Amendments |
November 2022
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | This chapter has been refreshed. |
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. |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This chapter has been amended to refer to Guidance issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. |
Decision to Look After | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Care Planning | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Court Remand to Local Authority 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. |
Education of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021). 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. See Section 8.3, Protecting Children with a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children from Adults Who May Pose a Risk to Them and/or Other Children in the School. |
Health Care Assessments and Health Care Plans | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Fostering Panel | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Supervision of Foster Carers | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been refreshed. |
Next update: May 2023 |
Archive
May 2022
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Legal Gateway/Planning Meetings | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
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. |
Short Breaks | Information has been added into 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. |
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. |
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
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. |
Court Remand to Local Authority or to Youth Detention Accommodation | Information in relation to children under the age of 16 being placed in ‘other arrangements’ placements has been added into Section 3, Local Authority Accommodation. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated in line with case-law. |
Placements with Parents | Section 1, Planned Placements has been updated to add information on placements in ‘other arrangements’. |
Out of Area Placements | Section 6, Placements in Wales was updated in line with the updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
Education of Children with a Social Worker, 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 peer on peer abuse). The chapter has also been amended to reflect Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker: Virtual School Head Role Extension. |
Physical Intervention | A link has been added to Guidance: Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish (Ofsted). See Further Information. |
Next Step Leaving Care Policy (March 2022) | This policy has been updated and should be re-read. |
Comments, Complaints and Compliments | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Children’s Statutory Complaint Process: Guide for Practitioners (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman, 2021). (See Relevant Guidance). |
November 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Capacity and Consent | 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 Sharing has been updated to reflect revisions contained in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
Gender Identity Issues | A link has been added to Gender Identity Guide (Action for Children) in Section 6, Further Information. Also, a new Section 4, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been added. |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to reflect guidance from the refreshed Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
The Children and Families Assessment | New sections have been added on 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation and assessment of risk outside the home. |
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 Section 9, Expectations of the Local Authority by the Court in particular. |
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | Links to guidance documents have been updated. |
Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | Links to guidance documents have been updated. |
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | Minor amendments have been made to this chapter in line with the UK’s exit from the EEA. |
Delegated Authority Procedure and Guidance | A new Section 10, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added to reflect a High Court judgment. |
Leaving Care | 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. |
Principles for the Provision of Support to Young People Remaining Open to the Next Step Service Between the Ages of 21 to 25 | This document has been updated throughout. |
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). |
Protocol between Salford Youth Justice Service and Salford Next Steps Service | This document has been updated throughout. |
Salford National Probation Service, Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company Local Delivery Unit and Salford Leaving Care Service | This document has been updated throughout. |
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 and new Section 16, Special Guardianship Orders in International Cases. |
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship | A link has been added to 'Timetabling and Timescales for Full Family and Friends Assessment' (Family Justice Council, May 2019) - see Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court. |
Designated Managers | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Ecogram Guidance | This guidance has been added to the procedures manual. |
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This guidance has been added to the procedures manual. |
Care Leaver Strategy | This strategy has been added to the procedures manual. |
Next Step Leaving Care Policy (April 2020) | This policy has been added to the procedures manual. |
Next Step Service Protocols | This protocol has been added to the procedures manual. |
Agreement for the Development of Pathway Planning for Eligible and Relevant Young People Receiving a Service from the Children with Disabilities Team and Next Step (April 2020) | This document has been added to the procedures manual. |
May 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Storage of Data on Mobile Devices | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
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. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | A new Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been added. Contact details have been updated in Section 6, Placements of Children under the Age of 13 Years. |
Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
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). |
Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UK | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. Section 2.3, Insurance Cover 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 2.4, 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. |
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. |
December 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
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. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | Section 6, Placements of Children under 13 years, has been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. |
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Removed Chapters | |
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May 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
The Children and Families Assessment | This chapter has been updated in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery. |
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. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | 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. |
Gender Identity Issues | This chapter includes definitions, good practice and sources of further information. |
Storage of Data on Mobile Devices | 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. |
Notifications of Significant Events | This chapter sets out who must be notified of specified events in relation to Looked After children placed with Fostering Agencies or in Children's Homes. |
November 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | This chapter has been updated. Section 8, Further Information has been added to add supporting resources with regard to children’s consultation and participation. |
The Children and Families Assessment | This chapter has been updated to include information on ‘Contextual’ safeguarding. (See The impact and influence of the wider family, community and Environmental factors). See Section 4, Conducting the Children and Families Assessment - Contextual Safeguarding. |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reference and note the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (May 2019). (See Section 1, Introduction). |
Death of, or Serious Injury to, Child in Community or Child in Care | 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. |
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been revised throughout. |
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been revised throughout. This local guidance includes templates and a Pathway. |
Permanence Planning Policy | 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.(See Section 6, Promoting Placement Stability). |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | In Section 8.1, The Application, the links to forms C1 and C20 have been updated. |
Social Worker Visits | Section 2, Exceptions has been revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those set out in Section 1, Frequency of Visits. |
Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been reviewed and updated. 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. |
Contact with Family and Friends for Looked After Children | Section 1, Introduction has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact. |
Health Care Assessments and Health Care Plans | A new Section 3.5, Consent to Health Care Assessments has been added. |
Fostering Panel | This chapter has been amended to take account changes to practice and the City Council Adoption Service becoming part of the consortium Adoption Counts. |
Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers | Additional information has been added in to Section 4.1, Checks in relation to the application process for criminal records checks or ‘Certificates of Good Character’ for someone from overseas. A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Supervision 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 (see Section 1, Introduction) and relevant aspects of Schedule 6 The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (see Section 2, Planned Supervision Visits). An updated Appendix 1: Foster Carer’s Supervision Proforma has been added. |
Review of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice. A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
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. |
Agreement for the Development of Pathway Planning for Eligible and Relevant Young People Receiving a Service from the Children and Families Team and Next Step (April 2019) | An updated version of this local guidance has been added. |
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended to remove references to the Adoption Register. 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. |
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 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 | In 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. |
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman 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 Relevant National Guidance section of this chapter. It has also been updated to reference and reflect the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (see new Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings). |
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship | This chapter has been updated to note the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (May 2019). See Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court, sub sections 11 and 12. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
May 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Policies, Values and Principles (Values) | A new section has been added in Section 1, Child Care Policy and Strategy on Corporate Parenting in response to the DfE Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers – Statutory Guidance (Feb 2018). It includes the seven corporate parenting principles set out in the guidance.
It 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 2.1, Records must be kept on all children). There has also been review and an amendment made as a result of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
Family and Friends Care Policy | This chapter has been updated to add a link to the DfE Looking After Someone Else’s Child (see Relevant Guidance), Government advice on the support and financial help you can get if someone else's child is living with you full time. Please reference. |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | 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) (see Section 9, Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings). A link has been added in Relevant Guidance to Research in Practice supporting information and guidance on the Social Work Evidence template (SWET).
Note also the changes to ‘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). (See ‘Principles’ in Section 4, Documentation). Please fully re-reference. |
Joint Protocol between Housing Services and Children’s Services for 16 and 17 Years Olds | This chapter already links to statutory guidance:
And now includes a link to:
The guidance provides helpful information and detail on the referral process. Please re-reference. |
Joint Protocol Between Salford Youth Justice Service & Salford Children Services Specialist Teams | This chapter has been updated to reflect the current organisational structure and processes. |
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery | This chapter has been significantly amended and re-titled to reflect the Care of Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Modern Slavery - Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2017). Please re-reference. |
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). |
Court Remand to Local Authority 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. Please reference. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds | This chapter has been significantly updated and now includes new/enhanced sections on 'Applications for Secure Accommodation'; 'Children to Whom Section 25 Applies', (including the issues of children aged 16 years and Section 20 Accommodation); 'Placements for Children aged under 13 years' and 'Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements' etc. The chapter includes the 'Placements for Children aged under 13 years' and 'Support, Monitoring and Ending of Placements' etc. and reflects the updated ‘Secure Children's Homes: How to Place a Child Aged Under 13 (July 2018)’. Please re-reference. |
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.
These changes relate to the status of ‘Previously Looked After Children’ i.e. 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. The chapter includes a new Section 15, Mental Health and a new Section 8, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School. A link has been added to the National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2. In addition the chapter reflects the statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) 2018, as it relates to Looked After Children and guidance regarding Data protection and safeguarding as set out in Data protection: a toolkit for schools (Open Beta: Version1.0) (August 2018). Please reference. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been updated to add Salford City’s Local Offer for care leavers. (See Local Guidance and Section 4, Local Offer). Amendments have also been made in:
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Principles for the Provision of Education or Training Support to Young People Returning for a Next Step Service Aged 21 to 25 | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Children and Social work Act 2017 and Statutory Guidance ‘Applying corporate parenting principles to looked-after children and care leavers’ and ‘Extending Personal Adviser support to all care leavers to age 25 Statutory guidance for local authorities’ (see Section 2, Legal Framework). The update also includes an amended template letter to care leavers (see Section 3, Communication) and a new Section 6, Governance. |
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. |
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. Please reference. |
Protocol between Salford Youth Offending Service and Salford Next Steps Service | This chapter has been substantially amended to provide an enhanced and more detailed Case Work section (see Section 2). Please reference. |
Salford National Probation Service, Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company Local Delivery Unit and Salford Leaving Care Service | This chapter has been amended and updated to reflect the current organisational structures and accountability. Please reference. |
Adoption and Permanence Panel | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
Adoption Case Records | Section 3, Security, Retention and Sharing of Records 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. |
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. |
Life Story Books Guidance | Although there have been no statutory or legislative changes, this chapter has been fully reviewed, refreshed and updated. Please reference as required. |
Later Life Letters | Although there have been no statutory or legislative changes, this chapter has been fully reviewed, refreshed and updated. Please reference as required. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Conference Chair Role and Responsibilities | This chapter has been completed as a result of issues around decision making where there had been dissent by conference members and the overriding of recommendations. It highlights the Chair of the Conference’s role when the Conference cannot reach a majority decision regarding a child and whether they are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. Also, those occasions where the chair has a clear responsibility to override decisions made by a core group or practitioners. Conference members are also reminded of their responsibilities where they disagree with the outcomes of a child protection case conference. The chapter is based around the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Partnership guidance on these issues and seeks to provide a local framework and guidance for the chair and members of the conference. Please reference. |
Step by Step Process for Post Conference Reports | This chapter describes the administrative and professional processes that need to be progressed after a Child Protection Conference and reflects the timescales expected. This includes the CPCO service reviewing the post conference report within 24 hours; actions when a child is seen as at risk; identifying what information that should be shared with the parents and ensuring agencies that provided a report to conference but were not in attendance are made aware of the outcome, etc. |
November 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | A process flow chart has been added to reflect the outcomes, actions and aims when receiving an online referral from The Bridge. (See Section 2, Initial Contacts). |
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 Section 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. The chapter also reflects key Salford practices, e.g. that a Pre-proceedings PLO advice pack is sent to provide parents with information about the process (see Section 2.3, Letter Before Proceedings). |
Children Subject of Supervision Orders | This chapter has been reviewed and updated and reflects changes of local terminology; Child in Need (Supervision Order) Plans are identified more simply as Supervision Order Review Plans. |
Death of, or Serious Injury to, Child in Community or Child in Care | This chapter has been updated: from 29 June 2018 local authorities in England must notify the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel within 5 working days of becoming aware of a serious incident. |
Transfer Protocol for Child Protection and Child in Need Service | This chapter has been fully revised and amended throughout to reflect the current organisation, structure and processes with regard to the transfer of work to the appropriate teams within the department. In addition, a new Guidance has been provided in respect of transferring cases from Children’s Social Care to Level 2 (see Guidance for Practitioners - Transfer of cases from Children’s Social Care to Level 2 in Section 7, Transfer to TAC (Updated). Note: A new Section 8, Level 2 to Universal Services has been included to ensure a clear and safe final transition to mainstream services. |
Access to Records/Subject to Access Requests | This chapter has been substantially amended, updated and re-titled to reflect the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Please reference. |
Supervision Policy | This chapter has been added to the manual and replaced a similar policy, but which had been comprehensively amended. |
Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated by adding a new Section Moving to Another Authority. 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. |
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 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order. Additional information has been added in to Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation, in line with recent case-law. The chapter has also been updated in terms of local practice. |
Family on Track Panel | This chapter has been amended to re-title the Panel. |
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). Also to note consideration of therapy for the parent if appropriate (see Recommending the Plan). |
Young Care Leavers Protocol | This chapter has been updated to add updated Jobcentre Contact details (see Contacts section). |
Inter-Country Adoption | Section 8, Assessment has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Escalation Meeting Protocol | This chapter describes the process when a family are receiving early help but there are concerns that the family’s needs have increased from a level two to a level three. |
Looked After Children Joining the Armed Forces | This short chapter deals with 16 and 17 year olds who wish to join the armed forces. As a corporate parent, the Local Authority has considered carefully its position in consenting to young people entering the armed forces (Note: current legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to engage in a hostile situation as expected in a war zone. 16 and 17 year olds can join the Army but cannot be sent to a direct conflict zone). |
May 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been revised throughout to set out in more detail the timetable and partnership requirements associated with effectively managing contacts and referrals, including information sharing. |
Missing from Home Service | This chapter has been significantly updated to reflect the changes that have been undertaken by adding additional information about the Missing from Home Service (see Section 7, Missing from Home Service) and Missing from Home Operational Meeting (see Section 8, Missing from Home Operational Meeting). Please note the expectation that return home interviews will be completed within 72 hours. Note also the revised College of Policing definition of ‘Missing’ and ‘Absent’ (See Section 2, Definitions). |
Emergency Duty Team | This chapter has been amended to reflect the current organisational structure and to note the service hours have changed (see Section 3, EDT Resources and Organisation). |
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | Section 7, Establishing the Child’s Identity and Age has been updated to identify that in advance of undertaking an age assessment for an unaccompanied asylum seeking child, local authorities must seek Home Office assistance with verifying the authenticity of identity documents e.g. travel documents or a birth certificate. A link to the relevant contact details for local authorities has been added. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is referenced in relation to age assessments. Note also, updated statutory guidance Care of Unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery (2017) has been linked to (see Related Chapters and Guidance). |
Joint Protocol between Housing Services and Children’s Services for 16 and 17 Years Olds | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to the current Guidance ‘Prevention of homelessness and provision of accommodation for 16 and 17 year old young people who may be homeless and/or require accommodation - Guidance to children’s services authorities and local housing authorities about their duties under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989 and Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 to secure or provide accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year old young people, (Min. of Housing, Communities and Local Govt. / DfE, April 2018)’. This guidance identifies the respective roles of Children’s and Housing services and emphasises joint working and strategic planning. An Annex identifies ‘Factors to be considered by children’s services when assessing 16-17 year olds who may be children in need’. Please re-reference. |
Placement with Connected Persons | This chapter has been updated to a link to the Family Rights Group, Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A good practice guide (see Relevant Guidance). This resource outlines what a viability assessment for family and friend carers should look like, what social workers should consider and how to undertake international assessments. |
Statutory Reviews for Looked After Children Policy and Guidance | This chapter has been amended 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. The list is not exhaustive. (See Section 2, Timescales). Note also that paperwork is required 48 hours in advance (see Section 5, Types of Review) and the Children’s Right Service contact details have been updated (see Section 6, Participation and Consultation). |
Assessment and Approval 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 – The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4 and Standard 14 (14.9) Fostering panels and the fostering service’s decision-maker. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been substantially amended to reflect the Children and Social Work Act 2017 on the Leaving Care Services and Care leavers. Particularly:
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Relevant and Former Relevant Review Policy | This chapter has been reviewed and amended throughout to note particularly that: where possible the Relevant and Former Relevant review Officer will attend the last LAC review; the reviewing officer will seek to ensure an updated Pathway Plan is available for the review and regular contact is taking place between the young person and their worker (see Section 3, Statement of Common Objectives and Outcomes); and former relevant reviews will be held on a 6 monthly basis (see Section 4, Relevant and Former Relevant Review Process). Note: Under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 care leavers aged 21 up to 25 have an entitlement to access continuing support following a discussion with their Personal Adviser, or can return later during this period, irrespective of whether they are in education or training. |
Next Step Finance Policy | This policy has been updated. Please re-reference. |
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 ([2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin)). (See new Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness). |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Deprivations of Liberty | These procedure links to a tri.x site and provides information on Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty in relation to children and young people. 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. This is a developing area, and legal advice must be sought as appropriate. If you are uncertain as to whether a case may involve a deprivation of a child’s/young person’s liberty, you should seek legal advice. |
Mental Capacity | The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is pertinent to those young people over 16; the chapter seeks to offer guidance on key and relevant issues. |
Leaving Care Service Transgender Policy | This chapter seeks to reflect Salford’s Leaving Care Service good practice in the field of Transgender. It provides considerable explanation of the issues and has a useful glossary. It also has link to the ‘Government Equalities Office/gender intelligence, Providing services for transgender customers – A guide’ and ‘Transgender Trend – parents questioning the trans narrative’ (see Section 5, Further Information). The chapter also highlights the relevant legislation which underpins an ‘equalities’ approach. Please reference. |
Removed Chapters | |
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March 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Family and Friends Care Policy | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to reflect current practice and terminology together with local thresholds and resources. Links to Relevant statutory guidance and the Family Rights Group, Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment guide (which identifies a model template assessment process), has been provided. |
November 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been amended to add a new Section on Discharge of a care Order (Section 2, Discharge of Care Order). Section 1, Procedure has also been significantly updated, particularly to note when a case should be presented to a legal planning meeting – and a new Flow Chart is provided. An Initial Statement of Evidence Pro Forma has also been included (see Appendix 3: Initial Statement of Evidence). |
Death of, or Serious Injury to, Child in Community or Child in Care | This chapter has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online Notification of serious childcare incident for local authorities form. Please re-reference when required. |
Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended 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) (see Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has been added into Further Information to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds’ entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017); DfE/DHSC Send Resources page which contains a range of resources to support the work on special educational needs and disability (SEND) and to the Carers Trust page which has information on working with young carers including assessment tools (see Relevant Guidance). |
Young Carers | This chapter has been extensively revised with regard to providing guidance on identifying and supporting young carers. Since April 2015, local authorities have had a duty to take 'reasonable steps' to identify children in their area who are young carers, and to determine if they need support. Local authorities must carry out an assessment whenever it appears that a young carer has a need for support (this could be either in their capacity as a young carer or in a more general sense as a child or young person). This assessment is called a Young Carer’s Needs Assessment. The chapter also has a link to ‘Salford Young Carer’. Please re-reference. |
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to NRPF Network – Securing British Citizenship for looked after children. (See Related Chapters and Guidance). |
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 its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these. (See Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent). |
Placement with Connected Persons | Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children with Connected Persons has been updated to include matters that should be considered when placing a child with a Connected Person should include an initial risk assessment of any pets, together with the environment in which the pet is kept.
Additionally, two template forms are accessible, General Pet Assessment and Dog Ownership Questionnaire (see Appendices). |
Placements with Parents | Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement 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, and so other avenues need to be explored. Additionally, to include consideration should be given as to whether the home environment is safe for the child including where relevant, the need for a risk assessment of any pets and the environment in which they are kept. See also Appendix 1: General Pet Assessment template form. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been significantly 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. Also to reflect more specifically Salford processes and procedures together with the role of the Children’s Rights service, which is provided by Barnados. (See Section 1, Introduction.) |
Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays) | This chapter has been extensively updated, including the re-titling of the chapter, following a review of the information, in order to focus on the key issues around a Looked After Child’s social contacts. |
Health Care Assessments and Health Care Plans | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Nice Guideline (NG26) Children’s Attachment. This guideline covers the identification, assessment and treatment of attachment difficulties in children and young people up to age 18 who are adopted from care, in special guardianship, looked after by local authorities in foster homes (including kinship foster care), residential settings and other accommodation, or on the edge of care. It aims to address the many emotional and psychological needs of children and young people in these situations, including those resulting from maltreatment. (See Relevant Guidance). |
Supervision of Foster Carers | Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker (During Placement) 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. Links to General Pet Assessment and Dog Ownership Questionnaire template forms have been added. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been amended to update the following documents: Salford Housing Options Point (shop) protocol - The housing options point protocol for young people; Salford housing options point (shop) protocol - The housing options point protocol for young people presenting as ‘roofless’; Salford housing options point (shop) protocol - The housing options point protocol for young people serving custodial sentences. (See Appendices.) |
Protocol with Salford College | This chapter has been updated, particularly to refresh and update the contact details of ‘Next Step’, and Salford College (see Appendix A: List of Contact Names and Addresses), and to acknowledge that all young people who have a Next Step worker will have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) (see Section 2.2, Joint Working with Individual Young People already in College). |
Next Step Finance Policy | The chapter has been updated to show the current financial allowances and criteria, etc. Please re-reference. |
Change of Name of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been extensively updated following a review of the information, in order to focus on the key issues around a Looked After Child changing their name. |
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | Section 5.3, Assessments has been 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. Note also links to First4Adoption and Adoption Match have replaced the National Gateway for Adoption and Adoption Register. The procedure for the Independent Review Mechanism is carried out by Coram Children's Legal Centre on behalf of the Department for Education. |
Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Research in Practice, ‘Contact after adoption’ and seeks to support practitioners on making positive post-adoption contact plans. Please reference as required. |
Designated Managers | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | Working Together states clearly that one of the key principles underpinning safeguarding should be: ‘’a child-centred approach: for services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.’’ It is essential therefore 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. |
Junior Individual Saving Accounts for Looked After Children (DfE Guidance) | This chapter links to the DfE website, (which was updated in January 2017) which provides statutory guidance for Junior ISAs and savings for children. Children who have been in local authority care for 12 months or more and who are not eligible for a Child Trust Fund are entitled to a £200 payment from the government into a Junior ISA. Currently, £4128 pa can be saved into a Junior ISA. |
Protocol between Salford Youth Offending Service and Salford Next Steps Service | This chapter seeks to promote good and consistent practices between Salford Youth Offending Service and Salford Next Steps Service in managing joint cases, by establishing an agreed response from both services in respect of the provision of Services. Please reference. |
Salford National Probation Service, Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company Local Delivery Unit and Salford Leaving Care Service | This local protocol has been developed following the OFSTED Salford Children Services in June 2015 to ensure young people known to the Salford Leaving Care service (Next Step) are supported fully and appropriate information shared between agencies when working with young people under the supervision of Salford NPS and Salford CRC. Please reference. |
May 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Transporting Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes to the laws around booster seats and babies who now need to stay in rear facing seats until 15 months (see Section 2, Seat Belts and Restraints). |
The ICACU | This chapter has been amended by updating the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) which now includes information with regards to the ICACU request for co-operation form and guidance (GOV.UK). This form is to be used by local authority staff to ask the authorities in another country for information or assistance in a child protection case. |
Retention and Destruction of Records | 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 (see Section 2, Destruction of Files). |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been updated to add a link to Children’s Society, Friendship For All – Increasing friendship in the lives of children. |
Families with No Recourse to Funds | This chapter has been updated to add a link to ‘NRPF Connect’. |
Delegated Authority Procedure and Guidance | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to The Fostering Network, Delegated authority. |
Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to add a link to 'Children’s Society, Friendship For All' – Increasing friendship in the lives of children. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation | A note has been added in respect of Secure Accommodation Placements in Scotland: Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017, with immediate effect, now enables local authorities to make placements in Secure accommodation under Sect 25 (Children Act 1989). (See Advisory Note in Section 3.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). Additionally, the contact details to identify a secure accommodation placement has been updated. (See Section 3.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval). |
Statutory Reviews for Looked After Children Policy and Guidance | This chapter has been updated to include a link 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 4, Attendance at the Review and Location). Salford’s Policy is that representatives accompanying parents or children to a Child Protection Conference and to other local authority Children Act meetings should be able to assist their clients to express their views and participate in the meeting, (with the chair's permission). |
Supervision of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'The Fostering Network, Transfer protocols (2015)', which provides a framework for foster carers who transfer between fostering providers, (including local authority carers). |
Young Care Leavers Protocol | This chapter has been updated to add updated Jobcentre Contact details and new letters of referral to the Jobcentre. The chapter also reflects the current roles/titles of staff involved: Jobcentre advisors are now ‘Work Coaches’. |
Inter-Country Adoption | This chapter has been updated. In Section 3, Initial Meeting, the DfE have published Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements which set out the minimum requirements, however entry clearance requirements vary depending upon the circumstances of each case and prospective adopters will need to obtain their own independent legal advice to establish the requirements that apply to their individual circumstances. In Section 4, Formal Approval, a link has been added to Intercountry adoption: means test form which contains information on how to apply for a fee reduction for people who wish to adopt a child from overseas and who earn £45,000 per year or less. In Section 12, After Approval information has been added on the Intercountry Adoption Forms: checklist for adoption which details the paperwork adoption agencies must include in the intercountry adoption applications they submit to DfE. |
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect the role of the Special Guardianship Panel (see particularly Section 6, Approval of Special Guardianship for Looked After Children and the Role of the Special Guardianship Panel) and to add a link to the DfE Special Guardianship Guidance (2017). Two additional notes have been added also in Section 9, ‘Who May Apply?’ together with Special Guardianship Support where a note reflects the role of the Adoption Support Fund. |
Keyword: Child Sexual Exploitation |
Note new keyword and reference as required. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Relinquished Children | The term 'relinquished child' is used to describe a child, usually a baby or at pre-birth stage, whose parents are making the choice of adoption for the child. This chapter deals with the first stages of the adoption process for relinquished children, whilst signposting other key processes that should be progressed and which are expected for any child who is Accommodated or where the plan is for adoption. It also summarises the counselling and support that will be made available to the birth family in these circumstances. Once a decision is made and consent is formally given, although not irreversible, the adoption process is as for any other child. The chapter replaces a previous protocol; please re-reference. |
Deleted Chapters | |
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November 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Throughout the Manual | The manual contains links to the updated 'DfE, Keeping Children safe in education (2016)' which came into force in September 2016. |
The Children and Families Assessment | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge pre-birth situations and 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, (where this was required). |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to ADCS Social Work Evidence Template (SWET), and 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 3.1, Pre-birth Planning and Proceedings). |
Supervision Policy | This chapter has been updated and amended and has sought to incorporate best practice recommendations from Salford Ofsted inspections and serious case reviews. The aim of this chapter is to provide a policy framework for one to one supervision of social workers in the specialist Division of the Children’s Services Directorate. The policy has been designed to meet the needs of the service, the staff, and reflect the Social Work Reform Board 2012 recommendations and The Standards for Employers and Supervision Framework. |
Childhood Disability Service | This chapter has been adjusted to reflect current terminology and reference children with Statements of Educational Need / Education, Health and Care Plans. |
Direct Payments Policy and Procedures | This chapter has been reviewed and amended to reflect current processes and terminology. It also links to the ‘Direct Payments’ in DHSC, Care and support statutory guidance (September 2016). |
Disability Resource Panel | This chapter has been updated and refreshed to reference children with Special Educational Needs and the Resource Allocation System. |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been amended to reflect current Salford procedures, particularly referencing the role of Resource Allocation Process. |
Young Carers | This chapter has been updated to add three Appendices: Young Carers/Young Adult Carers Referrals Flow Chart; Young Carers’ Needs Assessments Regulations – Audit and Young Carers Assessment Form. |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | A link has been added to the ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20. |
Court Remand to Local Authority or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been significantly updated throughout to reflect changes to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) which defines 'arrested juvenile' for the purpose of Part 4 of the Act (detention). The effect of the change is that 17 year olds are included in the definition of 'arrested juvenile'. The amendments made by Section 42 of the Act came into force on the 26th of October 2015. |
Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been amended in to emphasise that the chair must be independent of the care planning process must focus on the questions and issues around the criteria for secure accommodation within the context of the child’s specific circumstances. The young person must be advised of the outcome of the Review as soon as possible. Where the outcome identifies another, less restrictive, placement would be more appropriate, the local authority must immediately effect the ‘exit‘ or contingent plan. |
Looked After Children and Computer and Internet Access | This chapter has been updated to add a link to Child Safety Online: A practical guide or parents and carers who children are using social media. |
Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been updated to add a note that if there is any change to the circumstances of prospective carers, including relatives, there should be a professionals meeting and the carers should be informed so that they can consider their position as well as the local authority. |
Safe Caring Policy and Practice Guidance | This chapter has been updated to add a link to NICE Guidelines: Postnatal care up to 8 weeks after birth. |
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been amended to further reflect the DfE statutory guidance on ‘former looked after children in custody’ and the ‘Volume 2: care planning, placement and placement review’. It also reflects the Serious Crime Act 2015. |
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter has been significantly updated throughout to reflect changes to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) which defines ‘arrested juvenile’ for the purpose of Part 4 of that Act (detention). It focuses on young people who are thought to have offended and would otherwise be in police custody or who are remanded. Whenever the police detain a child or young person (aged 10 to 17), or interview them as a voluntary attender, they must inform an Appropriate Adult as soon as is practicable and ask them to attend. Please fully read. |
Adoption Support | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Mott Macdonald / DfE Adoption Support Fund. |
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Mott Macdonald / DfE Adoption Support Fund. This chapter has been amended to further reflect the DfE statutory guidance on ‘former looked after children in custody’ and the ‘Volume 2: care planning, placement and placement review'. It also reflects the Serious Crime Act 2015. |
Designated Managers | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | 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 2018. This is a developing area, and legal advice must be sought as necessary. |
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This procedure sets out the specific provision under the Children and Families Act 2014 in relation to children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs or disabilities and their carers. For the purposes of the Act, ‘young person’ is someone aged 16-25. The Care Act 2014 introduced changes to adult care and support. This also includes transitions for young disabled people into adulthood, and support to carers. |
Resource Allocation System: Children with disabilities Social Care | This chapter provides a tool and guidance to enable a score / evaluation to be collated following an assessment that indicates the child/family need additional support meet Salford’s Eligibility criteria for Short Breaks Support. The questionnaire is focussed around the 5 key outcome indicators for children. |
May 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
The Children and Families Assessment | This chapter has been updated to ensure consideration is given as part of the assessment as to whether the child has been subject to Sexual Exploitation, FGM or compulsory labour. This should be a part of developing an overall picture which, ‘considers the daily lived experience of the child(ren) within that family setting’ and ensuring a proportionate and effective intervention. A link to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Home Office Circular, Modern Slavery Act 2015 is provided. |
Legal Planning Meetings | This chapter has been amended with respect to children who have become section 20 Accommodated; there must be no delay in issuing proceedings where this is required. |
Access to Records | This chapter has been amended to add a new Section 8, Applications by Care Leavers with regard to seeing their file. In addition, Section 1, Rights of Access; Applications by Parents and Appeals Process have been refreshed and updated. It remains important to acknowledge that even if a child does not have the capacity to understand the implications of a data request about them, it is still their personal data and belongs to no-one else. A link to ‘Information Commissioners Office – Guide to Data Protection’ is provided in the Scope Box (see Relevant Guidance). |
Childhood Disability Service - under review | This chapter has been updated to reflect current terminology. Note: it remains under review. |
Disability Resource Panel | This chapter has been updated and refreshed to reflect the current organisational structure and operating model. A link to Salford’s ‘Local Offer’ has been added (see Section 2, Purpose of Panel). |
Short Breaks - under review | This chapter has been substantially amended to clarify the legal basis for Short breaks – including a new Appendix; further develop the Child’s Assessment; reflect the impact of the Children and Families Act 2014 in the Carers Assessment. |
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | This chapter has been amended by adding links to the ADCS Asylum Taskforce site (see Related Chapters) and Age Assessment Guidance (see Section 7, Establishing the Child’s Identity and Age). The chapter now advises that issues of trafficking and Modern Slavery are considered as part of an Assessment (see Section 6, Identification and Initial Action). A link to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Home Office Circular, Modern Slavery Act 2015 is provided in Related Chapters and Guidance. |
Families with No Recourse to Funds | This chapter has been updated to identify that a Child in Need assessment should include an awareness that a child may be trafficked or be a victim of compulsory labour (see Section 2, Role of the Local Authority). |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been updated to reflect the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby’s guidance with regard to obtaining parental consent for children accommodated through Section 20 of the 1989 Children Act. Also, his concerns about bringing such matters to court where this is required. There is a new section and amendments as a result. (See Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent, Section 1.3.2, Recording Parental Consent and Section 1.3.3, The use of Section 20 prior to Court Proceedings). Also note that where a child is Section 20 Accommodated, the matter must be presented to a Legal Planning Meeting within 10 days. The chapter also contains an Arrangements and Parental Consent Form (see Appendix 1: Arrangements for the child / young person to be accommodated under Section 20 (voluntary agreement with parental consent) of The Children’s Act 1989). A link to ADCS, Section 20 Practice Guidance has also been added under Related Chapters and Guidance. |
Permanence Planning Policy | This chapter has been comprehensively updated and amended to reflect the impact of the ‘Care Planning, Placement and Case Review’ statutory guidance. The chapter deals with a number of key issues in respect of placement planning, reflecting on the importance of placement stability and identifying key planning stages. The chapter also deals with important issues in respect of placement planning such as out of borough and distant placements and ceasing to look after a child. |
Placement with Connected Persons | This chapter has been refreshed and amended in line with DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. The Authority must be satisfied that it is necessary for the child to be placed with the Connected Person before the Connected Person’s suitability to be a foster carer has been fully assessed in accordance with the Regulations. These provisions are to be used only in exceptional circumstances. |
Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been amended to provide additional specific detail with regard to regard to Section 2.2, Identification and Approval of Placement and Section 2.3, Placement Planning in line with DfE, Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been significantly updated in line with the DfE statutory guidance, Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. A link to this statutory guidance has been included. A new Section 1.1, Duties of an Advocate has been added, together with additions to the appointment of Independent Visitors. |
Statutory Reviews for Looked After Children Policy and Guidance | This chapter has been updated to include a link to Salford’s Good Practice Guidance: Effectively Evidencing the IRO role within PLO and Care Proceedings (see Related Chapter and Guidance). |
Guidance for Professionals Regarding Children Subject to Dual Processes - Child Protection Plans and Looked After Child Plans | This chapter has been updated and fully amended to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children and Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. This chapter identifies that whilst a child should have a single Plan, dual planning is occasionally required. The nature and criteria for such occasions is explored together with the process for ensuring both Reviews are properly undertaken and their role is fulfilled in a considered and co-ordinated way. Please re-reference. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been updated to add four Appendices with respect to the Protocol with Next Step and Salford Housing Options Point (Shop), viz. The housing options point protocol for young people; for young people presenting as ‘roofless’; for young people serving custodial sentences; a Behaviour Management Form. (See appendices). |
Staying Put | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated to remove the statement that CoramBAAF provide an insurance function for Foster carers; this has not been transferred to CoramBAAF. |
Comments, Complaints and Compliments | This chapter has been amended by adding links to the Ofsted Guidance and the NSPCC whistleblowing advice line (see Relevant Guidance). Although it would be anticipated that concerns would be expressed within or to an organisation, the links to three whistleblowing sites, including Ofsted and the NSPCC which can be used by staff and professionals. Whistleblowing is when someone who works in or for an organisation and wishes to raise concerns about malpractice, wrongdoing, unlawful practices or risks within an organisation and this has not been dealt with despite concerns being raised; they believe their employer will cover it up or they feel they will be treated unfairly. Callers are protected in law. |
Criminal Injuries Compensation | This chapter has been amended. A new Section 3.1, Timescales has been added to provide further clarity to the process. Reporting to the Police must be made as soon as practically possible. |
Adoption Planning | This chapter has been amended to update the chapter – in particular the Legislative and Policy section in the Scope Box. |
Smoking Policy | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that it is now illegal to smoke with a child under 18 yrs in a car; both the driver and passenger could be fined. See ‘How Smoking Affects Health’ to access UK Gov and DHSC sites for further information. |
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been 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 (see Section 5, Planning Meeting). |
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (see Application Process). |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Young Carers | This chapter reflects the Young Carers' Needs (Needs Assessments) Regulations 2015 and identifies the framework that needs to be used to undertake assessments. Young Carers are defined as anyone who is under 18yrs who provides practical or emotional support to another member of the family, whether this is an adult or child. The local authority is expected also to undertake reasonable steps to identify ‘young carers’ in their area. Please fully read. |
October 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Policies, Values and Principles (Values) - Confidentiality Policy, Values and Principles | This procedure sets out the responsibility of the employee to familiarise themselves with the handling of confidential information in the context of their social work role and as an employee of the council. A link to updated statutory guidance 'DfE Information Sharing' has been added. |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Min of Justice, Practice Direction 25B – The Duties of an Expert, The Expert's Report and Arrangements for an Expert to attend Court. |
Transfer Protocol for Child Protection and Child in Need Service | This chapter has been amended to update the Flow chart which now shows more specific information throughout the process. An updated 'Points to remember' checklist has also been provided. (See Section 7, Transfer to TAC (Updated)). |
Child in Need Coordination Service | This chapter has been significantly updated in respect of Section 1, Coordination of Child in Need Meetings. This section describes the role of the Child In need Coordination Service, its aims and objectives and key criteria. Please fully read. |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been updated - see Section 7, Short Break Settings; revised links to new Quality Standards for Children's Homes; Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Residential special schools - National Minimum Standards have been added. A link has also been added to Chapter 6 of the DfE, Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and Short Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children: Departmental Advice for Local Authorities (2011). |
Families with No Recourse to Funds | This chapter has been updated in line with the Care Act 2014 and two new sections, Terminating Support and Independent Family Returns Panel have been added (see Section 3, Procedures for Working with Families with no Recourse to Public Funds). Please re-reference as required. |
Early Intervention & Prevention Service Process and Procedures | This chapter has been updated and reflects the change from the MASH to the BRIDGE process. |
Guidance for Professionals Regarding Children Subject to Dual Processes - Child Protection Plans and Looked After Child Plans | This chapter has been comprehensively updated in October 2015 to include pre-birth conferences (see Section 2, Pre-Birth Conferences (PBC)) and a section on CP Conferences with respect to whether they occur before or after a review (see Section 4, CP Review Occurring Before or After a LAC Review). A flow chart has also been added to assist (see Appendix 1: Flowchart of Guidance for Managing Salford's Dual Process). |
Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Statutory guidance 'DfE, The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations – Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review', a link to which has been added. The chapter contains an updated Section 3.7 Long term Fostering. |
Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Statutory guidance DfE, The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations – Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review, a link to which has been added. A new Section 9, Long-Term Foster Placements has been added. |
Court Remand to Local Authority or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated to add a link to local practice guidance and update the statutory guidance which has been incorporated in 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations: Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. Please reference as required. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation | This chapter has been amended to add a link and reference 'DfE, Secure children's homes: how to place a child under 13 (2015)'. |
Approving the use of an Outside Placement (Independent Foster Agency or Residential) | This chapter has been comprehensively updated to reflect updated Salford processes and arrangements. Please fully re-read. |
Review of Outside Placements | This chapter has been significantly updated 2015 to reflect updated Salford processes and procedures. Please fully re-read. |
Additional Staffing | This chapter now reflects that requests for additional staffing should be made via the Placements Team. |
Guidance for Regulation 44 Visits | This chapter has been refreshed and updated in line with The Children's Homes: Quality Standards (2015). A link has been added to Part 6 of the Regulations – Monitoring and Reviewing Children's Homes. |
Social Worker Visits | This chapter has been updated to reflect the revised visiting requirements in respect of long term foster placements as set out in DfE, The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations – Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. A link to this statutory guidance has been added. |
Looked After Children and Computer and Internet Access | This chapter has been updated to add a note regarding sexual communication with a child and concern with respect to the use of social media by extremist groups. |
Health Care Assessments and Health Care Plans | This chapter has been updated in line with Statutory Guidance on Promoting the Health and Well-being of Looked After Children (March 2015). It contains new section on: Section 1, The Responsibilities of Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards, Section 2, Principles, the Role of S/W in Promoting the Child's Health (see Section 3, Health Care Assessments); Strength and Difficulty Questionnaires and Out of Area Placements (see Section 4, Health Care Plans). A link to DfE and DHSC, Statutory Guidance on Promoting the Health and Well-being of Looked After Children (March 2015) has also been added. |
Sanctions | This chapter has been updated in October 2015 in line with The Children's Homes: Quality Standards (2015). Please re-reference as required. |
Physical Intervention | This chapter has been updated in October 2015 in line with The Children's Homes: Quality Standards (2015). Please re-reference as required. |
Supervision of Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended in October 2015 to take account of the change to the Fostering Services National Standards from the previous CWDC Induction standards. (See Section 1, Introduction). |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been updated in October 2015, in line with 'DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (Jan 2015)' and Ceasing to Look After a Child in 'DfE Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review'. The chapter also notes that local authorities should have a flexible approach to supporting young people aged 16 and 17 yrs back in to care if a young person's decision to move into semi-independent accommodation, leave care or decline leaving care services is then identified as premature. (See Pathway Planning). |
Staying Put | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated to reflect points in respect of Independent Fostering Agencies (see Planning). |
Intermediary Services | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Adoption Information and Intermediary Service (Pre-Commencement Adoptions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Please fully re-read. |
Local Contacts | This chapter has been included in the Manual and contains relevant key staff and links to a variety of agencies. |
Designated Managers | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Protocol for the Disclosure of Information from Salford Children's Services Records to Police / Crown Prosecution Services in Child Abuse Cases | This brief chapter details the important process of disclosing information, where appropriate, to the Police and Crown Prosecution Service. Great care and consideration should always be taken when a request is received and this protocol should always be followed. All staff should be familiar with this chapter. |
Joint Protocol Between Salford Youth Offending Services & Salford Children's Services Specialist Teams | This chapter identifies the processes for children who are subject to the criminal justice system proceedings and aims to describe the formal arrangements between the Salford Youth Offending Service and Salford Children's Specialist Teams in working jointly to meet the needs of children in these circumstances. Please fully read. |
April 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Thresholds of Need and Response in Salford | The Thresholds of Need and Response in Salford is a multi-agency tool and supports practitioners working in partnership with children, young people, their families and colleagues from other agencies. |
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children | Links have been added to Working with Foreign Authorities: child protection cases and care orders and to Care of Unaccompanied and Trafficked Children. |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | Section 1.4, Actions required after a Decision to Look After is made, has been amended in regards to sibling placements. Additionally, a link has been added above to Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings. |
Placements with Parents | Section 1.7, Ending of Placement, has been updated to clarify that at least 14 days notice should be given where it is proposed to remove a child from a placement with parents. An unnecessary immediate removal of the child from the placement is likely to breach the human rights of the parents and the child. |
Out of Area Placements | Significant changes have been made throughout; therefore, this chapter should be re-read in full. Additionally, a link to Out of Authority Placement of Looked-after Children has been added. |
Contact with Family and Friends for Looked After Children | The Introduction has been amended in regards to contact arrangements. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been updated to add new Section 6, Education, Training and Employment, new Section 10, Access to Records and Appendix 1: Needs assessment and content of pathway plans for relevant and former relevant children. |
Staying Put | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated. A link to ‘Next Step Staying Put Arrangements’ has been made. |
Comments, Complaints and Compliments | A link has been added to Raising Concerns At Work. |
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended throughout and should be re-read in full. |
Placement for Adoption | Section 1, Planning for Permanence, Section 6, Post-placement Contact and Section 7, Identification of Adoptive Parents (including Inter Agency Placements) have been amended and should be re-read. |
Adoption Support | Section 2, Duty to Provide Information Concerning Adoption Support has been added. |
Life Story Books | This chapter has been updated to specify that all children with a plan for adoption must have a Life Story Book. |
A Guide to Eligibility for DBS Checks | This guidance has been added into chapters 'Activities', 'Assessment and Approval of Foster Parents' and 'Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters'. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Next Step Finance Policy | This policy sets out the various allowances for young people. |
The ICACU | This new chapter outlines what the ICACU is, what assistance they can and can not offer, and how they can be accessed. |
The Young Person's Guide to the Children and Families Act 2014 | This Guide tells what changes the Act makes and is directed at children and young people. |
The Pathway to Permanence for the Looked After Child | This new chapter clarifies the Permanence Planning Process, outlines the Stages in the Pathway for a Looked After Child, and addresses Statutory Visits. |
Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters | This procedure 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. |
Relevant and Former Relevant Review Policy | This policy aims to outline how the Next Step Leaving Care Service reviews the care and pathway planning provided to young people who are aged 16 - 25 and deemed to be 'relevant and former relevant' young people as defined in the Leaving Care Act 2000. |
Principles for the Provision of Education or Training Support to Young People Returning for a Next Step Service Aged 21 to 25 | These principles provide a consistent framework to underpin the discharge of responsibilities by local authorities to young people returning for a leaving care service aged 21 to 25. |
October 2014
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Title | Details |
Policies, Values and Principles (Values) | The chapter has been updated to reflect new Regulations and legislation. |
Family and Friends Care Policy | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 which amended Section 8 1989 Children Act and replaced Residence Orders and Contact Orders with 'Child Arrangements Orders' in private law. |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been updated by adding two Appendices: 'Greater Manchester Police (Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Unit): Change of Address Notification Form' and 'Greater Manchester Police and Police Check Policy'. |
Applications for Emergency Protection Orders | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised guidance, the revised family justice and courts system, and a new Section 6, Powers to Assist in Discovery of Children Who May Be in Need of Emergency Protection has been added. |
Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect the revised Public Law Outline which came into effect on 22 April 2014, alongside the statutory 26-week time-limit for completion of care and supervision proceedings under the Children and Families Act 2014. The chapter also contains a link to the (Draft) 'Pre-Care and Care Proceedings Protocol for Greater Manchester Social Work Guidance Pack'. Please read chapter in its entirety. |
Transporting Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect that there should be no smoking in private vehicles where there are children (i.e. young people under 18 yrs) present. |
Transfer Protocol for Child Protection and Child in Need Service | This chapter has been fully updated to provide a consistent approach to children who become Looked After. The chapter contains a Transfer Tracking Tool and File Audit Tool. Please fully read. |
Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been amended to clarify the occasions with respect to who will be taking the lead role in the Child in Need meetings. Please fully re-read. |
Early Intervention & Prevention Service Process and Procedures | This chapter has been updated and reflects the 'step down' process in respect of children involved with Social Care staff being supported by mainstream and locality services. |
Permanence Planning Guidance | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 which amended Section 8 1989 Children Act and replaced Residence Orders and Contact Orders with 'Child Arrangements Orders' in private law. |
Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings | This chapter has been amended to add a reference to the Out of Area chapter with respect to 'Placements at a Distance' following the implementation of the Children's Homes and Looked After Children (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2013. |
Delegated Authority Procedure and Guidance | This chapter has been updated by identifying that the Policy needs to be signed by the Director of Children's services and Lead member for Children. |
Court Remand to Local Authority or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated to add the 'DfE, Looked after children and youth justice: Application of the Care Planning Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 to looked After children in contact with the youth justice services (April 2014)' |
Placements in Secure Accommodation | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to Court orders and Pre-proceedings for local Authorities (April 2014). Adjustments have been made to the chapter regarding criteria and court application. |
Education of Looked After Children | This chapter is updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 which identifies the requirement of local authorities to appoint an officer to promote the educational achievement of Looked After children These positions are often referred to as a 'Virtual School Head'. |
Drugs and Substance Misuse (Including Smoking) | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes in terminology in Section 1, Definition. |
Countering Bullying | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to the 'DfE, Preventing and tackling bullying: Advice for head teachers, staff and governing bodies (March 2014)'. |
Leaving Care | This chapter has been updated to include the Children and Families Act 2014. Additional information has been added in Section 2, Leaving are Assessment of Need, in relation to Staying Put. Section 8, Staying Put has also been revised and refers to the new chapter on this. Please fully re-read. |
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reflect the Children and Families Act 2014 which amended section 8 1989 Children Act and replaced Residence Orders and Contact Orders with 'Child Arrangements Orders' in private law. |
Smoking Policy (Fostering) | This chapter has been updated to reflect that there should be no smoking in private vehicles where there are children (i.e. young people under 18 yrs) present. |
Smoking Policy (Adoption) | This chapter has been updated to reflect that there should be no smoking in private vehicles where there are children (i.e. young people under 18 yrs) present. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children Subject of Supervision Orders | This chapter explores the range of issues as a result of the making of a Supervision Order following care Proceedings. There is emphasis on ensuring there is the same rigour with regard to practice and planning as there is to Child Protection and other areas of work. There is Guidance also in dealing with escalation on any concerns, as well as extending the Order should this be required. |
Part 4 of the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Procedures Manual, 'Children in Specific Circumstances' | A new link to Part 4 of the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Procedures Manual, 'Children in Specific Circumstances' has been added. This gives ready access to a wide range of information and guidance on children subject to specific concerns. Please review the contents of this section to become familiar with the range of information. |
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and when Children's Services receive a Request to Evidence Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter acknowledges the responsibility Children's Services and partner agencies have in responding to requests for information/confirmation from parents who have suffered domestic violence and abuse or where children have been subject to child protection concerns and who are applying for Legal Aid. Legal Aid is no longer available for private Law cases, except for those who are most vulnerable. Nevertheless, it remains important that the Data Protection Act is respected and a balance regarding this is clearly required. |
Families with No Recourse to Funds | This chapter explores the work and support with families who, because of the Nationality Status, have no legal entitlement to support or assistance from the state. The chapter details the level of financial support available and acknowledges that the City Council has a broader responsibility for safeguarding all children within its boundaries. |
Staying Put | Although this chapter is Draft, it more comprehensively covers the area of 'Staying Put' and identifies the framework, guidance and support expected of all local authorities in providing this support young people. Please fully read. |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'UK Border Agency' has been replaced with 'UK Visas and Immigration'. |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'NHS Direct' has been deleted. |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'vulnerable adults' has been replaced with 'adults at risk'. |
Throughout the Manual | Some references to 'Residence Order' have been replaced with 'Child Arrangement Order'. |
Throughout the Manual | Any references to the 'Children's Rights Director' have been replaced with 'Children's Commissioner'. |
End