Amendments |
June 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children with Disabilities Team: Access to Services Eligibility Criteria | Additional information has been added in regard to Eligibility Criteria and Referral Process – EYAIT in relation to Autism. |
May 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. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated in line with minor Working Together to Safeguard Children amendments (December 2020). |
| 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 new Section 4, Housing Protocols for Care Leavers). |
| 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. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Appendix 1: Agreement for Accommodation of Children under Section 20 Children Act 1989 has been added. |
| Placements with Connected Persons | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice, and new Appendices added. |
| 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. Contact details have been updated in Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years. |
| Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
| Ceasing to Look After a Child | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect minor changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children (amendments to bullet points in Section 8.1, Child Protection Policy and Procedures). |
| Personal Care and Relationships | This chapter has been given a minor refresh. |
| 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 Leavers as well as Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans and Section 13, Where Care Leavers Live or Move to a Different Local Authority Area. In Section 10.3, The 16-19 Bursary Fund and Higher Education Bursary, the link has been updated. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice, Section 2.6 Care leavers leaving custody (DfE and MHCLG) (see Section 3.9, Planning for Release). |
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been refreshed throughout and information added on applying for a copy of a birth certificate online. |
| Next update: November 2021 |
Archive
March 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children with Disabilities Team: Access to Services Eligibility Criteria | Additional information has been added in regard to Eligibility Criteria and Referral Process – EYAIT in relation to Autism. |
November 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Complaints and Representations | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | Section 3, Reviews of Child in Need Plans has been updated to add that ‘Reviews will be conducted at intervals agreed with the Lead Professional’s line manager, which will be at least every six months, unless there are exceptional circumstances when timescales can be longer. This can include disabled children whose circumstances remain consistent and the services provided do not require such a regular review’. |
| Children with Disabilities Team: Access to Services Eligibility Criteria | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice, in particular in relation to ages. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Section 11, Further Information has been updated to include a link to Statutory Guidance Modern Slavery: How to Identify and Support Victims. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 years have been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. |
| Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | The contact details in Section 7, Appealing Decisions have been updated. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | Amended:
|
May 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery (see GOV.UK). |
| 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. (Ofsted: developments in children’s social care – What makes an effective case record?) |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | An update has been made in Section 1, Principles 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. |
| Children with Disabilities Team: Access to Services Eligibility Criteria | Amendments have been made to sections 1 and 2 in line with local practice, in particular in relation to ages. |
| 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. |
| 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, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School has been amended to include reference to Upskirting (which is now a criminal offence) and serious violence. In Section 1.3, Role of the Local Authority, Virtual School Head (VSH), and School, OFSTED’s advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for LAC pupils are registered with the DFE has been added. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed, and terminology was updated where required. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | Amended: Nominated Officer (Out of Area Placements); Designated Manager (Secure Accommodation); Designated Manager (Placement Orders); Designated Manager (Passports); Designated Manager (Marriage); Designated Manager (External Placements); Designated Manager (Emigration); Designated Manager (Death or Serious Injury to a Child); Designated Manager (Change of Name); Agency Decision Maker (Fostering); Agency Decision Maker (Adoption). |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter offers guidance in relation to the various situations in which consent is likely to be sought, with reference to previous legal judgments. |
| Storage of Data on Mobile | This chapter provides guidance on the storage of personal data (including photographs) on mobile devices. ‘Personal data’ is any information about an identifiable living individual. ‘Mobile devices’ includes memory sticks, mobile telephones including smartphones, tablet technologies, netbooks and laptops. |
| Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter is designed to highlight some of the issues to be considered, with links to additional information. |
November 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reference and reflect the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child In Need) | This chapter has been revised throughout to reflect revised arrangements for reporting a serious incident to the Panel via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification System. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to confirm in After the Private Fostering Arrangement Ends that any request for support by the young person should be made to the local authority in which they are resident or where the education and training is being provided. |
| Short Breaks | In Section 9, Providing Care in the Carer's own Home or in the Community, a link has been added to Childminders and Childcare Providers: Register with Ofsted (GOV.UK). |
| Gateshead's Advocacy Offer for Children and Young People | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. Updated Appendix 1: Advocacy Flowchart was 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 | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been amended to remove references to the Adoption Register. |
| 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 reference and reflect the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. |
| Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance | This chapter has been updated to reference and reflect the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| 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). |
June 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Threshold Document / Indicators of Need | This link has been updated in the regional safeguarding procedures manual. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been revised to reflect updated guidance on Assessment in Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Transfer and Closure of Cases | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
| Early Help Referral to Assessment & Intervention Team (A&I) | This chapter has been updated to reflect revised local structure arrangements. |
| 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). The chapter has also been amended to reflect HHJ Greensmith’s comments regarding M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018] EWFC 40 (1 June 2018)). (See Section 10, Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings). |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child In Need) | This chapter has been amended. 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 chapter has been amended to reflect case-law M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018]. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended. Appendix 1: Notes on Private Fostering Process on CareFirst has been added. |
| 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 revised throughout. 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 which require schools, through the designated teacher to provide support to previously Looked After Children. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. |
| Short Breaks | In Section 7, Short Break Settings, information has been added on Grove House. |
| 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 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 (see Section 2.1, The Care Plan - Contents). |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. These changes relate to the status of ‘previously looked after children’. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. Children subject to an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order are entitled to support from their school, through the designated teacher. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 2.3, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review. |
| 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. These changes relate to the status of ‘previously Looked After Children’. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. Previously Looked After Children are entitled to support from their school through the Designated Teacher (see Section 2.5, Children Who Move into Permanency). |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been amended to include a link to the Leaving Care and Transition Procedure in relation to Personal Adviser visits to ‘Relevant’ or ‘Former Relevant’ young people. |
| 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. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated. Amendments have been made in:
|
| 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, see Section 7.7, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review. |
| 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, see Section 3.8, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review. |
| 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. A previously looked-after child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. |
| Adoption Reviews | Section 5, The Conduct of Adoption Reviews, bullet point 1.f 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 has also been added. |
| Life Story Books Guidance | This chapter has been given a general refresh. Appendix 1: Consent to Share Information has been added. |
| Later Life Letters | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | 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, to provide support to previously Looked After Children. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. It has also been updated in to reflect the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman good practice points to follow when working with Special Guardians. A link to the full report ‘Firm Foundations: Complaints about Council Support and Advice for Special Guardians (Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman) (May 2018)’ has been added into the Related National Guidance section of this chapter. |
| Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been amended. Removed: Designated Manager (Adoption Panel Appointments). |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children and Families Social Work Strategy | This strategic plan sets out Gateshead’s vision and direction demonstrating what we aim to achieve and the ways we are striving to transform how we work. |
| Children in Need Including Those in Need of Protection | This sets out Gateshead Council’s Children’s services approach to Children in Need (CIN) and their families. |
| Early Help Service Supervision/Staff Development Policy | This sets out the supervision arrangements for family intervention (early help) staff working directly with children, young people and their families. |
| Protocol for the Transfer of Cases to the LAC Team from SGCP Teams | This sets out the local process for transfer. |
| Private Law - Section 7 and 37 Reports | This procedure applies when a court directs the local authority to produce a report under Section 7 or Section 37 of the Children Act 1989. |
| Children with Disabilities Team: Access to Services Eligibility Criteria | This sets information in relation to Referrals, Assessments, Levels of Need, Short Breaks. |
| Procedures Regarding Missing Children and Young People | This PDF has been added. |
| User Guide for the Return Home Interview (RHI) Form | This PDF has been added. |
| Missing Child: Return Interview | This PDF has been added. |
November 2018
| Confidentiality Policy | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Threshold Document/Indicators of Need | A link has been added to updated local guidance in the Gateshead SCP procedures manual. |
| Children in Need (including children in need of protection): Indicators of Need | A link has been added to updated local guidance in the Gateshead SCP procedures manual. |
| Assessments | Section 5, Communication has been updated to include reference to parents with learning disabilities. The chapter has been updated in line with the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. A new Section 8, Risk Analysis and Evaluation has been added and a new Appendix 1: Record of Social Work Visit – How to Complete and Manage Record Visit has also been added. |
| Transfer and Closure of Cases | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. |
| Allocation of Work for Homeless 16/17 Worker | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice and terminology. |
| 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, (see Section 2.1, Principles) and Practice Direction 3AA - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and Giving Evidence (see Case management in Section 4, Documentation). |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Case Records and Retention | Section 1, The Case Record has been updated in line with the Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which 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 updated throughout in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. |
| Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 Year Olds who May be Homeless and/or Require Accommodation | This link has been updated. |
| 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. |
| Gateshead's Advocacy Offer for Children and Young People | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been refreshed in relation to the circumstances in which a Looked After Review should be brought forward. |
| Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. |
| 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. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | The link has been updated to the Foster Carers Protocol. |
| Adoption Panel | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Minor amendments have been also made in line with local practice. |
| 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. |
| Local Contacts | The following details have been amended:
|
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Emergency Duty Team: Supervision/Staff Development Policy | This guidance and framework has been developed for all experienced child care workers / Approved Mental Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) working within the Emergency Duty Team (EDT). |
| Children & Families Service & Early Help Service: Practice Standards | A link has been added to this local document in the Documents Library. |
| Early Help Referral to Integrated Referral and Assessment Team (IRAT) | This replaces the previous FIT Process – Safeguarding: Escalating Cases to Tier 3 Services. |
| Guidance Regarding Working Agreements and Written Agreements | This sets out guidance regarding the use of these agreements. |
| Guidance on Compiling a Chronology | Chronologies should be used as part of the assessment, planning and decision-making processes. |
| A Guide to the Duty to Refer | This guide is primarily designed for professionals in public authorities subject to the duty to refer, although it will also be of interest to homelessness officials in local authorities. The guide outlines what the purpose of the duty to refer is, some advice for identifying when someone is threatened with homelessness, and what the procedures are for referring someone to a local authority. |
| Serious Incident Notifications & Need to Know | This procedure outlines the requirement for the Strategic Director (Care, Wellbeing & Learning) and other senior colleagues and councillors where appropriate, to be made urgently aware of serious situations regarding children and families. This includes the death of a child whether living at home or looked after. It also covers the responsibility for certain events to the LSCP and Ofsted/Secretary of State and the responsibility of the Youth Offending service to report certain incidents to the Youth Justice Board. |
| Policy for the Calculation and Payment of Special Guardianship Allowances | This new local guidance has been added. |
June 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 (February 2018). It includes the seven corporate parenting principles set out in the guidance. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated by adding a new Section 4, Children in Need Moving to Another Authority - Principles. Information and communication is important between the respective local authorities to ensure appropriate services continue for the child and family and, where relevant, any risk of harm is recognised and identified with the receiving local authority. It should be noted that the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child lies with the local authority where the child is to be found. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been refreshed 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 Care 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. |
| 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 | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 section 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 by of the relationship which the child has with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed. |
| Inter Country Adoption | Section 8, Home Study has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits. |
| 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 section 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. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Supervision / Staff Development Policy | This chapter has been added to the contents list. |
| Mental Capacity | A link has been added to this resource. Everyone working with (or caring for) any young person from the age of 16 who may lack capacity must comply with the Mental Capacity Act. |
| Deprivation of Liberty | A link has been added to this resource. Case-law makes clear that social workers and local authorities need to consider whether children in care or cared for away from home in other settings may be subject to a Deprivation of Liberty and, if so, what authorisation is required. |
November 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 Section 9, Related Information and Guidance have been added/updated. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regard to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | A has been added to information on Securing British Citizenship for Looked After Children. |
| Young Carers | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been amended to reflect the outcome of an Appeal Court hearing (2017) with respect to 'consent'. The court recognised that the term 'consent' itself was not used in Section 20. However, it described previous court observations as 'good practice guidance', emphasising that its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these (see Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent). |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | A note has been added in respect of Secure Accommodation - Placements in Scotland. Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017 enables local authorities to make placements in Secure accommodation under Section 25 Children Act 1989 (see Section 7.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). |
| Change of Name of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Placement for Adoption | A link has been added to Contact After Adoption. |
| 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. |
June 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | A link has been updated to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit. |
| 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 form. |
| Case Records and Retention | This chapter has been reviewed to note that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse requires all institutions to retain their records relating to the care of children for the duration of the Inquiry (see Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality 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 judgement on Ordinary Residence that was included in DHSC, Care and Support Statutory Guidance (December 2016). Links have been added to:
|
| Short Breaks | A link has been added to Friendship for All (The Children's Society). |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Additional information has been added in to Section 1.4, Actions required after a Decision to Look After is made, in relation to a child becoming Looked After under s20 of the 1989 Children Act. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Additional information has been added in to Section 3.1, Staying / Returning Home. |
| Placements with Connected Persons | Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children with 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 guidance FRG Initial Family and Friends Care. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been refreshed throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Placements with Parents | Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement has been updated. Consideration as to whether the home environment is safe for the child should include, where relevant, the need for a risk assessment of any pets and the environment in which they are kept. |
| 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. |
| Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays) | This chapter has been refreshed throughout, and should be re-read. |
| 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). |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated. Additional information has been added in to Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker (During Placement), including assessment 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 include 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. |
| Inter Country Adoption | Information has been added in to Section 3, Initial Meeting in relation to the DfE Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements. 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 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 | The chapter has been updated. The DfE has updated the Special Guardianship Guidance to include details of the Adoption Support Fund as the Fund now covers therapeutic support for children, living in England, who were previously in care immediately before the making of a Special Guardianship Order. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| FRG Initial Family and Friends Care | A link has been added to this resource which outlines what a viability assessment for family and friend carers should look like, what social workers should consider and how to undertake international assessments. |
| Children's Consultation and Participation | It is essential that children and young people are enabled by professionals to participate in matters that affect them, particularly any plans or arrangements that will affect them and/or their family and are consulted with regard to processes designed to improve services both to them individually and more generally. |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter deals with the first stages of the adoption process for relinquished children. |
| Throughout the Manual | |
| Ofsted National Business Unit | The telephone number for the Ofsted National Business Unit has been updated. |
| DfE – Change to E-mail Address | As part of updating its IT infrastructure the DfE are moving away from Government Secure Intranet (GSI) to cloud computing, and the format of email addresses has changed. |
| Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE, February 2017) | Links have been updated to this revised guidance. |
| CAME Women and Girls Development Organisation | New National Contact has been added. |
| Trans | New Keyword has been added. |
| Modern Slavery Act 2015 | New keywords relating to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 have been added:
|
November 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. In addition, minor amendments have been made throughout the chapter in line with local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | To reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted what were thought to be 'good practice steps' to issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth (see Section 4, Pre-birth Planning and Proceedings). |
| Legal Gateway 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'. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated. Links to statutory guidance have been added/updated. |
| Short Breaks | A link has been added to the Gateshead Short Breaks Service Statement. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | A link has been added 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 refreshed throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | The contact details have been updated in Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval. The chapter has also been amended to acknowledge the President of the High Court's judgement regarding applications in English courts for Secure Accommodation placements in Scotland (see Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been amended 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 (see Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities). |
| Education of Looked After Children | Links to statutory guidance have been added/updated. |
| Personal Care and Relationships | A link has been added to Practice Guidance: Supporting Young People with HIV Testing and Prevention. |
| Staying Put | The links have been added to Related Guidance. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been refreshed throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been refreshed throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | Additional information has been added in to Section 4.2, Considering Adoption for a Child relating to the situation where, at any point during the planning of a Fostering for Adoption placement or if the child is already in such a placement, there is any change to the circumstances of prospective carers, including relatives. |
| Local Contacts | This chapter has been amended. Designated Allegations Manger (Fostering) (name and contact details for person who liaises with the LADO where allegations against foster carers are made). |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | This chapter deals with recording of meetings/conversations by individual service-users, which may be overt or covert. |
May 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Assessments | Additional information has been added in to section 2, The Purpose of Assessment in relation to the Modern Slavery Act 2015. |
| Legal Gateway Meetings | Additional information has been added in to Section 1, Purpose of Legal Gateway Meetings in relation to children Accommodated under Section 20 Children Act 1989. |
| Access to Records | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Direct Payments | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
| Short Breaks | This chapter has been fully updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, DfE, Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 years Statutory Guidance for Organisations who work with Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (2015) and DfE, The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulation - Volume 2: care planning, placement and case review regulations (2015). |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been updated to include reference to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Section 3, Assessment). |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Information has been added in relation to accommodation of children under Section 20 Children Act 1989, and a link added to the "Important Information for Parents" Leaflet. |
| Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Placements with Connected Persons | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Independent Visitors Policy | The contact details have been amended in Section 4.1, Referral Process and an updated Appendix 1: Initial Enquiry For An Independent Visitor has been added. |
| Contact with Parents and Siblings | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | Section 5, Planning Meeting has been revised and updated to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements (for all applications made from 29 February 2016) as set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016. |
| Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance | Section 3, Special Guardianship – Matters to be Dealt with in Report to Court has been revised and updated to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements (for all applications made from 29 February 2016) as set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016. |
| Local Contacts | Amended: Placement Officer/Manager; Independent Review Unit. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Whistleblowing to Ofsted about Children's Social Care Services - Policy and Guidance for Whistleblowers | A link has been added to this document which outlines what Ofsted will do when it receives certain concerns about Children's Social Care services from a whistleblower. |
| Young Carers | This chapter sets out the requirements under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Young Carers (Needs Assessments) Regulations 2015. |
| Ceasing to Look After a Child | This chapter reflects the statutory guidance 'Ceasing to look after a child' in 'Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations (2015)' as amended by the 'Care Planning and Fostering (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2015' together with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. |
| South of Tyne Consortium Policy and Procedure for Secure Accommodation Reviews | This replaces the previous chapter on Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews. |
November 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Confidentiality Policy | Links to national guidance have been updated. |
| Section 47 Enquiries | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice. Additionally, a link has been added to Lone Working Policy. |
| Whistleblowing Policy | An updated version has been added. |
| Case Records and Retention | The legislative references in relation to children's homes have been updated. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with the Care Act 2014. |
| Short Breaks | In Section 7, Short Break Settings, revised links have been added to new Quality Standards for Children's Homes and Care Quality Commission (CQC). |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated to reflect "The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015) ”. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect "The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)". A new Section 9, Long-Term Foster Placements has been added. |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect "The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015) ”. Additional information has been added in to Section 1, Normal Frequency. |
| Independent Visitors Policy | The contact details have been updated for the Independent Visitors Service, in Section 4, Procedure for the Provision of Independent Visitors. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been updated to reflect "The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)". A new Section 10, Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements has been added. Minor amendments have been also made throughout the chapter, and it should be re-read. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | Section 2, Children Placed in Children's Homes has been updated in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been completely rewritten, and should be re-read. |
| Health Care Assessments and Plans | This chapter has been updated in line with updated Statutory Guidance on Promoting the Health and Well-being of Looked After Children. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. |
| Restrictive Physical Intervention | In Section 5, Locking or Bolting of Doors information has been added in relation to Deprivation of Liberty. |
| Local Contacts | Section 1, Children's Social Care – Referral and Assessment; Section 2, Children's Social Care – Safeguarding and Care Planning; Section 3, Children's Social Care – Looked after Children; and Section 4, Children's Commissioning. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | Designated Manager (Care Plans); Designated Manager (Care Proceedings); Designated Manager (Contact with Parents); Designated Manager (Decision to Look After); Designated Manager (Emergency Protection Orders); Designated Manager (Notifications); Nominated Officer (Immediate Placement of a Looked After Child with Connected Person); Nominated Officer (Placement of a Looked After Child subject to Care Order or Interim Care Order with Parents). |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Lone Working Policy | This guidance aims to assist in reducing risks that employees are likely to face when lone working and increase awareness of those risks. |
Transfer and Closure of Cases Procedure for Business Support Audit at Transfer, Closure and 3 Month Intervals Safeguarding & Care Planning Child Protection Transfer In Flowchart |
Cases are transferred both within Social Work - Children and Families and across authorities. This procedure brings together both of these situations and case closures. |
| FIT Process- Safeguarding: Escalating Cases to Tier 3 Services | This sets out the action to be taken where there is clear evidence for a referral to Tier 3. |
End