Page reportSummary
Page Layout
Display issue details:
The line numbers refer to lines in the original source. Any with a line number of '0' are implicit tags added by Total Validator:
1 <!DOCTYPE html>
2 <html lang="en">
3 <head>
6 <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-120055720-38">
6 </script>
7 <script>
13 </script>
16 <meta charset="utf-8">
18 <title>
18 Family Time with Parents/Adults and Siblings
18 </title>
20 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
21 <link href="css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
22 <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Lato:400,700" rel="stylesheet">
23 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/jquery-ui.css">
24 <link href="css/jquery.tocify.css" rel="stylesheet">
25 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/formatting-styles.css">
26 <link href="css/print.css" rel="stylesheet" media="print">
41 <link rel='shortcut icon'
href='https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/favicon.ico' type='image/x-icon'/>
42 <link rel="apple-touch-icon"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-57x57-precomposed.png
" />
43 <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="72x72"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-72x72-precomposed.png
" />
44 <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="114x114"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-114x114-precomposed.png
" />
48 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/procedures.css">
49 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/classic-theme.css">
50 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/authority.css">
51 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.css">
52 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/hover-box.css">
53 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/mobile.css">
56 <link rel="stylesheet" id="switcher-css" type="text/css" href="css/switcher.css" media="all" />
57 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/dark.css" title="dark" media="all" />
58 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/light.css" title="light" media="all" />
59 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/normal.css" title="normal" media="all" />
63 </head>
64 <body onload="highlight();">
65 <a class="skip-main" href="#main">
65 Skip to main content
65 </a>
67 <div id="eantics">
67 </div>
68 <div class="print">
73 <div class="navbar navbar-fixed-top" role="navigation">
74 <div class="row banner">
75 <div id="banner">
76 <div class="container banner">
77 <div class="col-sm-4">
78 <div class="outer_logo">
78 <a href="index.html">
78 <img class="banner_logo" src="images/logo/client_logo.png" width="261" height="86"
alt="Warrington logo">
78 </a>
78 </div>
79 </div>
80 <div class="col-sm-6">
81 <div class="outer">
82 <div class="inner">
83 <header>
83 Warrington Children's Services Procedures Manual
83 </header>
84 </div>
85 </div>
86 </div>
87 </div>
89 </div>
91 </div>
92 <div class="container">
93 <div class="navbar-header">
94 <button type="button" class="navbar-toggle" data-toggle="collapse"
data-target=".navbar-collapse">
94 <span class="sr-only">
94 Toggle navigation
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 </button>
95 </div>
96 <div class="collapse navbar-collapse">
100 <ul class="nav navbar-nav">
101 <li>
101 <a href="index.html">
101 Home
101 </a>
101 </li>
102 <li>
102 <a href="contents.html">
102 Policies and Procedures
102 </a>
102 </li>
103 <li class="dropdown">
103 <a class="dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="#">
103 Resources
103 <span class="caret">
103 </span>
103 </a>
104 <ul class="dropdown-menu">
105 <li>
105 <a href="local_resources.html">
105 Additional Local Resources
105 </a>
105 </li>
106 <li>
106 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/index.htm" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
106 Glossary
106 </a>
106 </li>
107 <li>
107 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_cont/index.htm"target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
107 National Contacts
107 </a>
107 </li>
108 <li>
108 <a href="http://www.minimumstandards.org/regulations.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
108 Regulatory Framework
108 </a>
108 </li>
109 <li>
109 <a href="http://www.keepingchildrensafeineducation.co.uk/" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
109 KCSIE
109 </a>
109 </li>
110 </ul>
111 </li>
112 <li>
112 <a href="using_this_manual.html">
112 Using this Manual
112 </a>
112 </li>
113 <li>
113 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
113 Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
113 </a>
113 </li>
114 </ul>
115 <ul class="nav navbar-nav navbar-right">
115 <li class="dropdown">
115 <a class="dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="#">
115 Accessibility
115 <span class="caret">
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 <ul class="dropdown-menu">
115 <li>
115 <a href="#Larger" rel="light" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="Larger">
115 Larger Text
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 <li class="divider">
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="#High" rel="dark" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="High">
115 High Visibility
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 <li class="divider">
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="#Default" rel="normal" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="Default">
115 Default Text
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 </ul>
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="zoom/search.php" class="btn btn-1 btn-1a">
115 SEARCH
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 </ul>
117 </div>
119 </div>
120 </div>
125 <div class="container" id="main">
126 <div class="col-sm-4">
127 <div id="toc">
127 </div>
129 </div>
132 <div class="col-sm-8 main_content">
133 <div class="panel panel-default">
134 <div class="share">
134 <span>
134 <a href="#Email" class="st_email glyphicon glyphicon-envelope" style="margin-right:1px;">
134 <span id="Email" class="hidden_share">
134 Email
134 </span>
134 </a>
134 </span>
134 <span>
134 <a href="#Print" id="PrintBtn" class="glyphicon glyphicon-print">
134 <span id="Print" class="hidden_share">
134 Print
134 </span>
134 </a>
134 </span>
134 </div>
135 <div class="panel-body">
136 <h1>
136 Family Time with Parents/Adults and Siblings
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 This chapter applies to arrangements for children placed in foster and residential care to
have family time with their parents, anyone with parental responsibility who is not a
parent, siblings, any relative, friend or other person connected with the child.
144 </p>
145 <p>
145 For arrangements for social visits and overnight stays away with friends which staff/carers
may agree, see
145 <a href="p_overnigt_stays.htm">
145 Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays) Procedure
145 </a>
145 .
145 </p>
146 <p>
146 For guidance regarding frequency of family time within the context of permanence, see
146 <a href="files/permanence_policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
146 Securing Permanence Procedure
146 </a>
146 .
146 </p>
147 <p>
147 <span class="bold">
147 NOTE:
147 </span>
147 The responsible authority should review this policy (in particular the issue of sibling
family time) with their local Children in Care Council and other Children in Care.
147 </p>
148 <p class="bold">
148 RELATED GUIDANCE
149 </p>
150 <p>
150 <a href="p_dec_look_aft.html">
150 Decision to Look After and Care Planning Procedure
150 </a>
150 </p>
151 <p class="bold">
151 RELATED GUIDANCE
152 </p>
153 <p>
153 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441643/Child
ren_Act_Guidance_2015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
153 The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and
Case Review, June 2015
153 </a>
153 </p>
154 </div>
161 <div class="section">
161 <h2 id="approving">
161 1. Approving and Planning Family Time
161 </h2>
162 <p>
162 The responsible authority has a duty to endeavour to promote family time between the child
and parents, siblings, anyone with parental responsibility who is not a parent, any
relative, friend or other person connected with the child unless it is not reasonably
practicable or consistent with the child's welfare. The assessment and discussions with the
child will identify those people for whom it is important to maintain family time. This may
include those (including a parent) with whom family time has been lost and consideration
should be given as to how this could be re-established.
162 </p>
163 <p>
163 This should be in a manner consistent with the child's Care Plan; which, itself, must take
account of any child protection plan or family time order that may be in force. There is a
presumption of continued family time between the child and their family while the child is
in care, unless it is not reasonably practicable or consistent with the child's welfare.
163 </p>
164 <p>
164 Contact between children and their parents, siblings or relevant others may only be
permitted if previously agreed by the social worker and should be set out in the child's
placement information record.
164 </p>
165 <p>
165 The purpose of the family time and how it will be evaluated must be made clear in the Plan.
Family time arrangements should be focused on, and shaped around, the child's needs. The
child's welfare is the paramount consideration at all times and each child's wishes and
needs for family time should be individually considered and regularly assessed and reviewed.
The wishes and feelings of the child should be ascertained, wherever possible, using
advocacy and communication services if necessary. For many children, relationships with
family members, previous carers, friends and others are valued. Family time can be very
important in helping children develop their sense of identity and understand their lives.
165 </p>
166 <p>
166 So far as it is reasonably practicable, the wishes and feelings of the parents and the
child's carers must be ascertained before a decision about family time arrangements is made.
166 </p>
167 Both direct and indirect family time arrangements should always be clearly detailed, setting
out how family time will take place, the venue, the frequency and how the arrangements will be
reviewed. The use of mobile communication should also be considered.
168 <p>
168 Where family time is extended as part of a plan to gradually return the child to the
parents' care, the
168 <a href="p_place_with_parents.html">
168 Placements with Parents Procedure
168 </a>
168 should be followed.
168 </p>
169 <p>
169 For foster carers providing short breaks, the foster carer must maintain family time as
agreed in the Short Break Plan.
169 </p>
170 <p>
170 Maintaining family time with siblings from both the same or different parents is reported by
children to be one of their highest priorities (
170 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441643/Child
ren_Act_Guidance_2015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
170 The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and
Case Review, June 2015
170 </a>
170 ). It is not always possible or appropriate to place brothers and sisters together. Where
brothers and sisters cannot be placed together it requires the active involvement of all
parties to facilitate family time between them.
170 </p>
171 <p>
171 Independent Reviewing Officers should ensure that Case Reviews consider whether family time
arrangements including sibling family time in Care Plans has been implemented and that the
child is happy with the family time both its frequency and its quality. The IRO should
inform the child that they can access Advocacy Services if they have a complaint.
171 </p>
172 </div>
173 <div class="section1">
173 </div>
179 <div class="section">
179 <h2 id="types">
179 2. Different Types of Family Time
179 </h2>
180 <p>
180 Face to face meetings and visits will generally be the best way of maintaining
relationships, but other means such as letters, mobile communication, photograph exchanges
etc. should be borne in mind. Responsible authorities and carers should work together to
explore how electronic media can support positive relationships for children. Children
should be supported to ensure they are safe online rather than this form of family time
being avoided. It may be useful to encourage young people to share details of how they
communicate with others (this may include mobile phones or other social networking sites and
apps and consoles such as Xbox or Play Station) and an agreement reached between the young
person, social worker and foster carer about how safely to do this.
180 </p>
181 </div>
182 <div class="section1">
182 </div>
188 <div class="section">
188 <h2 id="supervised">
188 3. Supervised Family Time
188 </h2>
189 <p>
189 The need to supervise family time should be considered as part of the assessment and
planning process by the social worker and their Manager. It is the responsibility of the
child's social worker to ensure that the person(s) supervising family time is appropriately
skilled and experienced to do so.
189 </p>
190 <p>
190 The primary focus of the assessment of this issue will be the safety and welfare of the
child.
190 </p>
191 <p>
191 Where supervised family time is deemed necessary, the reasons should be clearly recorded and
the role of the supervisor or supervisors clearly defined.
191 </p>
192 <p>
192 A written risk assessment must be completed before supervised family times begin.
192 </p>
193 <p>
193 This assessment must take account of all factors that could impact on the success of
supervised family time and relevant safeguards including:
193 </p>
194 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
195 <li>
195 Any history of abuse or threats of abuse to the child, carers, staff or others;
195 </li>
196 <li>
196 Previous threats to disrupt family time or failure to cooperate with conditions agreed for
supervised family time;
196 </li>
197 <li>
197 Previous incidents or threats of abduction;
197 </li>
198 <li>
198 Previous incidents of coercion or inappropriate behaviour during family time;
198 </li>
199 <li>
199 The transient or unsettled lifestyle of the parents;
199 </li>
200 <li>
200 The child's behaviour and needs, including medical needs.
200 </li>
201 </ol>
202 <p>
202 Where any of the above features in the risk assessment, and supervised family time is to
continue, the risk assessment must state the specific measures to be put in place to
minimise risks. The assessment must then be approved and signed by the social worker's Team
Manager.
202 </p>
203 <p>
203 Where supervised family time takes place, the detailed arrangements for the supervision must
be set out in the Placement Plan.
203 </p>
204 <p>
204 In addition, there should be a written agreement with the parents and other relevant parties
having supervised family time, signed by them, which should state clearly any specific
conditions relating to the family time and any expectations placed on the parents or
relevant parties:
204 </p>
205 <ul>
206 <li>
206 The agreement should be clear about where the family time must take place and whether any
flexibility is allowed for activity or movements within or away from the agreed location;
206 </li>
207 <li>
207 It should also be clear about whether the person(s) having family time are permitted to
give the child food, drinks, gifts or money during family time;
207 </li>
208 <li>
208 It should state clearly the circumstances in which family time will be terminated.
208 </li>
209 </ul>
210 <p>
210 The agreement should state the adults who will be allowed to attend for supervised family
time and supervisors should be asked to apply that strictly.
210 </p>
211 <p>
211 Particular attention should be given to when and how visits are ended. It may be more
appropriate that all 'goodbyes' take place indoors with the visitors asked to leave before
supervisors return children to their placements or carers.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 Significant changes to Care Plans, court proceedings and/or decisions made about the
frequency of future family time are all likely to be potential tension points so extra
vigilance should apply at any family times arranged around these times.
212 </p>
213 <p>
213 The staff/carers and any other person involved in the supervision of the family time should
have copies of the Placement Plan and the agreement with the parents or relevant adults.
213 </p>
214 <p>
214 Where possible, those supervising the family time should be known to the child and the
family before the supervised family time takes place
214 </p>
215 <p>
215 In the event of problems emerging, the supervisors must be clear who to family time and what
details they will need to share.
215 </p>
216 <p>
216 The supervisor's observations of the family time must be clearly recorded in the child's
record and shared with the parents.
216 </p>
217 The supervisor must immediately report to the social worker any concerns about the child or
parents conduct during the family time. The social worker in consultation with their Manager
should consider the need to review the risk assessment and/or the family time arrangements in
light of the concerns expressed.
218 <p>
218 See
218 <a href="#review">
218 Section 4, Review of Family Time Arrangements
218 </a>
218 .
218 </p>
219 </div>
220 <div class="section1">
220 </div>
226 <div class="section">
226 <h2 id="review">
226 4. Review of Family Time Arrangements
226 </h2>
227 <p>
227 The social worker and their Manager should keep family time arrangements, including the
continuing need for supervision, under regular review.
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 The risk assessment in relation to the arrangements for supervising family time must be
reviewed at least every 6 months, or sooner if any incident or report identifies concerns.
228 </p>
229 <p>
229 Where the child is the subject of a Child Protection Plan, the family time arrangements
should also be reviewed as required in the Child Protection Plan.
229 </p>
230 <p>
230 Any significant reactions that the child has to family time should be reported to the
child's social worker by those observing family time arrangements, for example foster
carers, residential staff and/or supervisors of family time.
230 </p>
231 <p>
231 The family time arrangements should also be reviewed in any Placement Planning Meeting and
at the child's Case Review.
231 </p>
232 Where a Family time Order is in force and it is considered that the family time arrangements
set out in the Order should be altered, the agreement of the child and the parents should be
sought and legal advice should be obtained as to the need to seek a variation of the Court
Order.
232 </div>
233 <div class="section1">
233 </div>
239 <div class="section">
239 <h2 id="cancellation">
239 5. Cancellation, Suspension or Termination of Family Time
239 </h2>
240 <p>
240 Family time should never be cancelled unless there is a very good reason, e.g. it is deemed
that it would not be safe for it to take place or the child/ adult/sibling attending is too
unwell for it to take place. Family time should take place in accordance with the child's
Placement Plan, Court Order and any Court Directions.
240 </p>
241 <p>
241 Wherever possible, the staff/carer should consult the child's social worker in advance if
they consider there is a good reason to cancel the family time.
241 </p>
242 <p>
242 If family time is cancelled, the social worker or, if the social worker is not available,
the staff/carer must ensure that the child and, as far as practicable, the parent or
relevant adult is informed in advance and that the reason for the decision is explained. The
social worker or staff/carer should arrange an alternative family time.
242 </p>
243 <p>
243 If family time does not take place and consultation has not been possible with the social
worker, the staff/carer must inform the child's social worker as soon as possible and
confirm in writing the decision to cancel and the reason.
243 </p>
244 <p>
244 <span class="bold">
244 N.B.
244 </span>
244 Family time arrangements must not be withdrawn as a sanction imposed on a child.
244 </p>
245 Emergency restrictions on family time can only be made to protect the child from significant
risk and must be notified to the Placing Authority (child's social worker) within 24 hours.
246 <h3>
246 5.1 Suspending or Terminating Contact
246 </h3>
247 <p>
247 Any proposal to suspend or terminate the family time should be considered as part of the
child's Case review, unless the circumstances require an urgent decision to be made, in
which case the social worker must be consulted and legal advice should be obtained.
247 </p>
248 <p>
248 Any such proposal should be made in the context of the overall aims and objectives of the
Care Plan.
248 </p>
249 <p>
249 Even where it is not possible to hold a Case review because of the urgency of the situation,
the reasons for the proposal must be explained to the parents and to the child, and their
agreement obtained if possible.
249 </p>
250 <p>
250 Where the proposal is to suspend the family time, the length and purpose of the suspension
together with the basis upon which family time will be reinstated must be made clear.
250 </p>
251 <p>
251 Where the child is the subject of an Emergency Protection Order, Interim Care Order or full
Care Order, an application to the Court for authority to terminate the family time will
always be necessary if family time is to be suspended for more than 7 days. As soon as such
a decision is made, Legal Services should be family timeed as a matter of urgency so that
the necessary court action can be initiated.
251 </p>
252 Written confirmation of the decision made and, where relevant, the intended court application,
together with the reasons, must be sent to the parents/relevant parties, child (depending on
age) and any other relevant person (for example the child's advocate, an Independent Visitor
or Children's Guardian). Staff/carers and other agencies involved with the child's care must
also be informed.
252 </div>
253 <div class="section1">
253 </div>
256 </div>
259 <div id="footer">
260 <div class="copyright">
261 <p>
261 <a href="http://www.trixonline.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
261 <img src="images/logo/trix-logo.png" width="75" height="75" alt="trix logo">
261 </a>
261 Copyright© signisgroup
261 </p>
262 </div>
263 </div>
264 </div>
265 </div>
267 </div>
269 </div>
270 <div class="container">
272 <div class="modal modal-wide fade" id="myModal" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-labelledby="myModal"
aria-hidden="true">
274 <div class="modal-dialog modal-lg">
274 <div class="modal-content">
274 <div class="modal-header">
274 <strong>
274 Local Resources
274 </strong>
274 </div>
274 <div class="modal-body">
276 
E960 [WCAG21 4.1.2 (A)] Do not use role=presentation|none or aria-hidden=true on a focusable element:
Using either of these on a sequentially focusable element will result in some users focusing on 'nothing'. A sequentially focusable element is an interactive element, or one with a positive 'tabindex'. See Fourth Rule of ARIA Use. <iframe src="https://proceduresonline.com/trixcms1/warringtoncs/doc-library/" title="Document library
popup">
276 </iframe>
278 <script>
278 </script>
278 </div>
278 <div class="modal-footer">
278 E960 [WCAG21 4.1.2 (A)] Do not use role=presentation|none or aria-hidden=true on a focusable element:
Using either of these on a sequentially focusable element will result in some users focusing on 'nothing'. A sequentially focusable element is an interactive element, or one with a positive 'tabindex'. See Fourth Rule of ARIA Use. <a href="#closepopup1" id="closepopup1" class="close" data-dismiss="modal" aria-hidden="true">
278 Close
278 </a>
278 </div>
278 </div>
278 </div>
278 </div>
278 </div>
280 <script src="js/val/test/jquery-1.11.3.min.js" defer>
280 </script>
281 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/highlight.js" defer>
281 </script>
282 <script src="js/iframe/iframeResizer.js">
282 </script>
284 <script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.3.7/js/bootstrap.min.js" defer>
284 </script>
285 <script src="js/jqueryui/jquery-ui-1.9.1.custom.min.js" defer>
285 </script>
286 <script src="js/jquery.tocify.js" defer>
286 </script>
287 <script src="js/dropdowns-enhancement.js" defer>
287 </script>
288 <script src="js/scroll.js" defer>
288 </script>
289 <script src="js/custom.js" defer>
289 </script>
290 <script src="js/dmss.js" defer>
290 </script>
291 <script type="text/javascript"
src="https://cabbiepete.github.io/jQuery-Share-Email/js/jquery.tmpl.min.js" defer>
291 </script>
293 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/jQuery.print.js" defer>
293 </script>
294 <script src="js/jquery.shareemail.js" type="text/javascript" defer>
294 </script>
295 <script src="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.js" defer>
295 </script>
298 <a id="scrollup">
298 <i class="up">
298 </i>
298 </a>
299 <div id="background">
300 <p id="bg_text">
300 Trix procedures
300 </p>
301 <p id="bg_text_msg">
301 Only valid for 48hrs
301 </p>
302 </div>
307 <script type="text/javascript">
315 </script>
318 </body>
319 </html>