Hilary Wilson and Paul Rooney Safeguarding and Review Managers Independent Reviewing Officer Child Protection Conference Chair

Independent Reviewing Officers Role and Responsibilities

Responsibilities: Role is laid down in statute-IRO HANDBOOK Prime responsibilities: To ensure the care plan reflects child’s current needs Ensure actions in the plan consistent with the legal responsibilities to the child

Two main aspects: First Chair the child’s review Issues: To confirm or change plan Recommendations for actions needed to implement plan By whom and within what timescale?

Need to ensure: Child’s view is gained And the views of Birth parents / others with PR Other significant adults in child's life Those caring for the child Relevant professionals

Review timings 1st within 20 working days of first becoming looked after 2nd no more than 3 months after first review 3rd and subsequent reviews no more than 6 months after previous review Can in addition be called as directed by IRO “Paper” reviews can be held in cases where the child is in a permanent, matched placement and has been in placement for more than 12 months

Key Issues for consideration Effect of any change since the last review Have previous decisions been implemented? Is the legal status of the child appropriate? Is there a plan for permanence? Contact arrangements – are changes needed? Is the placement meeting the child’s needs? Educational needs and progress Health

Key issues (cont) Identity needs and how these are being met Arrangements for provision of advice and support? Child’s wishes and feelings? Visiting frequency by SW Transition Planning

Additional Responsibilities Monitor the child’s case on an on-going basis In particular the implementation of the care plan And also Monitor and report performance of the local authority as a corporate parent

Social worker’s responsibilities Complete “request to convene” on MOSAIC Speak to the child and obtain their views and wishes for the review 20 days before the meeting. Consider how to involve the child and parents in the review process. Speak to the IRO 15 days prior to the review Report to LAC review to be completed and authorised by Team Manager at least three working days prior to the review.

Social Worker’s responsibilities continued Review report to be shared with child and parents prior to the review meeting Attend the review meeting Inform the child and parents of the outcomes of the review if they are not attending. Carry out the agreed recommendations when authorised by the Team Manager

The Role of the Conference Chair. Responsible for ensuring that clear plans are made for children and young people, rigorously recorded and acted upon.

Responsible for ensuring that the progress of a child/young person’s plan is regularly reviewed to make sure that their needs are being met.

Responsible for ensuring that children and young people’s views are sought and used to influence decisions and actions within the Child Protection Conference process.

Responsible for ensuring that monitoring and quality assurance is in place, to continually improve practice and service delivery to children who are subject of Child Protection Plans.

Any Questions QUIZ