Amendments
September 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | This chapter has been revised in line with new definitions in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023. |
| Family and Friends Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect Championing Kinship Care: the National Kinship Care Strategy. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Information has been added in relation to family group decision-making and a link added to the Family Networks and Family Group Decision Making Procedure. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child Subject to Child Protection Plan and Child In Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24) | This chapter has been revised in line with working together to Safeguard children and a new section on the actions to be taken following the death of a care leaver up to the age of 24 has been added. |
| Personal Budgets and Direct Payments | The previous chapter on Direct Payments has been expanded to include information on Personal Budgets. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | The information on resolving disagreements has been updated to include information from Guidance: Carry Out an Order in Special Educational Needs Cases. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | A link to BASW Age Assessment Practice Guidance has been added. In Further Information, a link to Operation Innerste Process: Caseworker Guidance was added. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been revised throughout in particular information about treatment orders, funding arrangements and after-care planning have been updated. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children, to note that notifications should also be made of the death of a care leaver up to and including the age of 24. |
| Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been revised in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (December 2023), and includes the ongoing development of the strategic leadership roles of Virtual School Heads (VSH) in promoting educational outcomes for children aged 0 to 18 who have, or previously had a social worker, and children in kinship care arrangements. |
| 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 Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24) Procedure. |
| Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | Information on OFSTED checks has been added. |
| Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | Information was added with details on how to request information about an applicant from Ofsted. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | Information was added into 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 and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family Networks and Family Group Decision Making | The Children’s Social Care National Framework and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 both highlight the expectation for family networks to be engaged and empowered from an early point in a referral. |
| 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. |
| Next Update: March 2025 |
March 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family and Friends Care | This chapter has been updated to include information about Ukrainian children being cared for my family and friends in the UK. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | A link to the Central Bedfordshire County Council - Children & Families Public Law Outline (PLO) Toolkit and a 1-minute guide to the PLO have been added. Further minor revisions and updates have been made to the section on pre-proceedings. |
| Monitoring Visits to Children Subject to a Child Protection Plan | The information on undertaking home visits has been revised. |
| Young Carers | This chapter has been revised. |
| 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. |
| Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | Section 5.2.5, Providing Support has been updated to reflect the Home Office increase in financial support to individuals waiting to find out if they will be given asylum in the UK. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | Section 2, Ordinary Residence has been updated in line with case law. |
| Care Planning | A link to CBC Foster Carer’s Medication Record for Looked after Children has been added to Section 6.4, Health Care. |
| 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), in unregistered settings. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated throughout in line with Revised Practice Guidance on the Court’s Approach to Unregistered Placements (October 2023) and Revised National Listing Protocol for Applications that Seek Deprivation of Liberty Orders Relating to Children under the Inherent Jurisdiction. |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been amended to reflect updated Ofsted guidance. |
| Guidance for maintained schools and academies in England on provision for transgender pupils | This chapter replaces one previously entitled Supporting Transgender Pupils and Students. |
| Health and Safety | Additional information has been added about online safety and a link to the CBC Foster carers medication record for looked after children. |
| Foster Carers Manual | This manual has been updated. |
September 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family and Friends Care | A link to the FRG good practice initial assessment guide has been added to this chapter. |
| Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes made in relation to assessing legal capacity. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Information has been added into Section 4, Care Orders and Supervisions Orders on a Care Plan of the Child Remaining at Home in relation to Supervision Orders, in line with Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems: Supervision Orders. Section 8, Court Hearings has been updated in line with A View From the President’s Chambers: Relaunching the PLO (November 2022). In Relevant Guidance a link has been added to Pre-proceedings and Family Justice Hub (Research in Practice). |
| Case Records for Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated following the conclusion of the Independent Enquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Information has been added in the section on resolving disagreements in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adoptive parents in First-Tier Tribunal appeals. |
| 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. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Information has been added about the National Age Assessment Board. |
| Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Practice Guidance | This guidance has been updated. |
| Decision to Look After | The information on the use of section 20 accommodation has been updated in line with case law. |
| 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). |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been revised throughout to reflect supported accommodation for 16/17-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 has been revised throughout and additional information added regarding school exclusions. |
| Health Assessments and Plans | Information has been added with regard to including child allergies in Health Plans. |
| Positive Relationships and Behaviour Management | This chapter has been revised in the light of Ofsted feedback to include additional information about positive behaviour support and the recording of sanctions. |
| Health and Safety | Information has been added regarding childhood allergies. |
| Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been revised following the change in the legal age of marriage to 18. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been amended to note that with effect from 1 April 2023, the leaving care allowance increased from £2,000 to £3,000. It was also revised to include information from the revised Ofsted inspection framework. |
| Foster Carers Manual | This procedure has been updated. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new section on The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern was added. |
| Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This chapter was previously entitled Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters, it has been revised and a link added to the National Early Permanence Practice Standards. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Monitoring Visits to Children Subject to a Child Protection Plan | This chapter contains the minimum standards to ensure that children who are subject to a child protection plan properly seen including visiting at home and monitored. |
| Ofsted Inspection Framework | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
March 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child and Family Assessments | The East of England Region Children's Services Joint Protocol on Children Subject to Child Protection Plan Moving Between Local Authority Boundaries has been updated. |
| 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. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been amended to include a link to Self-harm: Assessment, Management and Preventing Recurrence NICE Guidance in the Further Information section. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | Section 2, Looked After Children who are Arrested has been updated in relation to appropriate adults. |
| 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. |
| Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Adoption Panel | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| 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. A new Section 6.3, 'Placement before a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is Granted' 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. |
September 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | The information concerning the National Transfer Scheme Protocol has been amended to note that this has become mandatory for all local authorities with children's services. |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | The information on Section 2, Ordinary Residence has been updated in accordance with caselaw. |
| Decision to Look After | This chapter has been reorganised and Decision to Look After and Care Planning chapter has been split to separate the different functions of deciding to Look After a child and the subsequent Care Planning. |
| Placements in Foster Care | 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 (see Section 2.3 Placement Planning). |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education. Schools should have policies and processes in place to ensure all concerns about all adults working in or on behalf of the school or college (including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors) are dealt with promptly and appropriately. |
| Health Assessments and Plans | Further Information has been updated. |
| 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 | Additional information on children and young people with extra support needs. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | A link to the NYAS 'My Things Matter' Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. |
| Fostering Panel | The contents of this chapter have been fully revised. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter provides procedures for managing allegations or concerns that any foster carer has:
|
| Designated Managers with Specified Areas of Responsibility | These details have been updated. This chapter replaced the one previously entitled 'List of Agency Decision-Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers'. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Equality and Diversity | This procedure summarises the local authority's commitment to provide inclusive and equal services to a diverse range of children and young people, and to promote equality and diversity as part of our recruitment and employment practices. |
| Care Planning | This chapter has been reorganised and existing Decision to Look After and Care Planning chapter has been split to separate the different functions of deciding to Look After a child and the subsequent Care Planning. |
| Risk Assessment and Planning | Risk assessments are an important part of Children's Social Care; they should be in place to support carers and the child or young person in relation to any identified risks. |
| 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. |
| Providing Personalised Care | This chapter explains the principles for providing personalised care to meet the needs of individual children. |
| Leisure Activities | This chapter looks at the planning necessary to ensure that looked after children have access to a range of social, educational and recreational opportunities. |
| Training and Development of Foster Carers | This chapter explains the purpose and duties of the Fostering Service to provide appropriate training and development to foster carers. |
March 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated in line with case-law. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect the best practice recommendations of the Public Law Working Group Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been updated to reflect the best practice recommendations of the Public Law Working Group Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems. |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service Users | This chapter has been revised throughout in accordance with case law. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Section 15, Resolving Disagreements has been updated in line with the First Tier Tribunal's extended powers to hear appeals and make non-binding recommendations about health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, provided those appeals also include education elements. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been amended to acknowledge that the National transfer scheme is temporarily mandatory for all councils. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Section 1.3, 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 in Secure Accommodation | Section 10, 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 significantly amended to reflect the 'Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted)'; updated 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (see Further Information) and Sexual Harassment in Education – Briefing (House of Parliament Library) (see Section 8.2, Protecting looked after children from sexual harassment and child-on-child abuse). The chapter has also been amended to reflect Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker: Virtual School Head Role Extension. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | Section 6, Pathway Planning has been updated to note that, 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 at the appropriate. Pathway Plans should contain clear information about what action needs to be taken by whom and when to ensure that the young person's right to remain legally in the UK is not jeopardised. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Placements in Other Arrangements | A local authority may place a looked after child in "other arrangements". These may include regulated and unregulated settings. This chapter describes the local authority responsibilities in making these placements. |
September 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Family and Friends Care | This chapter has been revised. A new Section 7, Education has been added and information added on the School Admission Code. |
| Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated and a new Section 5.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added, to reflect High Court judgments. Section 2.1, Consent to Information has been updated to reflect revisions contained in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children. It has also 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 been added in relation to NICE Quality Standard: Decision-Making and Mental Capacity. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council). See in particular Section 9, Expectations of the Local Authority by the Court. The link to the social work evidence template has also been updated. Section 2, Pre-Proceedings has been updated to include information in relation to pre-birth assessments and planning where the mother has learning disabilities. |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service Users | Information has been added on recording by employees in a professional capacity, and links added to relevant guidance. |
| 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). |
| Short Breaks | Information has been added in to Section 7, Short Break Settings, 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. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been amended. 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. A new Section 16 Further Information and Statutory Guidance has been added. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | A link has been 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, Assessment has been updated in relation to Age Assessments. |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been amended to take into account the U.K.'s withdrawal from the EU and reflect the U.K.'s exit from the EEA. |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect case-law setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases. |
| Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | Information has been added in to Section 4, Local Authority Accommodation, in relation to children under the age of 16 being placed in 'other arrangements' placements. |
| Out of Area Placements | Section 6, Placements in Wales has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | A revised link has been added to Secure Children's Homes. |
| Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated. Section 1, Planned Placements has been updated to add information on placements in 'other arrangements.' |
| Placements Outside England and Wales | This chapter has been updated. In Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review, additional information has been added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case. |
| Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers | A new Section 7.4, 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 and updated and a links to the Children in Care Council and IV Process Flowchart added. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. In Section 6, When a Child Needs or Joins a New School, information has been added on the School Admission Code. |
| 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. |
| Staying Put | Links to Staying Put Arrangement (SPA) templates and guidance have been added. |
| 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) (see Section 3.9, Planning for Release). |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A revised link has been made to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | A revised link has been made to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers and You Can Adopt. |
| Disruption Meetings / Discussions | This chapter has been made updated with new guidance for managing the disruption discussion – Sections:
|
| Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been given a general revision throughout and information added on applying for a copy of a birth certificate online. |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship published by the Family Justice Council. See Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings. In Section 12, The Special Guardianship Support Plan, information has been added on the School Admission Code and new Section 16 Special Guardianship Orders in International Cases. |
| Court Reports in Adoption / Special Guardianship Guidance | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council). |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | These details have been updated. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter covers the responsibilities when a child or care leaver is discharged from hospital after having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. |
March 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Management of Case Transfers in Children's Social Care | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Guidance for child/young person permanency planning and matching has been updated. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | A revised link has been added to Secure Children's Homes. |
| Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK | This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout. Section 5, Insurance has been updated to include details of how to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which provides access to reduced cost or free medical insurance in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Section 6, Obtaining a Passport has also been updated to link to reissued Home Office guidance for Local Authorities Children's Services Departments when Applying for Passports on Behalf of Children. |
| Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to GOV.UK, Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A revised link has been added to GOV.UK, Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | A revised link has been added to GOV.UK, Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Transracial Placements | This guidance has been added to the manual. |
| Supporting Transgender Pupils and Students | This guidance has been added to the manual. |
| Removed Chapters | |
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September 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Enquires, Contacts and Referrals | A link to Guidance for Undertaking Return Home Interviews has been added. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated with minor changes to Section 8, Updated Child and Family Assessment and a link to Baby Not Medically Fit for Discharge flowchart. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Criminal and Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been extensively revised and information from CBC Criminal Exploitation Policy has been added. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated with an update on timescales for a review. |
| 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. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Minor amendments have been made to terminology. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Guidance for child/young person permanency planning and matching has been added. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Section 6, Placements of Children under 13 years has been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been updated to reflect the latest Ofsted guidance for social care providers on the types of incident which they consider to be serious and which will therefore require notification to the regulatory authority. |
| Placement for Adoption | The Related Guidance for Child/Young Person Permanency and Matching has been added |
| Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | Amendments have been made to the section in this guidance on planning meetings. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Capacity and Consent | In this chapter guidance is offered in relation to the various situations in which consent is likely to be sought, with reference to previous legal judgements. This is a potentially complex practice arena and if the practitioner is in any doubt about gaining consent they should always seek further advice from managers and legal advice must be sought as necessary. |
| Placement with Connected Persons | This policy is the latest guidance on when a Connected Person placement can be made for a Looked After Child. |
| Removed Chapters | |
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March 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Quality Assurance Framework | A link to the Dispute Resolution Protocol for Independent Reviewing Officers has been added. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated 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. (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. |
| 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. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This procedure 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. |
| Looked After Reviews | A link to the Dispute Resolution Protocol for Independent Reviewing Officers has been added. |
| Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers | A link to the Dispute Resolution Protocol for Independent Reviewing Officers has been added. |
| 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. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been updated, a link to the Independent Review Officer Protocol - Support to Previously LAC 16/17 year old and Pathway Plans Post 18 has been added to the Related Local Guidance section. |
| Staying Put | A link to the Independent Reviewing Officers protocol has been added to the related guidance section. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed, and terminology has been updated where required. |
September 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been amended to reflect changes regarding the required maximum length of certain court documents, in addition a new subsection on the final care plan provides further details on the importance of recording information on the care plan which will help the child, parent or the child's carer understand why decisions have been or are being made. |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child Subject to Child Protection Plan and Child In Need) | This chapter has been updated regarding the process for reporting a serious incident to the National panel via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification System. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has 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). |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to clarify 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. |
| 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 procedure has been updated throughout and should be re-read. |
| Joint Protocol Between Central Bedfordshire Council's Children's Service and Housing Services Young People Presenting as Homeless | This protocol has been updated. |
| 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. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated with a link to the 13+ and family / friends permanency matching flowchart. |
| 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 (see Scope of this Chapter). |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has minor revisions throughout. |
| 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. |
| Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been revised to note 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 with a link to the post-16 PEP protocol. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | Amendments have been made to the sections on leaving care assessment of need, reviews of pathway plans and the role of personal advisers. |
| Leaving Care Financial Policy | This policy has been updated to the current version. |
| Assessments 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 amended to reflect in more detail the foster carer's role and responsibilities with respect to Fostering National Minimum Standards – Notification of Significant Events. |
| Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
| Assessment and Approval 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. |
| 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 is a new chapter added to Section 4 of the manual – Children With Disabilities. |
March 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated with an updated Strategy Meetings Template and Guidance and Working Agreement Template added. |
| Applications for Emergency Protection Orders | A link to Strategy Meetings Template and Guidance has been added. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect HHJ Greensmith's comments regarding M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018] EWFC 40 (1 June 2018)). |
| Legal Planning Meetings | A link to Strategy Meetings Template and Guidance has been added. |
| Case Records for Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which permits 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 in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Child in Need Plans and Reviews | A link to Strategy Meetings Template and Guidance has been added. |
| Joint Protocol Between Central Bedfordshire Council's Children's Service and Housing Services Young People Presenting as Homeless (draft) | This PDF has been updated. |
| 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. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | A new section on suitable placements has been added. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | A link to the Consent To Placement Medical Treatment form the Social Workers Timetable/Checklist for accommodating children and a Guide For Parents to Section 20 have been added. |
| 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 a 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 | Guidance on how to request a transfer or placement review has been added. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Guidance on how to request a transfer or placement review has been added. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | Guidance on how to request a transfer or placement review has been added. |
| Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect amendments made by the Children And Social Work Act 2017. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | Guidance on how to request a transfer or placement review has been added. |
| Foster Carers Manual | This PDF has been updated. |
| 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 has also been added. |
| Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been updated in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which provides 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. |
| 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. |
| Life Story Books Guidance | This chapter has minor revisions throughout. |
| Later Life Letters Guidance | This chapter has minor revisions throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Procedure for Parent Carer Needs Assessment | This PDF has been added. |
October 2018
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Guidance with respect of Written Agreements | Practice advice and a template Written Agreement have been added to advice practitioners on the use of Written Agreements in appropriate circumstances. |
September 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | A new section has been added on Corporate Parenting in response to the DfE Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers – Statutory Guidance. |
| Confidentiality Policy | This chapter has been updated in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Family and Friends Care | This is a new chapter that replaces the previous chapter - Promoting and Supporting the Needs of Children Living with Family or Friends Carers. |
| 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, Child Subject to Child Protection Plan and Child In Need) | From 29th 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 updated in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service Users | This chapter has been updated in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Children in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated with minor revisions to timescales. |
| Joint Protocol Between Central Bedfordshire Council's Children's Service and Housing Services | The latest version of this protocol. |
| Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This new chapter replaces the previous Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children chapter. The chapter has been developed to reflect the Care of Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Modern Slavery - Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2017). |
| Relinquished Children | Additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law has been included. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Additional information regarding Section 20, Accommodation has been included. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been amended to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Court Order, added by S.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017. |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those the normal frequency. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter 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. |
| Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | The section on Different Types of Contact has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact. |
| Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK | A link to the European Health Insurance Card website has been added. |
| Education of Looked After Children | Links to statutory guidance have been updated. |
| Health Assessments and Plans | A new section on consent to health assessments has been added. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been revised and should be re-read. |
| Adoption Panel | This chapter has been updated in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Inter Country Adoption | The Home Study section has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been revised and should be re-read. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Deprivation of Liberty | An online guide to Deprivation of Liberty with reference to children. |
| Mental Capacity Act 2005 | A guide to the statutory principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to apply them in practice. |
| Financial Guidance for Foster Carers | This guidance is designed to make explicit all the financial arrangements for the care of children who are Looked After by Central Bedfordshire Council and relate to all foster carers whether family and friends carers or career carers. |
| Smoking Policy for the Adoption Service and Fostering Service | This policy is new to the manual. |
March 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Promoting and Supporting the Needs of Children Living with Family or Friends Carers | This chapter has been updated with a link to the guidance from the Family Rights Group on Assessment. |
| Enquires, Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been revised to set out more clearly the timetable for responding to referrals. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated with the criteria for updating an assessment and a link to the East of England joint protocol on children subject to child protection plan moving between local authority boundaries has been added. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | Section 4.2, Case Analysis has been updated to reflect the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan added by s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 (amending section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | The Introduction has been updated to take account of the change of definition in : Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017) and links to Related information have been updated. |
| Young Carers | This chapter has been updated with regard to providing guidance on identifying and supporting young carers. A link to local guidance has also been added. |
| Children with Disabilities Service | This chapter has been updated with a link to the Parent Carer needs assessment. |
| Short Breaks | This chapter has been updated with a link to the Parent Carer needs assessment. |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been updated a link to the No Recourse to public funds network (NRPF) guidance on securing citizenship for looked after children has been added and the link to statutory guidance updated. |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated a link to the No Recourse to public funds network (NRPF) guidance on securing citizenship for looked after children has been added. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Section 2.1.1, 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 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated to include the Fostering and Permanency Tracking Terms of Reference. 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 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. |
| Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated to reflect that the DBS has no eligibility for a standard or enhanced check for birth parents or other adults living in the household. However, the Local Authority has a requirement under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England Regulations) 2010 to obtain information about unspent convictions and cautions before placing a child back with parents (see Assessment and Checks before Placement). |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to clarify the guidance on frequency of visits to a looked after child. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been updated to fully reflect the Volume 2: care planning, placement and case review guidance and regulation with respect to the circumstances as to when a Looked After Review should be brought forward. |
| Change of Name of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been updated to clarify legal responsibility. |
| Foster Carers Manual | This chapter has been updated to the current version. |
| Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | Section 8, After the Panel Recommendation has been updated to clarify 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 updated 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. Section 1. Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by section 9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) into the list of considerations that 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. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been revised throughout. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | In 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. |
| Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been updated. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service Users | This chapter deals with recording of meetings/conversations by individual service-users, in their capacity as private individuals. Note that the employees of the local authority, acting in their professional capacity, are subject to different legislative requirements, e.g. under the Data Protection Act 1998. |
| CBC Short Breaks Statement | This chapter contains links to the Central Bedfordshire Short Breaks Guidance and other relevant information. |
| Guidance for Supervising Social Workers when Foster Carers Separate | Guidance for when active carers separate. |
September 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After, Child Subject to Child Protection Plan 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. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated with the new Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017) which has replaced Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation (2009). |
| Case Records for Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to note 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. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been updated to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regards to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school. |
| 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). A link has been added into Further Information to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017). The Related Guidance section has been revised and updated. |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | A link has been added in Section 9, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Young People Who Go Missing to the CBC Social Care guidance regarding Missing Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children/Young People (UASC) who are looked after children/young people (LAC). |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been updated and re-formatted. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been updated 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 its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been updated and now includes a new Section 9, Applying for a Secure Accommodation Order, Section 2, Children to Whom Section 25 Applies, (including the issues of children aged 16 years and Section 20 Accommodation); Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years and Section 9, Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements etc. The chapter has also been re-titled to reflect its (original) content and purpose (that of applications for children on 'welfare grounds'), thereby distinguishing it from the 'Remands to Local Authority Accommodation', etc. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | The Ofsted contact details have been updated. |
| 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 updated and re-named to more accurately reflect the issues of responsibility and consent. |
| Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated to reflect that the Safer Caring Plan, any changes in household circumstances along with any health and safety issues including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept should be reviewed as required. |
| Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated with a link to the procedure on Investigating Concerns and Complaints Against Foster Carers. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated. updated to include 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 | This chapter has been updated with a link to Contact After Adoption website. |
| Inter Country Adoption | This chapter has been updated with the Inter country Adoption and Residential status Requirements. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Countering Bullying within Foster Care Placements | This new chapter outlines to Local Authorities responsibility as corporate parent to protect Looked After Children from bullying. |
April 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated with the updated Guidance in relation to Pre-Birth Planning and Assessments. |
| Transfer Protocol | This chapter has been updated. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect 'good practice steps' when issuing care proceedings Guidance in relation to Pre-Birth Planning and Assessments and Guidance on Social Work chronologies. |
| Confidential Reporting Policy "Whistleblowing" | This chapter has been updated. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been updated with the latest versions of the Guidance on the use of social work chronologies and links to the Information Governance Framework. |
| Access to Files | This chapter has a revised link to Information Governance guidance. |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter is no longer draft guidance. |
| Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | This chapter has had outdated links removed. |
| Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated. |
| Removed Chapters | |
|
|
March 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Early Help and Support | This chapter has been updated with a link to the MARAC. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated when Good Practice guidance in cases of pre-birth assessment and a link to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit have been added. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect 'good practice steps' when issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth (see Section 3.1, Pre-birth Planning and Proceedings). The Parenting Assessment Template and Joint Protocol on Supervision Orders have also been added. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been updated to reflect best practice in relation to applications to remove a child at birth. |
| Supervision Policy for Children's Services | This chapter has been updated. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been updated with updated contact information for the local authority and amendments to Section 3, Action to be Taken on Receipt of Notification. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated when a link to the Fostering Network Delegated Authority Support Tool had been added. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | 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 (see Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been updated to link directly to The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, Schedule 7 Events and Notifications Table. |
| 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). |
| 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. 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. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated when links to statutory guidance had been updated. |
| Health Assessments and Plans | This chapter has been updated with a link to NICE guidance on attachment issues. |
| Personal Care and Relationships | This chapter has been updated with a link in Section 9, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, to practice guidance for supporting young people with HIV testing and prevention. |
| Inter Country Adoption | This chapter has been updated with a link to the Adoption Support Fund. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated with minor amendments to clarify who may apply for a SGO, a link to the DfE guidance has also been added. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been updated. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Quality Assurance Framework | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| MARAC – Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Children with Disabilities Service | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Direct Payments | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Short Breaks | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Relinquished Children | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Smoking Policy for the Adoption and Fostering Services | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
August 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been updated with a to the strategy meeting guidance and template. |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated with revised versions of the template letters and additional guidance. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | Links to the Child Safety Online website have been added. |
| Confidential Reporting Policy "Whistleblowing" | A link to the guidance on making a complaint to OFSTED has been added. |
| Recording Policy and Guidelines | A link to statutory guidance and minor revisions to the text had been made. |
| Access to Files | A link to the information Commissioner's office has been added and new information regarding applications by care leavers and a revision to the appeals process. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | A link has been added to the ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20. |
| Placements in Residential Care | Revisions have been made throughout, particularly the sections on placement planning, including new information on emergency placements. |
| Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers | The links to statutory guidance have been updated. |
| Advocacy and Independent Visitors | Links to the relevant statutory guidance has been added and new information regarding the duties of advocates and independent visitors. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been updated with links to additional statutory guidance and to reflect changes in the definition of an "arrested juvenile" which now includes 17-year-olds in this definition. |
| Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | This chapter has been updated with new information on different types of contact, the review of contact and the revision of the guidance regarding cancellation, suspension or termination of contact. |
| Overnight Stays and Social Visits | This chapter has minor revision to clarify the workers responsibility to ensure the welfare of the child. |
| Education of Looked After Children | Additional links to statutory guidance have been added. |
| Staying Put | The chapter has been amended to remove references to BAAF. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | The chapter has been updated to reflect changes in the definition of an "arrested juvenile" which now also includes young people aged 17 years. |
| Adoption Support | A link to the Adoption Support Fund has been added. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | The chapter has been revised and updated to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements. |
| Court Reports in Adoption / Special Guardianship Guidance | This chapter 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. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated with regards to the steps which must be taken where there is a change to the circumstances of prospective carers, including relatives. |
| List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This list has been slightly amended. |
February 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Confidentiality Policy | This chapter has been updated with a link to the government guidance on information sharing. |
| Promoting and Supporting the Needs of Children Living with Family or Friends Carers | New contact details for coramBAAF - formerly the British Association for adoption and fostering have been added. |
| Child and Family Assessments | Links to the current CBC. Assessment and Thresholds guidance have been added. |
| Legal Planning Meetings | Minor amendments concerning children already subject to section 20 of the Children Act 1989, has been added |
| Case Records for Looked After Children | Minor amendments made to the text. |
| Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | Links to statutory guidance and ADCS good practice guides have been added. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Short good practice guide in using and drafting agreements under section 20 looked after arrangements have been added. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | A minor addition to the section on the disadvantages of long-term fostering has been made. |
| Placements with Parents | References to residence orders have been changed to child arrangements orders. |
| Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been updated with updated references to Regulation 40 of the Children's Home regulations 2015. |
| Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | A link to Secure Accommodation Reviews - A Practical Guide has been added. |
| Education of Looked After Children | Links to statutory guidance have been updated. |
| Restrictive Physical Intervention | This chapter has been updated with additional information about the use of physical restraint and the criteria for physical interventions. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated with minor points of clarification in the sections on recruitment and responding to initial enquiries and the pre-assessment process. |
| Adoption Panel | Chapter has been updated with minor points of clarification throughout. |
| Placement for Adoption | The section on Obtaining Agency Approval to Adoption Plan has been amended. |
| Adoption Support | A section on Remuneration for Former Foster Parents has been added. |
| Adoption Reviews | A minor amendment has been made to the section on the conduct of adoption reviews. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | A section on the special Guardian duty following the death of a child has been added. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | The link to the statutory guidance has been updated, and minor points of clarification made to the text. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Young Carers | This chapter explains the definition of young carer; this includes practical or emotional support, and 'another person' means anyone within the same family, be they adult or child. A young carer is entitled to a needs assessment. |
| Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers | This chapter is currently under review and sets out the arrangements for delegation to carers of the authority to make decisions relating to Looked After children, under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2015. |
July 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Enquires, Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been updated to include information about the Access Hub. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter has been substantially re-written and should be re-read. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated with information regarding the offence of sexual communication with the child. |
| Confidential Reporting Policy "Whistleblowing" | This is the latest version of the corporate policy and should be re-read. |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 - 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been updated in light of the Care Act and contains information about the transition from child to adult services. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been amended to emphasise the need to place siblings together wherever possible. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated to include information on long-term fostering and children ceasing to be looked after. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect the 2015 Statutory guidance "Permanence, Long-term Foster Placements and Ceasing to Look After a Child". |
| Out of Area Placements | This chapter has been updated with more information on placement considerations and placements in Wales. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Updated guidance on placing children under 13, has been added. |
| Placements with Parents | Information regarding the Ending of Placements has been amended and the status of Minutes of the Looked After Review and information regarding the 'Working Agreement' with the parents to clarify the expectations of the parent(s) and ensure the child is safeguarded added. |
| Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect the revised visiting requirements in respect of long term foster placements. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been amended to take into account the needs of long term foster placements. |
| Contact with Parents and Siblings | This chapter has been slightly amended to include more information on planning contact. |
| Holidays and School Trips in the UK | This chapter has been amended to include information on delegated responsibility. |
| Health Assessments and Plans | This chapter has been amended to include information on the responsibility of local authorities and CCG's. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | This chapter has been amended with more information on pathway planning and the role of personal advisers included. |
| Intermediary Services | This chapter has been revised to take into account the extended definition of those people who have a prescribed relationship with an adopted person. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter replaces the two separate chapters on Court Proceedings and the Public Law Outline. |
| Foster Carers Manual | The CBC Foster Carer manual has been revised and updated. |
| Removed Chapters | |
|
|
January 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Promoting and Supporting the Needs of Children Living with Family or Friends Carers | Updated to include reference to Child Arrangements Orders. |
| Child and Family Assessments | This chapter now contains information on pre-birth planning and assessment. |
| Access to Resources Panel | This chapter has been updated with minor updates throughout. |
| Application For Emergency Protection Orders | This chapter now contains information on powers to assist in discovery of children who may be in need of Emergency Protection Orders. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | Updated with information about the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and Guidance for Undertaking Return Home Interviews. |
| Compliments, Comments and Complaints | Updated to the latest Central Bedfordshire guidance. |
| Confidential Reporting Policy "Whistleblowing" | Updated to link to the latest relevant, Central Bedfordshire guidance. |
| Access to Files | The access to records procedure has been updated. |
| Local Authorities Sufficiency Duty – Accommodation for Looked After Children | Further guidance added on the local authority's duty to provide the most suitable placement. |
| Permanence Planning Guidance | Updated in line with the Children And Families Act 2014 to reflect the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. |
| Placements in Foster Care | The placement request process has been updated. |
| Placements in Residential Care | The terminology used in commissioning placements has been updated. |
| Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or To Youth Detention Accommodation | Links to additional guidance have been added. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | Links to related statutory guidance have been added. |
| Education of Looked After Children | Information on the role of the virtual school has been added. |
| Leaving Care and Transition | Updated with links to statutory guidance on the transition from care to adult hood. |
| Staying Put | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with statutory guidance on planning, the transition for care leavers to adult hood. |
| Staying Put Policy | This chapter has been revised in line with statutory guidance and a new section on the interface with adults services added. |
| Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children And Families Act 2014, with the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. |
| Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children And Families Act 2014 and should be re-read. |
| Adoption Support | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children And Families Act 2014. |
| Disruption Meetings | Clarification regarding disruption meetings in adoption cases has been added. |
| Non-Agency Adoption | This chapter has been updated and information about step-parent adoption has been added. |
| Application for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to include reference to Child Arrangements Orders. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children and Young People Aged 0 – 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Financial Policy for Leaving and After Care | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been added to the manual. It deals with placement of a child with carers who are dually approved, i.e. approved both as prospective adopters and as local authority foster carers |
