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 Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already
Adopted
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 Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or
Already Adopted
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 This procedure applies where allegations are made or suspicions are raised that approved
prospective adopters have caused harm to a child. It also applies where allegations are made
by or in relation to a child placed for adoption or a child already adopted and in receipt
of adoption support services. It may relate to recent abuse or neglect or historical abuse
144 </p>
145 The procedure should be read in conjunction with the
145 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
145 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
145 </a>
145 .
146 </div>
153 <div class="section">
153 <h2 id="pol">
153 1. Policy
153 </h2>
154 <p>
154 All children are entitled to the same level and standard of protection from harm including
those receiving services from statutory or other agencies. For this reason, enquiries and
investigations relating to children in receipt of such services must be dealt with under the
Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures.
154 </p>
155 <p>
155 Allegations or suspicions that a prospective adopter has caused harm to a child or that a
child placed for adoption or already adopted and in receipt of adoption support services has
suffered harm will be investigated thoroughly, speedily and sensitively under those
procedures and will involve open and honest communication with and support to all those
affected.
155 </p>
156 <p>
156 Historical allegations by children placed for adoption or already adopted and in receipt of
adoption support services should be responded to in the same way as contemporary concerns.
It will be important to ascertain if the person about whom the allegation is made is
currently working with children and if that is the case, to consider whether the current
employer should be informed.
156 </p>
157 <p>
157 Clear timescales will be integral to the procedure and those involved must avoid delay
unless there is good reason. There will be clarity regarding access to reports and documents
relating to the investigation.
157 </p>
158 <p>
158 Where allegations are made in relation to prospective adopters, the welfare and safety of
all children in the prospective adopters' household, and children with whom the prospective
adopters may have contact, must also be considered during any Section 47 Enquiry.
158 </p>
159 <p>
159 In relation to any allegations made, it is important to note that, although there may be
insufficient evidence to support a Police prosecution, this does not mean that action cannot
be taken to protect a child nor, for example, that the termination of a prospective
adopter's approval cannot be considered.
159 </p>
160 </div>
161 <div class="section1">
161 </div>
167 <div class="section">
168 <h2 id="introduction">
168 2. Introduction
168 </h2>
169 <p>
169 The expectation is that:
169 </p>
170 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
171 <li>
171 At the time of a child's placement, prospective adopters will be provided with detailed
information as to the child's background and in particular the context of any abusive
experiences of and/or previous allegations made by the child - see
171 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
171 Placement for Adoption Procedure
171 </a>
171 ;
171 </li>
172 <li>
172 All prospective adopters will receive preparation and guidance to help them provide a safe
environment for the child and all members of the adoptive family;
172 </li>
173 <li>
173 All prospective adopters will have received information about this procedure.
173 </li>
174 </ol>
175 <p>
175 In addition, in relation to the Adoption Service, it is an expectation of the Adoption
National Minimum Standards 2011 that:
175 </p>
176 <ul>
177 <li>
177 A senior manager within the Adoption Service is identified to be the designated
allegations manager who liaises with the LADO in all cases to which this procedure applies
and manages the allegations process;
177 </li>
178 <li>
178 All staff within the Adoption Service are aware of the requirements of this procedure
178 </li>
179 </ul>
180 </div>
181 <div class="section1">
181 </div>
187 <div class="section">
187 <h2 id="procedure">
187 3. Procedure
187 </h2>
188 <h3 id="initial_action">
188 3.1 Initial Action
188 </h3>
189 <p>
189 Any person who receives information or suspects that a child has suffered or is suffering
harm in an adoptive placement or during an introduction to an adoptive placement must
immediately inform the child's social worker.
189 </p>
190 <p>
190 On receipt of any such information, the child's social worker must immediately:
190 </p>
191 <ul>
192 <li>
192 Inform their line manager;
192 </li>
193 <li>
193 Inform the prospective adopter's link worker and their manager;
193 </li>
194 <li>
194 Inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and the Designated Senior Manager so
that a decision can be made as to whether the matter should be treated as a child
protection matter and referred for a Strategy Meeting (see below) or a concern about
standards of care, in which case the convening of an urgent Placement Planning Review
Meeting - see
194 <a href="p_place_adop.html">
194 Placement for Adoption Procedure
194 </a>
194 - or an urgent review of the adoptive placement should be considered - see
194 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
194 Adoption Reviews Procedure
194 </a>
194 .
194 </li>
195 </ul>
196 <p>
196 <span class="bold">
196 N.B.
196 </span>
196 If there are serious and/or multiple referrals about standards of care, it may still be
appropriate to refer the matter for a Strategy Meeting for a full investigation.
196 </p>
197 <p>
197 The prospective adopter's link worker will:
197 </p>
198 <ul>
199 <li>
199 Inform the designated allegations manager within the Adoption Service - see
199 <a href="#introduction">
199 Section 2, Introduction
199 </a>
199 ; and, in consultation with the designated allegations manager;
199 </li>
200 <li>
200 Inform the social workers for any other child in the placement;
200 </li>
201 <li>
201 Inform any other local authority with an interest in the adoptive placement;
201 </li>
202 <li>
202 Provide support to the prospective adopter.
202 </li>
203 </ul>
204 <p>
204 Where it is appropriate to treat the allegation/suspicion as a child protection concern, the
child's social worker will be responsible for initiating the
204 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
204 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
204 </a>
204 in relation to the allegation/suspicion, unless the prospective adopter lives in another
local authority area, in which case the child's social worker will make a referral to the
relevant local authority and that local authority will be responsible for implementing the
their local Safeguarding Partnership Procedures and inviting the child's social worker and
adopters' link worker to the Strategy Meeting.
204 </p>
205 <p>
205 In either case, a Strategy Meeting will be convened as soon as possible after concerns have
been identified and within 24 hours of the referral to decide if a section 47 enquiry is
required.
205 </p>
206 <p>
206 Any action to protect the child in question or any other children in need of protection
should not be delayed because of the Strategy Meeting.
206 </p>
207 <p>
207 Prior to the Strategy Meeting, the prospective adopter's link worker should notify the
Regulatory Authority of the allegation/suspicion and invite them to be represented at the
Strategy Meeting.
207 </p>
208 <p>
208 <span class="bold">
208 N.B.
208 </span>
208 Where a child who has already been adopted but is still in receipt of adoption support
services makes an allegation of abuse, including where the allegation is of historical
abuse, this must be referred to the child's social worker/adoption support worker, who will
take the action set out below or, as appropriate, make a referral to Children's Social Care
Services for the area where the child lives in order that the relevant Safeguarding Children
Procedures can be followed.
208 </p>
209 <h3 id="strat_meeting">
209 3.2 LADO Strategy Meeting
209 </h3>
210 <p>
210 The LADO will arrange a LADO Strategy meeting using the
210 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
210 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
210 </a>
210 if required following consideration of the information.
210 </p>
211 <h3 id="invest_action">
211 3.3 Investigation and Action
211 </h3>
212 <p>
212 The actions agreed at the Strategy Meeting should be implemented by those responsible within
the agreed timescales.
212 </p>
213 <p>
213 Unless there are circumstances when the details or nature of the allegation cannot be shared
immediately, the prospective adopters should be advised of the allegation as agreed at the
Strategy Meeting and of the process to be followed in the investigation, including the
possibility that an Initial Child Protection Conference may be convened in relation to their
own children, subject to the outcome of the investigation.
213 </p>
214 <p>
214 Depending on the level and nature of any concerns and whether they are immediate, the
prospective adopters may be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations before any
final decision is made about necessary action to protect the child and other children in the
household. Such protective action may include asking the person against whom the allegation
has been made to leave the household while the investigation is conducted.
214 </p>
215 <p>
215 Any decision to suspend the approval of the prospective adopter while the investigation is
being conducted should be communicated in writing to the prospective adopter by the Adoptive
Service Manager.
215 </p>
216 <p>
216 Those supporting the prospective adopters must contact the prospective adopters as soon as
practicable after they are made aware of the allegation, and explain their role. They must
make clear their responsibility to report to the local authority, the Police and in some
circumstances to the Court if any information relevant to the investigation comes to their
attention.
216 </p>
217 <p>
217 They must provide to the prospective adopters:
217 </p>
218 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
219 <li>
219 A copy of this procedure and the relevant
219 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
219 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
219 </a>
219 ;
219 </li>
220 <li>
220 Advice about consulting a solicitor and obtaining independent support;
220 </li>
221 <li>
221 Advice about insurance arrangements for legal expenses.
221 </li>
222 </ol>
223 <p>
223 Where the prospective adopters are in receipt of financial support, they should be informed
of any implications for the payment of such support, where placements have been suspended.
223 </p>
224 <p>
224 If an Initial Child Protection Conference is convened, the Conference Chair must be
consulted in advance to discuss whether the prospective adopters should be invited to
attend. In any event, the prospective adopters' views must be obtained for and communicated
to the Conference.
224 </p>
225 <h3 id="three_four">
225 3.4 Concluding the Investigation
225 </h3>
226 <p>
226 The LADO will reconvene the LADO Strategy meeting under
226 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
226 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
226 </a>
226 .
226 </p>
227 <p>
227 The purpose of the reconvened Strategy Meeting is to agree on the outcome of the
investigation and responsibilities for any further action, including the need to call an
urgent review of the adoptive placement - see
227 <a href="p_adoption_reviews.html">
227 Adoption Reviews Procedure
227 </a>
227 and reporting on the matter to the Adoption Panel - and the need to make a referral to the
Disclosure and Barring Service for inclusion of the person on the Children's Barred List.
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 The meeting should determine who will write to the prospective adopters, informing them of
the outcome of the investigation.
228 </p>
229 <p>
229 The child, the parents, other relevant agencies and the Regulatory Authority (if not in
attendance) will also be informed of the decisions made at the meeting. The LADO meeting
will agree the most appropriate way of informing the child and parents, and also who will
notify the other agencies and the Regulatory Authority.
229 </p>
230 <p>
230 A report should be presented to the next available Adoption Panel. The report should address
the ability of the approved adopters to help come to terms with past events and to handle
future behaviour, and whether the proposed placement or placement continues to be suitable.
The procedure to be followed will be the same as for reviews of prospective adopter's
approval - see
230 <a href="p_assess_approval_adopt.html">
230 Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters Procedure
230 </a>
230 .
230 </p>
231 <p>
231 The social worker preparing the report should consult with the Panel Adviser to the Adoption
Panel and the Chair of the Adoption Panel who will advise on who should attend the Panel
meeting (usually the child's social worker and the prospective adopter's link worker) and
whether or not a special Panel meeting should be convened.
231 </p>
232 <p>
232 The reports and assessments presented to panel must be retained on the child's and foster
carers records. Records of LADO meetings should not be placed on the child's file or foster
carers file. A case note referring to the LADO meetings should be recorded signposting to
the LADO for further details.
232 </p>
233 <p>
233 All relevant documents in relation to the investigation, whatever the outcome, must be
retained on the child's file and the prospective adopter's file, and their respective
Adoption Case Records.
233 </p>
234 <p>
234 Consideration should be given to holding a debriefing meeting for all involved as to the
impact of the allegations and the investigation, whatever the outcome, and any necessary
assistance should be made available as necessary.
234 </p>
235 </div>
236 <div class="section1">
236 </div>
239 </div>
242 <div id="footer">
243 <div class="copyright">
244 <p>
244 <a href="http://www.trixonline.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
244 <img src="images/logo/trix-logo.png" width="75" height="75" alt="trix logo">
244 </a>
244 Copyright© signisgroup
244 </p>
245 </div>
246 </div>
247 </div>
248 </div>
250 </div>
252 </div>
253 <div class="container">
255 <div class="modal modal-wide fade" id="myModal" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-labelledby="myModal"
aria-hidden="true">
257 <div class="modal-dialog modal-lg">
257 <div class="modal-content">
257 <div class="modal-header">
257 <strong>
257 Local Resources
257 </strong>
257 </div>
257 <div class="modal-body">
259 
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">
259 </iframe>
261 <script>
261 </script>
261 </div>
261 <div class="modal-footer">
261 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">
261 Close
261 </a>
261 </div>
261 </div>
261 </div>
261 </div>
261 </div>
263 <script src="js/val/test/jquery-1.11.3.min.js" defer>
263 </script>
264 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/highlight.js" defer>
264 </script>
265 <script src="js/iframe/iframeResizer.js">
265 </script>
267 <script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.3.7/js/bootstrap.min.js" defer>
267 </script>
268 <script src="js/jqueryui/jquery-ui-1.9.1.custom.min.js" defer>
268 </script>
269 <script src="js/jquery.tocify.js" defer>
269 </script>
270 <script src="js/dropdowns-enhancement.js" defer>
270 </script>
271 <script src="js/scroll.js" defer>
271 </script>
272 <script src="js/custom.js" defer>
272 </script>
273 <script src="js/dmss.js" defer>
273 </script>
274 <script type="text/javascript"
src="https://cabbiepete.github.io/jQuery-Share-Email/js/jquery.tmpl.min.js" defer>
274 </script>
276 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/jQuery.print.js" defer>
276 </script>
277 <script src="js/jquery.shareemail.js" type="text/javascript" defer>
277 </script>
278 <script src="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.js" defer>
278 </script>
281 <a id="scrollup">
281 <i class="up">
281 </i>
281 </a>
282 <div id="background">
283 <p id="bg_text">
283 Trix procedures
283 </p>
284 <p id="bg_text_msg">
284 Only valid for 48hrs
284 </p>
285 </div>
290 <script type="text/javascript">
298 </script>
301 </body>
302 </html>