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136 <h1>
136 Decision to Look After and Care Planning
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 This procedure applies to all decisions to Look After children.
144 </p>
145 <p>
145 It should be read in conjunction with the
145 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
145 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline Procedure
145 </a>
145 .
145 </p>
146 <p class="bold">
146 NOTE
146 </p>
147 <p>
147 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 Child in Care. The Care Planning
requirement will be amended in relation to such children - see
147 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html">
147 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure
147 </a>
147 .
147 </p>
148 <p class="bold">
148 RELATED GUIDANCE
149 </p>
150 <p>
150 <a href="http://adcs.org.uk/assets/documentation/S20_Practice_Guidance_final.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
150 ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20
150 </a>
150 </p>
151 <p class="bold">
151 RELATED CHAPTER
151 </p>
152 <a href="p_ceasing_to_la_ch.html">
152 Ceasing to Look After a Child Procedure
152 </a>
153 </div>
160 <div class="section">
160 <h2 id="dec_look_aft">
160 1. Decision to Look After Child
160 </h2>
161 <h3>
161 1.1 The Decision
161 </h3>
162 <p>
162 A child may not come into care without the express permission of a
162 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#decision">
162 Designated Manager (Decision to Look After)
162 </a>
162 .
162 </p>
163 <p>
163 Outside office hours, the Emergency Duty Team can make the decision to Look After a child.
163 </p>
164 <p>
164 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.
164 </p>
165 <h3>
165 1.2 Considerations before a Decision to Look After is made
165 </h3>
166 <p>
166 The decision to look after a child will only be made where those making the decision are
satisfied that:
166 </p>
167 <ul>
168 <li>
168 Suitable appropriate alternatives have been fully considered;
168 </li>
169 <li>
169 Appropriate consideration has been given to the necessity of Accommodation, the purpose
and nature of the proposed placement;
169 </li>
170 <li>
170 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:
171 <ul>
172 <li>
172 Identify whether, under the particular circumstances, it needs to share parental
responsibility with the parent/carer;
172 </li>
173 <li>
173 Whether the parent is able to provide fully informed consent to an agreement for the
child to be accommodated (see
173 <a href="#obtaining">
173 Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent
173 </a>
173 );
173 </li>
174 </ul>
175 </li>
176 <li>
176 Appropriate consultation has taken place;
176 </li>
177 <li>
177 However, where the circumstances constitute an emergency, opportunities for consultation
may be limited e.g. where a parent/carer is not available.
177 </li>
178 </ul>
179 <p>
179 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
179 <a href="p_place_conn_pers.html">
179 Placements with Connected Persons Procedure
179 </a>
179 .
179 </p>
180 <p>
180 Alternatively, the child may come within the definition of privately fostered after 27 days,
in which case the
180 <a href="p_private_fost.html">
180 Private Fostering Procedure
180 </a>
180 will apply.
180 </p>
181 <p>
181 <span class="bold">
181 N.B.
181 </span>
181 Any arrangements whereby the child is not regarded as a Child in Care 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 aChild in Need Plan.
181 </p>
182 <p>
182 If no such arrangement can be identified or such an arrangement would not meet the
child's needs, the child's social worker, with their team manager, should consider:
182 </p>
183 <ul>
184 <li>
184 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;
184 </li>
185 <li>
185 The timescales for the child's placement;
185 </li>
186 <li>
186 A date for the child to return home or when the decision will be reviewed;
186 </li>
187 <li>
187 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
187 <a href="#obtaining">
187 Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent
187 </a>
187 ;
187 </li>
188 <li>
188 The obtaining of parental consent to look after the child and consent to medical care;
188 </li>
189 <li>
189 Any impact on educational arrangements;
189 </li>
190 <li>
190 The contact arrangements with birth parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
190 </li>
191 </ul>
192 <p>
192 Where it is considered that care proceedings should be initiated to secure the child's
placement, see also
192 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
192 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
192 </a>
192 .
192 </p>
193 <p>
193 <span class="bold">
193 N.B.
193 </span>
193 Any decision that a child should be the subject of Care Proceedings should have regard to
the requirements of the
193 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/public_law_outline.html
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
193 Public Law Outline
193 </a>
193 , and in particular the Pre-Proceedings Checklist which is set out in the
193 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
193 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
193 </a>
193 .
193 </p>
194 <p>
194 All decisions made should be recorded on the child's electronic record, including the
reasons for reaching the decision (see also
194 <a href="#rec_parental_consent">
194 Section 1.3.2, Recording Parental Consent
194 </a>
194 ).
194 </p>
195 <h3>
195 1.3
195 <a id="section_20">
195 </a>
195 Section 20 Accommodation
195 </h3>
196 <p>
196 There are many scenarios in which section 20 is used positively and these include situations
of family support (e.g.
196 <a href="p_short_breaks.html">
196 Short Term Breaks
196 </a>
196 ) and where parents are unable to care for children, for whatever reason, and there are no
agreed alternative family or friends to undertake this.
196 </p>
197 <p>
197 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 (
197 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/20" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
197 Section 20(8)
197 </a>
197 ) 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
197 <a href="http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed188876" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
197 Herefordshire Council v AB [2018] EWFC 10 rtf
197 </a>
197 ). (See also:
197 <a href="p_ceasing_to_la_ch.html">
197 Ceasing to Look After a Child Procedure
197 </a>
197 ).
197 </p>
198 <p>
198 The parents/carers should be advised of any changes in the child's circumstances whilst the
child is in local authority care.
198 </p>
199 <p>
199 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.
199 </p>
200 <h4>
200 1.3.1
200 <a id="obtaining">
200 </a>
200 Obtaining Parental Consent
200 </h4>
201 <p>
201 A recent Court of Appeal hearing (
201 <a href="http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2017/26.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
201 L B Hackney v Williams & Anor [2017] EWCA Civ 26
201 </a>
201 ) 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'.
201 </p>
202 <p>
202 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.
202 </p>
203 <p>
203 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'.
203 </p>
204 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.
205 <p>
205 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.
205 </p>
206 <p>
206 Detailed guidance on the obtaining of parental consent was given by the High Court in the
case of Re CA (A Baby) (2012):
206 </p>
207 <ul>
208 <li>
208 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:
209 <ul>
210 <li>
210 To understand the information relevant to the decision;
210 </li>
211 <li>
211 To retain that information;
211 </li>
212 <li>
212 To use or weigh that information as part of the process of making the decision; or
212 </li>
213 <li>
213 To communicate their decision.
213 <br>
214 <br>
215 The High Court in Re
215 <a href="http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed182616" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
215 S (Child as parent: Adoption: Consent) [2017] EWHC 2729 (Fam)
215 </a>
215 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:
216 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
217 <li>
217 That the child will be staying with someone chosen by the local authority,
probably a foster carer;
217 </li>
218 <li>
218 That the parent can change their mind about the arrangements, and request the
child back from accommodation at any time;
218 </li>
219 <li>
219 That the parent will be able to see the child.
219 </li>
220 </ol>
221 </li>
221 </ul>
222 </li>
223 </ul>
224 <ul>
225 <li>
225 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;
225 </li>
226 <li>
226 If satisfied that the parent has Capacity, the social worker must be satisfied that the
consent is fully informed:
227 <ul>
228 <li>
228 Does the parent fully understand the consequences of giving such a consent?
228 </li>
229 <li>
229 Does the parent fully appreciate the range of choice available and the consequences of
refusal as well as giving consent?
229 </li>
230 <li>
230 Is the parent in possession of all the facts and issues material to the giving of
consent?
230 </li>
231 </ul>
232 </li>
233 <li>
233 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;
233 </li>
234 <li>
234 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:
235 <ul>
236 <li>
236 What is the current physical and psychological state of the parent?
236 </li>
237 <li>
237 If they have a solicitor, have they been encouraged to seek legal advice and/or advice
from family or friends?
237 </li>
238 <li>
238 Is it necessary for the safety of the child for her to be removed at this time?
238 </li>
239 <li>
239 Would it be fairer in this case for this matter to be the subject of a court order
rather than an agreement?
239 </li>
240 </ul>
241 </li>
242 </ul>
243 <p>
243 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).
243 </p>
244 <p>
244 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).
244 <span class="bold">
244 Note
244 </span>
244 : 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'.
244 </p>
245 <p>
245 <span class="bold">
245 Note
245 </span>
245 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 s.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.
245 </p>
246 <p class="tiny_text">
246 (1) Note: Unless a parent is subject to Proceedings, or Letter Before Proceedings, they will
be unable to qualify for Legal Aid.
246 </p>
247 <h4>
247 1.3.2
247 <a id="rec_parental_consent">
247 </a>
247 Recording Parental Consent
247 </h4>
248 <p>
248 In Re N (Children) (Adoption: Jurisdiction) [2015] EWCA Civ 1112 good practice, when
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:
248 </p>
249 <ul>
250 <li>
250 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;
250 </li>
251 <li>
251 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;
251 </li>
252 <li>
252 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';
252 </li>
253 <li>
253 The written document should not seek to impose any fetters on the exercise of the
parent's right under s.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'.
253 </li>
254 </ul>
255 <h4>
255 1.3.3 The use of Section 20 prior to Court Proceedings
255 </h4>
256 <p>
256 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.
256 </p>
257 <p>
257 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. The
257 <a href="http://adcs.org.uk/assets/documentation/S20_Practice_Guidance_final.pdf"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
257 ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20
257 </a>
257 seeks to clarify good practice in this area.
257 </p>
258 <p>
258 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.
258 </p>
259 <p>
259 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 Children in Care's Review to which the parents have been invited.
259 </p>
260 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.
261 <h3>
261 1.4 Actions required after a Decision to Look After is made
261 </h3>
262 <p>
262 In relation to children where Care Proceedings are being considered to secure the child's
placement, see also
262 <a href="p_care_supervis_plo.html">
262 Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
262 </a>
262 .
262 </p>
263 <p>
263 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
263 <a href="#care_plan">
263 Section 2, The Care Plan
263 </a>
263 ) with clear timescales and a statement as to whether the child's needs would best be met in
a family placement or residential care.
263 </p>
264 <p>
264 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
264 <a href="p_place_fost_care.html">
264 Placements in Foster Care Procedure
264 </a>
264 or the
264 <a href="p_place_resi_care.html">
264 Placements in Residential Care Procedure
264 </a>
264 .
264 </p>
265 <p>
265 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
265 <a href="p_place_conn_pers.html">
265 Placements with Connected Persons Procedure
265 </a>
265 .
265 </p>
266 <p>
266 For secure placements, see
266 <a href="p_place_sec_accom.html">
266 Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds Procedure
266 </a>
266 .
266 </p>
267 <p>
267 For placements outside the local authority area, see
267 <a href="p_out_area_place.html">
267 Out of Area Placements Procedure
267 </a>
267 .
267 </p>
268 <p>
268 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.
268 </p>
269 </div>
270 <div class="section1">
270 </div>
276 <div class="section">
276 <h2 id="care_plan">
276 2. The Care Plan
276 </h2>
277 <p>
277 See also
277 <a href="p_rem_la_yth_det_accomm.html#care_plan">
277 Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure,
Care Planning for Young People on Remand
277 </a>
277 .
277 </p>
278 <h3>
278 2.1 The Care Plan - Contents
278 </h3>
279 <p>
279 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:
279 </p>
280 <ul>
281 <li>
281 The child's Placement Plan (setting out why the placement was chosen and how the placement
will contribute to meeting the child's needs);
281 </li>
282 <li>
282 The child's Permanence Plan (setting out the long term plans for the child's upbringing
including timescales);
282 </li>
283 <li>
283 The pathway plan (where appropriate, for young people leaving care);
283 </li>
284 <li>
284 The child's health plan;
284 </li>
285 <li>
285 The child's personal education plan;
285 </li>
286 <li>
286 The contingency plan;
286 </li>
287 <li>
287 The date of the child's first Case Review (
287 <span class="bold">
287 within 20 working days
287 </span>
287 );
287 </li>
288 <li>
288 The name of the Independent Reviewing Officer.
288 </li>
289 </ul>
290 <p>
290 <span class="bold">
290 Note:
290 </span>
290 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.
290 </p>
291 <h4>
291 2.1.1 The Care Plan Where the Matter is Before the Court
291 </h4>
292 <p>
292 In addition to the above, a Care Plan should reflect that the court is required under
292 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/16/section/8" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
292 s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989
292 </a>
292 to consider the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan for the child:
292 </p>
293 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
294 <li>
294 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
294 </li>
295 <li>
295 The plan's provisions in relation to any of the following:
296 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-roman">
297 <li>
297 The impact on the child concerned of any harm that they suffered or were likely to
suffer;
297 </li>
298 <li>
298 The current and future needs of the child (including needs arising out of that
impact);
298 </li>
299 <li>
299 The way in which the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child would meet those
current and future needs.
300 </li>
301 </ol>
302 </li>
303 </ol>
304 <h3>
304 2.2 The Care Plan - Process
304 </h3>
305 <p>
305 Where there is no recent assessment in relation to the child, the Care Plan must provide for
an Assessment to be completed.
305 </p>
306 <p>
306 The child's social worker is responsible for drawing up and updating the Care Plan in
consultation with:
306 </p>
307 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
308 <li>
308 The child;
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 The child's parents and those with parental responsibility;
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 Anyone who is not a parent but has been caring for or looking after the child;
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 Other members of the child's family network who are significant to the child;
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 The child's school or the education service;
312 </li>
313 <li>
313 The relevant health trust;
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 The Youth Offending Service, if the child is known to them;
314 </li>
315 <li>
315 Any other agency involved with the child's care.
315 </li>
316 </ol>
317 <p>
317 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.
317 </p>
318 <p>
318 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 Case Review. The Care Plan is subject to scrutiny at each Case
Review - see
318 <a href="p_look_aft_rev.html">
318 Case Reviews Procedure
318 </a>
318 .
318 </p>
319 <p>
319 The Care Plan should include the arrangements made to meet the child's needs in relation to
their:
319 </p>
320 <ul>
321 <li>
321 Emotional and behavioural development;
321 </li>
322 <li>
322 The child's identity in relation to religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and
linguistic background;
322 </li>
323 <li>
323 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
Child in Care ; 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 Child
in Care;
323 </li>
324 <li>
324 Social presentation;
324 </li>
325 <li>
325 Self-care skills.
325 </li>
326 </ul>
327 </div>
328 <div class="section1">
328 </div>
334 <div class="section">
334 <h2 id="timescales_comple">
334 3. Timescales for Completion
334 </h2>
335 <p>
335 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.
335 </p>
336 </div>
337 <div class="section1">
337 </div>
343 <div class="section">
343 <h2 id="approval_care_plan">
343 4. Approval of the Care Plan
343 </h2>
344 <p>
344 Any final Care Plan taken before the Court within Care Proceedings must be endorsed and
signed by a
344 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#care_plans">
344 Designated Manager (Care Plan)
344 </a>
344 .
344 </p>
345 <p>
345 All other Care Plans must be endorsed and signed by the social worker's team manager.
345 </p>
346 </div>
347 <div class="section1">
347 </div>
353 <div class="section">
353 <h2 id="circulation">
353 5. Circulation of Care Plan
353 </h2>
354 <p>
354 The Care Plan must be circulated to the following people:
354 </p>
355 <ul>
356 <li>
356 The child;
356 </li>
357 <li>
357 The parent(s);
357 </li>
358 <li>
358 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;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 The Fostering Service, where the child is in foster care. N.B. 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;
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 The child's Independent Reviewing Officer.
360 </li>
361 </ul>
362 </div>
363 <div class="section1">
363 </div>
369 <div class="section">
369 <h2 id="other_req_plans">
369 6. Other Required Plans, Documentation and Actions
369 </h2>
370 <h3>
370 6.1 Placement Plan (recorded on the Placement Information Record on ICS)
370 </h3>
371 <p>
371 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.
371 </p>
372 <p>
372 The information to be included in the Placement Plan will include:
372 </p>
373 <ol>
374 <li>
374 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;
374 </li>
375 <li>
375 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;
375 </li>
376 <li>
376 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;
376 </li>
377 <li>
377 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;
377 </li>
378 <li>
378 The arrangements for and frequency of visits by the child's social worker; and for advice,
support and assistance between visits;
378 </li>
379 <li>
379 If an independent visitor is appointed, the arrangements for them to visit the child;
379 </li>
380 <li>
380 The circumstances in which the placement may be terminated;
380 </li>
381 <li>
381 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.
381 </li>
382 </ol>
383 <p>
383 The Placement Plan will be recorded on the Placement Information Record on the child's
electronic database.
383 </p>
384 <p>
384 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.
384 </p>
385 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.
386 <h3>
386 6.2 Chronology
386 </h3>
387 <p>
387 Whenever a new placement is made or the child moves placement, the child's chronology should
be updated.
387 </p>
388 <h3>
388 6.3 Arrangement of first Case Review
388 </h3>
389 <p>
389 The child's social worker must notify the Independent Review Unit of the placement within 24
hours of the child becoming looked after by completing and sending the
389 <a href="files/change_circumstances.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
389 Change of Circumstances Form
389 </a>
389 , 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 Case Review can be made. See the
389 <a href="p_look_aft_rev.html">
389 Case Reviews Procedure
389 </a>
389 for the procedures relating to reviews, including the responsibility for invitations to
reviews.
389 </p>
390 <h3>
390 6.4 Health Care
390 </h3>
391 <p>
391 Before or at the time of the placement, the social worker should request the parent to
transfer the child's personal child health record. Where this is lost or not available, the
social worker should ask for a replacement to be issued and ask the Nurse for Children in
Care to assist with providing any information to complete the record.
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 The social worker should also contact the Children in Care Nurse to arrange a Health Care
Assessment before the placement or, if not reasonably practicable before the first Case
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 Case Review. See
392 <a href="p_healthcare_assmt.htm">
392 Health Care Assessments and Plans Procedure
392 </a>
392 .
392 </p>
393 <p>
393 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.
393 </p>
394 <h3>
394 6.5 Personal Education Plan (PEP)
394 </h3>
395 <p>
395 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 Case Review. See
395 <a href="p_educ_lac.html">
395 Education of Children in Care and Previously Looked After Children Procedure
395 </a>
395 .
395 </p>
396 <h3>
396 6.6 Provision of Information
396 </h3>
397 <p>
397 The child's social worker must provide the child and parents with written information about
the placement.
397 </p>
398 <p>
398 The child and parents must also be provided with information about the complaints process
and the availability of advocates.
398 </p>
399 <h3>
399 6.7 Changes in Legal Status
399 </h3>
400 <p>
400 Any changes in a child's legal status as a result of court proceedings must be recorded on
the child's electronic record.
400 </p>
401 </div>
402 <div class="section1">
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