' actions with regard to consent and great care needs to
be undertaken to ensure parents have the appropriate capacity to do this.
361 </p>
362 <p>
362 Section 20 agreements are not valid unless the parent giving consent has capacity to do so, (in
cases where the father also has Parental Responsibility, the consent of both parents should be
sought). The consent needs to be properly informed and fairly obtained. Willingness to consent
cannot be inferred from silence, submission or acquiescence - it is a positive action.
362 </p>
363 Detailed guidance on the obtaining of parental consent was given by the High Court in the case of Re
CA (A Baby) (2012):
364 <ul>
365 <li>
365 The social worker must first be satisfied that the parent giving consent does not lack the
mental Capacity to do so. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a person is unable to make a
decision if (s)he is unable:
366 <ul>
367 <li>
367 To understand the information relevant to the decision;
367 </li>
368 <li>
368 To retain that information;
368 </li>
369 <li>
369 To use or weigh that information as part of the process of making the decision; or
369 </li>
370 <li>
370 To communicate his/her decision.
370 </li>
371 </ul>
372 </li>
373 <li>
373 The High Court in Re
373 <a href="http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed182616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
373 S (Child as parent: Adoption: Consent) [2017] EWHC 2729 (Fam)
373 </a>
373 set out the relevant information that a parent would need to be able to understand, retain and
weigh up in order to have competency to consent to the accommodation of a child:
374 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
375 <li>
375 That the child will be staying with someone chosen by the local authority, probably a foster
carer;
375 </li>
376 <li>
376 That the parent can change their mind about the arrangements, and request the child back
from accommodation at any time;
376 </li>
377 <li>
377 That the parent will be able to see the child.
377 </li>
378 </ol>
379 </li>
380 <li>
380 If there is doubt about Capacity, no further attempts to obtain consent should be made at that
time, and advice should be sought from a manager;
380 </li>
381 <li>
381 If satisfied that the parent has Capacity, the social worker must be satisfied that the consent
is fully informed:
382 <ul>
383 <li>
383 Does the parent fully understand the consequences of giving such a consent?
383 </li>
384 <li>
384 Does the parent fully appreciate the range of choice available and the consequences of
refusal as well as giving consent?
384 </li>
385 <li>
385 Is the parent in possession of all the facts and issues material to the giving of consent?
385 </li>
386 </ul>
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 If not satisfied that the consent if fully informed, no further attempt should be made to obtain
consent on that occasion and advice should be sought from a manager and legal advice sought if
thought necessary;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 If satisfied that the consent is fully informed, then it is necessary to be satisfied that the
giving of such consent and the subsequent removal of the child from the parent is both fair and
proportionate:
390 <ul>
391 <li>
391 What is the current physical and psychological state of the parent?
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 If they have a solicitor, have they been encouraged to seek legal advice and/or advice from
family or friends?
392 </li>
393 <li>
393 Is it necessary for the safety of the child for her to be removed at this time?
393 </li>
394 <li>
394 Would it be fairer in this case for this matter to be the subject of a court order rather
than an agreement?
394 </li>
395 </ul>
396 </li>
397 </ul>
398 <p>
398 Whether a person has capacity can sometimes be difficult to determine, as some individuals have a
learning disability or mental health problem but can present as being more 'able' than in fact
they are. Equally, within the context of 'assessing capacity', social workers should approach with
great care relying on Section 20 agreements from mothers after giving birth, (especially where
there is no immediate danger to the child and where probably no order would be made).
398 </p>
399 <p>
399 Where there is any concern about a parent / carer's capacity, the social worker should ensure they
discuss this issue with their team manager, or that the parent has information from a legal
adviser or professional advice (1).
399 <span class="bold">
399 Note
399 </span>
399 : In Coventry City Council v C, B, CA and CH (2012) EWHC2190 (Fam) it was identified that, 'every
social worker obtaining consent is under a personal duty (the outcome of which may not be dictated
to by others) to be satisfied that the person giving consent does not lack the capacity to do
so'.
399 </p>
400 <p>
400 Note that the High Court in Re S (Child as parent: Adoption: Consent) made clear that parental
Capacity to consent to a child being accommodated under Section 20 Children Act 1989, does not
equate to their capacity to consent to an adoption order in respect of the child - the capacity to
consent is decision-specific.
400 </p>
401 <p class="tiny_text">
401 (1) Note: Unless a parent is subject to Proceedings, or Letter Before Proceedings, they will be
unable to qualify for Legal Aid.
401 </p>
402 <h5 id="rec_parental_consent">
402 1.3.2 Recording Parental Consent
403 </h5>
404 <p>
404 In Re N (Children) (Adoption: Jurisdiction) [2015] EWCA Civ 1112 good practice the President of
the Family Division, Sir James Munby sets out his view in respect of good practice in the
recording of parental consent to a Section 20 agreement:
404 </p>
405 <ul>
406 <li>
406 Wherever possible the agreement of a parent to the accommodation of their child under Section 20
should be properly recorded in writing and evidenced by the parent's signature;
406 </li>
407 <li>
407 The written document should be clear and precise as to it terms, drafted in simple and
straight-forward language that the particular parent can readily understand;
407 </li>
408 <li>
408 The written document should spell out, following the language of Section 20(8), that the parent
can 'remove the child' from the LA accommodation 'at any time';
408 </li>
409 <li>
409 The written document should not seek to impose any fetters on the exercise of the parent's right
under Section 20(8). Where the parent is not fluent in English, the written document should be
translated into the parent's own language and the parent should sign the foreign language text,
adding, in the parent's language, words to the effect that 'I have read this document and I
agree to its terms'.
409 </li>
410 </ul>
411 <p>
411 See
411 <a href="local_resources.html#dec_to_la">
411 Section 20 Agreement Form
411 </a>
411 </p>
412 <h5>
412 1.3.3 The use of Section 20 prior to Court Proceedings
412 </h5>
413 <p>
413 High Court Judgements have 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.
413 </p>
414 <p>
414 Nevertheless, Section 20 may, in an appropriate case, have a proper role to play as a short-term
measure pending the commencement of care proceedings, but the Courts have strongly advised that
this should not lead to an unnecessary delay in the issuing of proceedings and cases must not be
allowed to drift, (including those cases when children are placed with relatives under a Section
20 agreement). Proceedings still need to be issued in a timely fashion.
414 </p>
415 <p>
415 The
415 <a href="http://adcs.org.uk/assets/documentation/S20_Practice_Guidance_final.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
415 ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20
415 </a>
415 seeks to clarify good practice in this area.
416 </p>
417 <p>
417 Even where a parent/carer's legal adviser has established an agreement regarding the use of
Section 20 prior to either issuing Proceedings or progressing a timely plan and timetable of work
for further assessment, these should be carefully adhered to by all parties. Any plan should be
based on the child's welfare needs and avoid delay.
417 </p>
418 <p>
418 All such agreements should be undertaken in conjunction with the local authority's Legal Services
and include a clear (written) agreement and Care Plan with the outcome considered at a Looked
After Children's Review to which the parents have been invited.
418 </p>
419 <p>
419 Where it is highly likely that proceedings will be required to determine a factual issue, or where
complex medical evidence may become involved it is better for proceedings to be issued promptly
allowing the court to manage the timetable of the case and the parents to be able to access
effective legal advice.
419 </p>
420 <h4 id="actions">
420 1.4 Actions Required after a Decision to Look After is Made
420 </h4>
421 <p>
421 In relation to children where Care Proceedings are being considered to secure the child's
placement, see also
421 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
421 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
421 </a>
421 .
421 </p>
422 <p>
422 In all cases, if it is agreed that the child should become Looked After, the child's social worker
will draw up a draft Care Plan (see
422 <a href="#care_plan">
422 Section 2, The Care Plan
422 </a>
422 ) with clear timescales and a statement as to whether the child's needs would best be met in a
family placement or residential care.
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 Where children become looked after, a decision to present the care plan for endorsement must be
made in line with the Permanence Panel Protocol.
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 If a foster or residential placement is required, the relevant procedure to be followed, including
the need to hold a Placement Planning Meeting, will be found in the
424 <a href="p_place_fost_care.html">
424 Placements in Foster Care Procedure
424 </a>
424 or the
424 <a href="p_place_resi_care.html">
424 Placements in Residential Care Procedure
424 </a>
424 .
424 </p>
425 <p>
425 Where a decision is made to pursue a Looked After placement with a relative or friend (or the
child's placement with a relative or friend is judged to be a Looked After placement), an
immediate assessment of the relative/friend must be undertaken. See
425 <a href="p_place_conn_pers.html">
425 Placements with Connected Persons Procedure
425 </a>
425 .
425 </p>
426 <p>
426 For secure placements, see
426 <a href="p_place_sec_accom.html">
426 Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds Procedure
426 </a>
426 .
426 </p>
427 <p>
427 For placements outside the local authority area, see
427 <a href="p_out_area_place.html">
427 Out of Area Placements Procedure
427 </a>
427 .
427 </p>
428 <p>
428 In the case of siblings, wherever it is in the best interests of each individual child, they
should be placed together. Where they cannot be placed together, they must be supported to
understand why they cannot live together, and there should be robust plans for contact between
them, so far as this is consistent with their welfare.
428 </p>
429 <h3 id="care_plan">
429 2. The Care Plan
429 </h3>
430 <p>
430 See also
430 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html#care_planning">
430 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure, Care
Planning for Young People on Remand or Youth Detention Accommodation
430 </a>
430 .
430 </p>
431 <p>
431 In all circumstances where a decision is made to look after a child, the child must have a Care
Plan completed by the social worker and signed by the relevant team manager, the contents of which
include:
431 </p>
432 <h4 id="care_contents">
432 2.1 The Care Plan - Contents
432 </h4>
433 <ul>
434 <li>
434 The child's Placement Plan (setting out why the placement was chosen and how the placement will
contribute to meeting the child's needs);
434 </li>
435 <li>
435 The child's Permanence Plan (setting out the long term plans for the child's upbringing
including timescales);
435 </li>
436 <li>
436 The Pathway Plan (where appropriate, for young people leaving care);
436 </li>
437 <li>
437 The child's Health Plan;
437 </li>
438 <li>
438 The child's Personal Education Plan;
438 </li>
439 <li>
439 The contingency plan;
439 </li>
440 <li>
440 The date of the child's first Looked After Review (
440 <span class="bold">
440 within 20 working days
440 </span>
440 );
440 </li>
441 <li>
441 The name of the Independent Reviewing Officer.
441 </li>
442 </ul>
443 <p>
443 <span class="bold">
443 Note
443 </span>
443 : The Care Plan must identify if there is reason to believe that the child is a victim of
trafficking, or is an unaccompanied asylum seeker and has applied for, or intends to apply for,
asylum.
443 </p>
444 <h5>
444 2.1.1 The Care Plan Where the Matter is Before the Court
444 </h5>
445 <p>
445 In addition to the above, a Care Plan should reflect that the court is required under
445 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/16/section/8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
445 Section 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends Section 31(3B) Children Act 1989
445 </a>
445 to consider the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan for the child:
445 </p>
446 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
447 <li>
447 The provisions setting out the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child - to live with a
parent/family member/family friend; adoption; or other long-term care; and
447 </li>
448 <li>
448 The plan's provisions in relation to any of the following:
449 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
450 <li>
450 The impact on the child concerned of any harm that he or she suffered or was likely to
suffer;
450 </li>
451 <li>
451 The current and future needs of the child (including needs arising out of that impact);
451 </li>
452 <li>
452 The way in which the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child would meet those current
and future needs.
452 </li>
453 </ol>
454 </li>
455 </ol>
456 <h4>
456 2.2 The Care Plan - Process
456 </h4>
457 <p>
457 Where there is no recent Assessment in relation to the child, the Care Plan must provide for an
Assessment to be completed.
457 </p>
458 <p>
458 The child's social worker is responsible for drawing up and updating the Care Plan in consultation
with:
458 </p>
459 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
460 <li>
460 The child;
460 </li>
461 <li>
461 The child's parents and those with Parental Responsibility;
461 </li>
462 <li>
462 Anyone who is not a parent but has been caring for or looking after the child;
462 </li>
463 <li>
463 Other members of the child's family network who are significant to the child;
463 </li>
464 <li>
464 The child's school or the education service;
464 </li>
465 <li>
465 The relevant health trust;
465 </li>
466 <li>
466 The Youth Offending Service, if the child is known to them;
466 </li>
467 <li>
467 Any other agency involved with the child's care.
467 </li>
468 </ol>
469 <p>
469 The social worker should ensure that the child, those with Parental Responsibility and the carer
understand the Care Plan and their role in contributing to its implementation.
469 </p>
470 <p>
470 One of the key functions of the Care Plan is to ensure that each child has a Permanence Plan by
the time of the second Looked After Review. The Care Plan is subject to scrutiny at each Looked
After Review - see
470 <a href="p_look_aft_rev.html">
470 Looked After Reviews Procedure
470 </a>
470 .
470 </p>
471 <p>
471 The Care Plan should include the arrangements made to meet the child's needs in relation to his or
her:
471 </p>
472 <ul>
473 <li>
473 Emotional and behavioural development;
473 </li>
474 <li>
474 The child's identity in relation to religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and
linguistic background;
474 </li>
475 <li>
475 Family and social relationships; arrangements for contact with sibling(s) accommodated by the
authority or another local authority; details of any Section 8 Order, in relation to a Looked
After Child; details of any order in relation to contact with a child in care; arrangements for
contact with parents/anyone with Parental Responsibility / any other Connected Person;
arrangements for the appointment of an Independent Visitor for a Looked After Child;
475 </li>
476 <li>
476 Social presentation;
476 </li>
477 <li>
477 Self-care skills.
477 </li>
478 </ul>
479 <h3 id="timescales_comple">
479 3. Timescales for Completion
479 </h3>
480 <p>
480 A Care Plan must be prepared prior to a child's first placement, or, if it is not practicable to
do so, within 10 working days of the child's first placement.
480 </p>
481 <h3 id="approval_care_plan">
481 4. Approval of the Care Plan
481 </h3>
482 <p>
482 Any final Care Plan taken before the Court within Care Proceedings must be endorsed and signed by
a
482 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
482 Designated Manager (Care Plan)
482 </a>
482 .
482 </p>
483 <p>
483 All other Care Plans must be endorsed and signed by the social worker's team manager.
483 </p>
484 <h3 id="circulation">
484 5. Circulation of Care Plan
484 </h3>
485 <p>
485 The Care Plan must be circulated to the following people:
485 </p>
486 <ul>
487 <li>
487 The child;
487 </li>
488 <li>
488 The parent(s);
488 </li>
489 <li>
489 Providers/Carers - if no Care Plan has been drawn up prior to the child's placement, the social
worker must ensure that the providers/carers understand the key objectives of the plan, and how
the placement will help achieve these objectives;
489 </li>
490 <li>
490 The Fostering Service, where the child is in foster care.
490 <span class="bold">
490 N.B.
490 </span>
490 The Care Plan should be filed in the confidential section of the foster carer's file and
returned to the child's social worker when the placement ends;
490 </li>
491 <li>
491 The child's Independent Reviewing Officer.
491 </li>
492 </ul>
493 <h3 id="other_req_plans">
493 6. Other Required Plans, Documentation and Actions
493 </h3>
494 <h4>
494 6.1 Placement Plan (recorded on the Placement Information Record on ICS)
494 </h4>
495 <p>
495 The child must have a Placement Plan at the time of the placement (this includes the parent's
consent to the placement (if applicable) and the child's medical treatment). It should be
completed as far as possible before the child is placed or, if not reasonably practicable, within
5 working days of the start of the placement.
495 </p>
496 <p>
496 The information to be included in the Placement Plan will include:
496 </p>
497 <ol>
498 <li>
498 How on a day-to-day basis the child will be cared for and the child's welfare will be
safeguarded and promoted by the appropriate person;
498 </li>
499 <li>
499 Any arrangements for contact between the child and parents/anyone with Parental
Responsibility/any other connected person, including, if appropriate, reasons why contact is not
reasonably practicable or not consistent with the child's welfare; details of any Contact Order
(under Section 8 or 34 of the Children Act 1989); the arrangements for notifying any changes in
contact arrangements;
499 </li>
500 <li>
500 Arrangements for the child's health (physical, emotional and mental) and dental care, including
the name and address of registered medical and dental practitioners; arrangements for
giving/withholding consent to medical/dental examination/treatment;
500 </li>
501 <li>
501 Arrangements for the child's education and training, including the name and address of the
child's school/other educational institution/provider and designated teacher; the Local
Authority maintaining any Education, Health and Care Plan;
501 </li>
502 <li>
502 The arrangements for and frequency of visits by the child's social worker; and for advice,
support and assistance between visits;
502 </li>
503 <li>
503 If an Independent Visitor is appointed, the arrangements for them to visit the child;
503 </li>
504 <li>
504 The circumstances in which the placement may be terminated;
504 </li>
505 <li>
505 The name and contact details of the Independent Reviewing Officer, the Independent Visitor if
one is appointed, the social worker who will be visiting the child, and the Personal Adviser for
an Eligible Young Person.
505 </li>
506 </ol>
507 <p>
507 The Placement Plan will be recorded on the Placement Information Record on the child's electronic
database.
507 </p>
508 <p>
508 Copies of the Placement Information Record must be provided to the child (if of sufficient age and
understanding), the parents and must be handed to the residential staff/carers before the child is
placed. Where a child is placed in an in-house foster placement, one copy should also be sent to
the Fostering Team - to be kept in the confidential section of the foster carer's file and
returned at the end of the placement.
508 </p>
509 <p>
509 At the time of the placement, the residential staff/carers should also be given any additional
information about details of the child's day to day needs which are not covered by the Placement
Information Record but are important to ensure that the staff/carers are in the best possible
position to help the child settle in the new placement, for example any particular fears at
night-time or the child's favourite toys.
509 </p>
510 <h4>
510 6.2 Chronology
510 </h4>
511 <p>
511 Whenever a new placement is made or the child moves placement, the child's Chronology should be
updated.
511 </p>
512 <h4>
512 6.3 Arrangement of first Looked After Review
512 </h4>
513 <p>
513 The Placement Team will notify the Looked After Administrators of the placement within two working
days of the child becoming looked after, so that the necessary arrangements for the allocation of
an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) (within 5 working days of the child becoming looked after
wherever possible) and the child's first Looked After Review can be made. See the
513 <a href="p_look_aft_rev.html">
513 Looked After Reviews Procedure
513 </a>
513 for the procedures relating to reviews, including the responsibility for invitations to reviews.
513 </p>
514 <h4>
514 6.4 Health Care
514 </h4>
515 <p>
515 Before or at the time of the placement, the social worker should ask the parent to give the social
worker the child's personal child health record (red book). If the parent is reluctant to give up
the red book, then a request to allow the social worker to photocopy the information and return
the book. Where this is lost or not available, the social worker should ask for a replacement to
be issued and ask the Health administrator to assist with providing any information to complete
the record.
515 </p>
516 <p>
516 The social worker should also contact the Health administrator to arrange a Health Care Assessment
before the placement or, if not reasonably practicable before the first Looked After Review (i.e.
within 20 working days of the placement) so that the completion of a Health Care Plan is in time
for the child's first Looked After Review. See
516 <a href="p_healthcare_assmt.html">
516 Health Care Assessments and Plans Procedure
516 </a>
516 .
516 </p>
517 <p>
517 In addition, the social worker should inform the carer of any medication the child is taking, and
ensure that a supply of medication is provided in a clearly labelled bottle with the child's name,
required dosage and the time the medication is to be given.
517 </p>
518 <h4>
518 6.5 Personal Education Plan (PEP)
518 </h4>
519 <p>
519 The social worker should also liaise with the Designated Teacher so that a Personal Education Plan
(PEP) can be completed as part of the Care Plan before the child becomes looked after (or within
10 working days in the case of an emergency placement) and be available in time for the first
Looked After Review. See
519 <a href="p_educ_lac.html">
519 Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children Procedure
519 </a>
519 .
519 </p>
520 <h4>
520 6.6 Provision of Information
520 </h4>
521 <p>
521 The child's social worker must provide the child and parents with written information about the
placement.
521 </p>
522 <p>
522 The child and parents must also be provided with information about the complaints process and the
availability of advocates.
522 </p>
523 <h4>
523 6.7 Changes in Legal Status
523 </h4>
524 <p>
524 Any changes in a child's legal status as a result of court proceedings must be recorded on the
child's electronic record.
524 </p>
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