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

2. Independent Reviewing Officers
Role and Responsibilities

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Any Questions
QUIZ