Amendments
October 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | This chapter has been revised in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been revised in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been revised in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Child Protection Enquiries (Section 47) | This chapter has been revised in line with the updated Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Information has been added in relation to family group decision-making in Section 1, Introduction and Time Limits and Section 5, Pre-Proceedings. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24) | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children and a new section on the death of the care Leaver up to and including the age of 24 has been added. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | The information on registering an appeal with the 1st Tier Tribunal has been updated in line with case law. |
| Personal Budgets and Direct Payments | Information about personal budgets has been added to the chapter on direct payments. |
| Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | Information has been added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care. |
| Placements with Connected Persons | This chapter has been revised and updated throughout. |
| Need to Know/Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been updated to note that notifications should also be made on the death of a Care Leaver up to and including the age of 24. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been extensively revised and updated. |
| Staying Put | This chapter has been updated to note that if a young person in a Staying Put arrangement dies up to and including the age of 24, notifications should be made in accordance with the procedure on Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24). |
| Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance | The links contained in this chapter have been revised and added to. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | Information has been included on how to obtain Ofsted checks. |
| Recruitment, Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | Information has been added on how to request information about an applicant from Ofsted. |
| Placement for Adoption | Information about procedural fairness has been updated in line with case law. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | The chapter has been revised to note the Special Guardian Duty on the Death of the Child, that the relevant local authority should be notified if the child was previously a looked after child. |
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family Networks and Family Group Decision Making | Working Together to Safeguard Children and Championing Kinship Care: National Kinship Care Strategy define family group decision making is an umbrella term for family-led decision-making fora, where a family network has all the resources, adequate preparation, relevant information, a safe and appropriate environment, and private family time to make a plan to response to concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. |
| Next Update: April 2025 |
April 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been amended to include information from Special Educational Needs and Disability: Improving Local Authority Decision Making - Report of the Administrative Justice Council’s Working Group on Special Educational Needs and Disability. Also, the information on Resolving Disagreements has been updated to include information on Guidance: Carry Out an Order in Special Educational Needs Cases. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | In the section on age assessment a link has been added to the BASW Age Assessment Practice Guidance. In Further Information, a link was added to Operation Innerste Process: Caseworker Guidance. |
| Young Carers | Minor revisions and updates throughout. |
| Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been updated to include information from Guidance - Placing Children: Deprivation of Liberty Orders - guidance for providers, social workers and placement commissioners on placing children, subject to a deprivation of liberty order (DoL). |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | The section on the Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated to include information from Guidance - Placing Children: Deprivation of Liberty Orders and updated throughout in line with Revised Practice Guidance on the Court’s Approach to Unregistered Placements (October 2023). |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | The information on Ordinary Residence has been updated in line with case law. |
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National Framework | A Continuing Care package funded by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) is required when a child or young person has needs arising from a disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist NHS services alone. All practitioners who work with children or young people with extra needs should be aware of the responsibility of the NHS ICB to provide Continuing Care and the importance of information sharing in this assessment process. |
October 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been updated to take into account case law in relation to assessing legal capacity. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Information has been added in relation To Supervision Orders when a child is on a care plan and remaining at home. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Information has been added to the section on resolving disagreements in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adopters in first-tier Tribunal appeals. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Information has been included in relation to the National Age Assessment Board. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Home Office increasing financial support to individuals waiting to find out if they will be given asylum in the UK. |
| Decision to Look After | The original chapter “Decision to Look After and Care Planning” has been split into 2 separate chapters to make referencing information easier. |
| Care Planning | The original chapter “Decision to Look After and Care Planning” has been split into 2 separate chapters to make referencing information easier. |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been revised to reflect supported accommodation for 16 to 17-year-olds becoming regulated by Ofsted. |
| Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter replaces one previously entitled Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children. It includes information on the key responsibilities for professionals and carers. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated to note that with effect from 1st April 2023 leaving care allowance increased from £2000 to £3000. |
| Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | A link has been added to the National Early Permanence Practice Standards. |
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Health and Safety | This chapter explains what needs to be in place when assessing a foster/residential home in relation to health and safety issues. |
| Ofsted Inspection Framework | This chapter sets out the Ofsted framework and guidance for inspecting local authority services for children in need of help and protection, children in care and care leavers. |
April 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Section 8, Court Hearings has been updated in line with A View From the President’s Chambers: Relaunching the PLO (November 2022), and that section should be re-read. In Relevant Guidance a link has been added to Pre-proceedings and Family Justice Hub (Research in Practice). |
| Case Records and Retention | This chapter has been updated in relation to the conclusion of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated to include information from Guidance: Area SEND Inspections Framework and Handbook (November 2022). |
| Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | This chapter has been updated to include information from the UK Social Work Practice in Safeguarding Disabled Children and Young People report. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been amended to include information from Annex to MOJ Circular 2022/03: Additional Information on Remand to Local Authority Accommodation (RLAA). |
| Health Care Assessments and Plans | Information has been added into Section 4, Health Plans in relation to allergies. |
| Positive Relationships and Behaviour Management | This chapter has been amended to incorporate Ofsted feedback. Additional information has also been added into Section 2, Positive Behaviour Support and Section 5.4, Recording of Sanctions. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | A link has been added to the NICE guidance on Self-Harm: Assessment, Management and Preventing Re-Occurrence. |
| Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been amended to reflect that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 26 February 2023. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been revised to include information from the revised Ofsted inspection framework. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. New Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern has been added. |
| Recruitment, Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been revised with additional information on the recruitment process. |
| Adoption Panel | This chapter has been refreshed with additional information on the work of the Adoption Panel. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been revised with minor revisions to improve clarity. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been revised when language and terminology were updated. |
| Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already Adopted | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. New Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern has been added. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect the updated Public Law Working Group Best Practice Guidance. This includes the new interim guidance, issued by the President of the Family Division, that addresses the lawful extension of care proceedings beyond 26 weeks. Section 6.3, Placement before Special Guardianship Order is made, has been added in line with guidance that states where there is no pre-existing relationship between the child and special guardians the child should be placed on an interim basis before the special guardianship order is made. |
October 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been amended throughout in line with Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been updated to recognise that involvement in the National Transfer Scheme is now mandatory for all local authorities. |
| Ceasing to Look After a Child | This chapter has been amended to add a note regarding transferring a child’s belongings in appropriate luggage and includes a link to a link to NYAS, My Things Matter Report. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. |
| Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. |
| Placements Outside England and Wales | Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey has been updated in line with the Cross-border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 and Cross-Border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022: Practice Guidance, Notice and Undertaking Template. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been amended in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. |
| Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | Section 3, Supervised Contact has been updated to reflect a finding by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman that the supervisor's observations of the contact must be clearly recorded in the child's record and shared with the parents within 3 months of the visit. |
| Positive Relationships and Behaviour Management | This chapter provides guidance on managing behaviour, which includes supporting positive behaviour, de-escalation of conflicts and discipline. |
| Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint | This chapter has been revised and expanded to include information on children with extra support needs and the procedure after applying restraint. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been amended to refer to Guidance issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | The link to My Things Matter has been updated. A link has also been added in Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans to Placements in Other Arrangements. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | The information with regard to who may act as an Appropriate Adult has been updated |
| Fostering Panel | This chapter has been revised and links updated. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been revised and re-structured. |
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Training and Development of Foster Carers | This new link has been added. |
May 2022
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Principals of Child’s Transfer process in Children’s Services | These principles apply to children transferring between all teams within Children's Services; the guiding principles are that the transfer arrangements should be child-centred and there should be no delay. |
April 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | Information has been added about the need for consent to the use of medication to suppress puberty in line with case law. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated throughout and links revised. Are revisions have been made to include The Public Law Working Group recommendations to achieve best practice in the child protection and family justice system. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been revised in accordance with the expectation that every public law children case will accord with the Public Law Working Group recommendations to achieve best practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice System. |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | This chapter has been amended and updated in line with case law. |
| Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been revised throughout in the light of best practice guidance. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | The information on resolving disagreements has been updated in line with 1st Tier Tribunal’s extended powers to hear appeals and make non-binding recommendations about EHC plans. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Information has been added about the National Transfer Scheme. |
| Private Fostering | This policy and procedure has been revised throughout and should be re-read. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Information on the use of Section 20 Accommodation has been revised in line with the Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems. |
| Placements with Parents | A link to the Public Law Working Group Best Practice Guidance has been added. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | The information on Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated in line with case-law. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect the latest version of Keeping Children Safe In Education. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | A link has been added to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. |
October 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been updated to been updated to reflect a High Court judgement that consent to life-ending withdrawal of medical support for a child will require an application to the High Court. |
| Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been revised and updated in line with the latest version of Working Together December 2020. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been amended to add a new section on 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation and reflects the issue of Homelessness and the vulnerability of young people identified in Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Information has been added in relation to pre-birth assessments and planning where the mother has learning disabilities, in line with the Court of Appeal judgement in D (A Child) [2021] |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | Information has been added on recording by employees in a professional capacity, and links added to relevant guidance. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Links have been added to the Further Information section about the availability of special education needs support and research on disputes about special educational needs in England. |
| Short Breaks | Information has been added in relation to the prohibition on looked after children under the age of 16 being placed in ‘other arrangements’ placements for the purposes of a short break. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | A link added to the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians Referral Form. In areas where the ICTG service has been implemented, if the social worker considers a child to be a potential victim of modern slavery, they should refer them to the ICTG service by completing the online referral form. Section 6.1, Placement Options has been updated in relation to placements in ‘other arrangements’. Section 4 has been updated in relation to Age Assessments. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated to note that the High Court in ST (a child, by his Litigation Friend VW) & VW v Secretary of State for the Home Department held that immigration caseworkers, when deciding whether to accept that the applicant is ‘destitute or at risk of imminent destitution’ are required to ‘have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare’ of any children involved in the application, in accordance with section 55 Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect a High Court case setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases. |
| Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | This chapter has been revised and a link added to House of Commons Library Briefing Paper: Criminal Injuries Compensation for Victims of Child Abuse. |
| Placements with Parents | Information has been added on placements in “other arrangements”. |
| Placements in Residential Care | Ban on Unregulated Placements for Under 16s: From September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements. |
| Out of Area Placements | The section on placements in Wales has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance on Regulations – Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
| Placements Outside England and Wales | Additional information has been added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | Information has been added on placements in “other arrangements”. |
| Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers | A section on Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added, to reflect a High Court judgment. |
| Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been revised throughout and links to local advocacy services added. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | School Admissions Code: From 1 September 2021, the School Admissions Code provides that children being raised by family and friends carers under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order, who struggle to get a school place during the year, will be supported in finding one. |
| Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UK | This chapter has been revised throughout and links updated to the Home Office guidance for Children Services departments when applying for passports on behalf of children. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | In relevant cases, immigration status should be included as a separate section on the Pathway Plan. This will help to ensure that young people who have been granted Pre Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme apply to convert this to Settled Status. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | School Admissions Code: From 1 September 2021, the School Admissions Code provides that children being raised by family and friends carers under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order, who struggle to get a school place during the year, will be supported in finding one. |
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Transfer in Child Protection Conference | When the Children's Initial Advice Team are notified that a child who is subject to a Child Protection Plan in another Local Authority moves into the Darlington area, the responsibility for the Child Protection Plan remains with the originating Local Authority the child is open to until the Transfer in Initial Child Protection Conference has been held. |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter covers when a child or care leaver is discharged from hospital after having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. |
| Practice Guidance for Financial Management - Leaving Care Team | This practice guidance has been added to the manual. |
April 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been updated to add information on a High Court case in relation to consent in the context of the use of medication to suppress puberty. Information has also been added in relation to NICE Quality Standard: Decision-Making and Mental Capacity. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Section 15, Resolving Disagreements has been updated to reference recent case-law holding that, as part of the mediation process, a parent/child/young person is entitled to bring along any supporter they wish, including a lawyer. |
| Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 Year Olds who may be Homeless and/or Require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer | This chapter has been updated to add a link to Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) to support the development of joint protocols that can help local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of care leavers. (See Section 4, Housing Protocols for Care Leavers). |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | A new Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty When One or More of the Relevant Criteria Under Section 25 Children Act 1989 are Not Satisfied has been added. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated with a link to Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) to support the development of joint protocols that can help local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of care leavers. Additional content has therefore been added in a new Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leaver as well as Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans and Section 13, Where Care Leavers Live or Move to a Different Local Authority Area. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Section 2.6 Care leavers leaving custody in Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) 2020. (See Section 3.9, Planning for Release) |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | A revised link has been added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout and information added on applying for a copy of a birth certificate online. |
April 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Ofsted Twitter Blog of 24/7/19 by Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Social Care. The Blog highlights feedback from a number of inspections and explores what good recording should look like. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated to draw attention to OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for pupils with SEN are registered with the DFE. The same diligence should be exercised on behalf of pupils with SEN. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been updated to take account of the new NRM digital referral form to report Modern Slavery. |
| Need to Know / Serious Incident Notification Procedures | This chapter has been updated to reflect revised guidance issued by Ofsted to Children's Homes Providers in August 2019. The revised guidance sought to clarify what is meant by a 'serious event' in relation to a child living in a Children's Homes with the aim of reducing the overall number of notifications made to Ofsted, and in particular reducing the number of repeat notifications made as a result of submitting additional / updated information. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 which replaces the 2018 version. Section 8 has been amended to include reference to Upskirting (which is now a criminal offence) and serious violence. |
October 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated to reflect 'Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018'. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been amended to reflect changes from 'Practice Direction 27a - Family Proceedings: Court Bundles (Universal Practice to be applied in the High Court and Family Court)' in relation to the required maximum length of certain court documents (unless otherwise specifically directed by the court). In addition, further detail has been added with respect to the Final Care Plan. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children and the process for reporting a serious incident to the Panel via the Child Safeguarding Notification System. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to confirm that after the private fostering arrangement ends that any request for support from the young person should be made to the local authority in which they are resident or where the education and training is provided. |
| Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer | This chapter has been updated to include the correct email address for the Duty to Refer. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been updated; a new Section 6, Suitable Placements has been added. Details of the National Transfer Scheme Protocol for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children Version 2.0 March 2018 have also been added into Section 1, Introduction and Definitions. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been amended 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. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | Links to the application forms C1 and C2 have been updated. |
| Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated to note that this procedure does not apply to children subject to Interim Care Orders where the placement is required by the court under Section 38(6) Children Act 1989 for the purposes of assessment. |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | A link has been added to the Leaving Care and Transition chapter in relation to Personal Adviser visits to 'Relevant' or 'Former Relevant' young people. |
| Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to clarify the requirement for clear separation of reviews (for clarifying whether the criteria for keeping a child in secure accommodation are met, and the child's looked after review) has been emphasised. Clarifying whether the criteria for keeping a child in secure accommodation are met must come before a LAC review so the decision can inform the LAC review and they must be chaired by different individuals. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated and revised, it incorporates changes introduced by the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (2019). A new section has been added with regard to Unaccompanied Migrant Children, and the role of the Virtual School Head in relation to Previously Looked After children is emphasised. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated to add information with regard to a care leaver's status as a victim of trafficking or UASC when preparing an assessment of need. Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans has been amended in relation to Relevant / Former Relevant young people moving to 'unregulated' accommodation. Section 8, Personal Advisers has been amended in relation to frequency of visits by Personal Advisers. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | A link to the Standards for Children in the Youth Justice System 2019 has been added. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated to reflect in more detail the foster carer's role and responsibilities with respect to Fostering National Minimum Standards – Notification of Significant Events and relevant aspects of Schedule 6 The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011. |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended to reflect the national changes in adoption registration and matching. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been amended to reflect the national changes in adoption registration and matching. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, to offer support to previously looked after children. |
| Adoption Reviews | This chapter has been amended to reflect the status of adopted children as being 'previously looked after' when considering their educational needs. A link to DfE guidance on Promoting the Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After children was also added. |
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report 'Firm Foundations' - good practice points to follow when working with special guardians. |
| Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance | This chapter has been updated to note the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (May 2019). |
| Life Story Books Guidance | This chapter has been fully reviewed throughout. |
| Later Life Letters | This chapter has been fully reviewed throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Case Records and Retention | This chapter has replaced one entitled Record Management. |
| Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | This chapter reflects statutory guidance in relation to children who are placed by health authorities or local authorities for more than 3 months in residential establishments for educational purposes and children placed in care homes or independent hospitals (including hospices) by health authorities or local authorities (Sections 85 and 86 of the Children Act 1989). |
April 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been amended to reflect case-law M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence). |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated. From 29 June 2018 local authorities in England must notify the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within 5 working days of becoming aware of a serious incident. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This guidance has been reviewed and updated to reflect recent case-law. |
| Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer | This chapter has been added. It links to statutory guidance and to the Guide to the duty to refer including the referral process. The duty to refer was brought in by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. |
| Ceasing to Look After a Child | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been updated to reflect the updated guidance 'Secure Children's Homes: How to Place a Child aged under 13 (July 2018).' |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and with local practice. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody. |
| Removed Chapter | |
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|
October 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | A new Section 2, Corporate Parenting has been added in response to the DfE, Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers – Statutory Guidance (Feb 2018). It includes the seven corporate parenting principles set out in the guidance. |
| Initial Contacts and Referrals | Links to local information have been updated. |
| Continuum of Need Indicators | This link has been updated. |
| Assessments | Section 4, Communication has been updated to include reference to parents with learning disabilities. This chapter has also been updated in line with the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to provide some emphasis on parents who lack capacity and added links to the President of the Family Division, Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability note, and a relevant link to working with parents who have a learning disability. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated to reflect the requirement for local authorities in England to notify the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within 5 working days of becoming aware of a serious incident. |
| Whistleblowing | Links have been added to:
|
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been reviewed and updated in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Records Management | A note has been added that the Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, permit the transfer of a copy of the child's case record (or part of that record) to another adoption agency when the local authority considers this to be in the interests of the child. |
| Access to Records/Subject Access Requests | This chapter has been reviewed and updated in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 Year Olds who May be Homeless and/or Require Accommodation | This link has been updated. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been refreshed throughout, and additional information added in relation to trafficking and modern slavery. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Additional information has been added in to Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation, in line with recent case-law. |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | Section 2, Exceptions, has been revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those set out in Section 1, Normal Frequency. |
| Looked After Reviews | Section 9, The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child has been amended to reflect the outcome of a High Court Judgement in respect of children who were subject to Section 20 and where there were concerns of significant delays in their planning for permanence. The court noted the IROs' recognition and action over a number of reviews but acknowledged that a more robust response had been needed. |
| Need to Know / Serious Incident Notification Procedures | This chapter has been updated to reflect that requirement, from 29 June 2018, for local authorities in England to notify the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within 5 working days of becoming aware of a serious incident. |
| Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK | In Section 5, Insurance, the link for further information regarding the European Health Insurance Card has been updated. |
| Health Care Assessments and Plans | A new Section 3.5, Consent to Health Care Assessments has been added. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | The link has been updated to the Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol England. |
| Adoption Panel | This chapter has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Inter Country Adoption | Section 8, Home Study has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits. |
| Adoption Case Records | Section 3, Security Retention and Sharing of Records has been updated in line with the Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which provide that an adoption agency may disclose an adoption case record to another adoption agency for purposes related to either agency's functions as an adoption agency. Further information has been added in relation to adoption records where an Adoption Order is not made. |
| Relinquished Children | Section 5, Consent and Competency has been updated to include additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Mental Capacity | A link has been added to this new resource. |
| Deprivation of Liberty | A link has been added to this new resource. |
June 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family and Friends/Connected Care and Family Arrangements Policy and Guidance on the Assessment Process | An updated version of this local policy has been added. |
April 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been revised to set out in more detail the timetable and partnership requirements associated with effectively managing contacts and referrals. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated by adding a new section Moving to Another Authority. |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Section 2.1, The Care Plan – Contents has been amended to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Section 5, Assessing and Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Child Plan (under s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been refreshed in relation to the circumstances in which a Looked After Review should be brought forward. |
| Contact with Parents and Siblings | Section 2, Different Types of Contact has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact. |
| Staying Put Procedure and Guidance | This chapter has been amended throughout in line with local practice. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers | Section 8, After the Panel Recommendation has been updated to clarify that the decision as to the suitability of the applicant must be made within 7 working days of receipt of the panel's recommendation and final set of panel minutes. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been amended to emphasise 'procedural fairness' as a key aspect of the adoption planning process in respect of ensuring parents are provided with information throughout, including the dates of placement/proposed changes of a child's status, etc. This follows the outcome of a judicial review. Section 1, Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017. Whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child, an additional consideration is added of the relationship which the child has with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | Section 4.1, Duty to Consider Fostering for Adoption Placement has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant. |
October 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | Section 1, Introduction has been updated to take account of the change of definition in: Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017). Links to Related Information and Guidance have been added/updated. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online Notification of serious childcare incident for local authorities form. |
| Records Management | A note has been added in relation to retention of records. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a court judgment on Ordinary Residence that was included in DoH, Care and Support Statutory Guidance (December 2016). (See Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has been added into Further Information to Guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' Entitlement to EHC Plans (DfE 2017). |
| Placements with Connected Persons | Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children Connected Persons has been updated to include, in matters that should be considered when placing a child with a Connected Person, an initial risk assessment of any pets, together with the environment in which the pet is kept. A link has been added to FRG Initial Family and Friends Care. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Placements with Parents | Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks Before Placement, has been updated. Consideration should be given as to whether the home environment is safe for the child including where relevant, the need for a risk assessment of any pets and the environment in which they are kept. |
| Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Children's Society 'Advocacy Services for Children and Young People – A Guide for Commissioners'. This guide outlines the legislative requirements of local authorities in the provision of advocacy support to children in need and looked after children. |
| Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays) | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Health Care Assessments and Plans | A link has been added to Children's Attachment: Attachment in Children and Young People who are Adopted from Care, in Care or at High Risk of Going into Care - NICE Guidelines (NG26). |
| Staying Put Procedure and Guidance | Links have been added to Related Guidance. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker has been updated. Additional information has been added in relation to the Safer Caring Plan and any health and safety issues including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept. |
| Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters | Section 5.3, Assessments has been updated to provide that where the applicants have pets, a risk assessment should be conducted and any associated risks should be taken into account with regard to the pet itself and where the pet is kept. Where necessary, an independent assessment should be undertaken by a vet to establish whether the dog falls within the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. |
| Placement for Adoption | A link has been added to Contact After Adoption. |
| Inter Country Adoption | This chapter has been updated to take account of DfE Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements, which set out the minimum requirements. However entry clearance requirements vary depending upon the circumstances of each case and prospective adopters will need to obtain their own independent legal advice to establish the requirements that apply to their individual circumstances. In Section 4, Formal Approval, a link has been added to Intercountry Adoption: Means Test Form which contains information on how to apply for a fee reduction for people who wish to adopt a child from overseas and who earn £45,000 per year or less. In Section 12, After Approval information has been added on the Intercountry Adoption Forms: Checklist for Adoption which details the paperwork adoption agencies must include in the intercountry adoption applications they submit to DfE. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been substantially revised to reflect the most recent national Special Guardianship Guidance (January 2017) and should be re-read in full. |
| Throughout the Manual | |
| Ofsted (National Business Unit) | The telephone number has been updated. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Consultation and Participation | This guidance is designed to help ensure that children and young people are enabled by professionals to participate in matters that affect them and are consulted with regard to processes designed to improve services both to them individually and more generally. |
April 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | The link to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit has been updated. This includes information with regards to the ICACU request for co-operation form and guidance (GOV.UK). This form is to be used by local authority staff to ask the authorities in another country for information or assistance in a child protection case. The guidance should be read prior to completing the form. |
| Short Breaks | A link has been added to Friendship For All (The Children's Society. This website provides freely downloadable, nationally piloted and evaluated resources aimed at increasing friendship in the lives of children. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been amended to acknowledge the President of the High Court's judgement regarding applications in English courts for Secure Accommodation placements in Scotland. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been to note The Law Society guidance 'Attendance of solicitors at local authority Children Act Meetings' and their Code of Conduct where the child or family who attend reviews are supported by a legal representative. |
| Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers | This chapter has been updated in relation to the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer in line with the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015). In particular, the IRO being sensitive to the close and active involvement of parents of a child looked after in a series of Short Breaks and problem-solving where there might be difficulties or issues. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation – statutory guidance | Links have been updated to updated statutory guidance. |
| Child Sexual Exploitation | Keyword definition has been updated. |
| DfE – Change to E-mail Address | DfE 'gsi' email addresses will no longer work –the format of email addresses has been updated. |
| Ofsted (National Business Unit) | The telephone number has been updated to 0300 123 1231. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter deals with the first stages of the adoption process for relinquished children. |
February 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | The 'Single Assessment Policy and Guidance' has been updated with a new version. |
October 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgement following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted 'good practice steps' to undertaking assessments and issuing care proceedings in respect to the removal of a child at birth. A new Section 11.1, Pre-birth 'Good Practice Steps' has been added. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted what have been thought to be 'good practice steps' to issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge set out what were thought to be 'basic and good practice steps'. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | A link has been added to Child Safety Online: a Practical Guide for Parents and Carers whose Children are using Social Media. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Links to government guidance documents have been added/updated. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | A link has been added to Related Guidance to the ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | In Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval, the link to the Secure Children's Homes has been updated. As from May 2016 referrals for secure welfare placements are made through the National Secure Welfare Unit (NSWCU). |
| Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers | In Associated resources (external links), the link has been updated to the British Medical Association Consent Toolkit. |
| Education of Looked After Children | Links to government guidance documents have been added/updated. |
| Personal Care and Relationships | A link has been added to Practice Guidance: Supporting Young People with HIV Testing and Prevention. This practice guidance is for professionals who do not provide HIV testing, treatment or advice as part of their day-to-day work. It is primarily intended for those working outside health settings, such as social workers or voluntary sector practitioners. |
| Youth Justice Board National Standards and Case Management Guidelines | The link has been updated. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been updated throughout, and amended to reflect changes to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) which defines 'arrested juvenile' for the purpose of Part 4 of that Act (detention). The effect of the change is that 17 year olds are included in the definition of 'arrested juvenile'. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | A link has been added to the Adoption Support Fund. Further information has been added in to Section 1, Introduction to clarify the level of parental responsibility extended to the Special Guardian, and Section 2, Who may Apply? |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | In Section 4.2, Considering Adoption for a Child, additional information has been added in relation to the steps which must be taken where there is a change to the circumstances of prospective carers, including relatives. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Parents or Adults Recording Social Workers in Meetings: Practitioner Guidance | These chapters deal with recording of meetings/conversations by service-users. |
| Guidance for Parents and Adults: Recording Meetings with your Social Worker | |
