Being in Care.

Joint priorities remain to… Improve outcomes for children, young people and families in Birmingham. In particular: Protect children from significant harm. Improve engagement in learning and achievement in education. Reduce health inequalities. Priorities of Directorate for People.

Referral. Initial assessment. Legal proceedings or entry into care. Emergency protection orders. Police protection power under Children Act Being in Care.

Initial Assessment Service (IAS) Family Support Child in care Children’s Information and Advice Service (CIAS) Safeguarding S47 team Integrated Services and Care Model

Referral Single assessment Monitor Safeguarding Court proceedings ICO FCO Family Support CP enquiries (S47) Plan CP plan S20 What happens after a referral?

‘Looked After’ - a child or young person under the age of 18 who is provided by a local authority, acting in its social service capacity, with accommodation provided for a continuous period of more than 24 hours. Section 20 - voluntary accommodation at the request of a parent or a child aged 16 or over. Subject of a relevant court order (interim or full care orders – section 31) under Part 4 of the Children Act ‘Looked After’.

Foster care. - Connected persons. Residential. Schedule 3 - living with parents on a CO. Remand. Secure. Short break. Types of placement.

Final Adoption Order. Special Guardianship. Residence Order. Subject to a Child Protection Plan. Supervision Orders. Private fostering. NOT Looked After.

Chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer who is an experienced social worker, but independent from Children’s Social Care. Reviews are held at intervals of: Statutory LAC Reviews. 72 hours (Post Placement) 28 days 90 days 180 days

Attended by professionals involved with the child. Topics discussed: * Safeguarding and promoting welfare * Physical and emotional needs, behavioural development * The care placement e.g. bed times, diet * Health Plan * Education needs/PEP * Contact arrangements * Friends and significant others * Cultural, religious, language and racial needs * Comments and views of the young person, parents and family.

LA have a duty to formulate a Permanent Plan and present this at the second review. A Permanency Plan is a long term plan – usually either return to parent(s) or placed in a suitable provision. Permanency should reflect child’s Permanency planning. age, identity, Religion circumstances YP’s wishes and feelings if appropriate.

Mother. Before 1 December 2003, father if married to mother. Post 1 December 2003, father if named on birth certificate. Any one can apply e.g. aunt, grandparents. Local Authority e.g. Birmingham City Council. Parental responsibility.

We have… Reviewed the priorities of the Directorate for People with regard to children’s services. Discussed the various legal terms relating to the care of children. Including when a child is NOT ‘looked after’. Outlined the Children’s services model and the actions that are taken following a referral. Looked at different types of placement. Discussed what happens at a Statutory Review Meeting. Looked at permanency planning and parental responsibility.