Amendments

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Amendments

March 2018

Local Information

Updated Chapters
Chapter Title	Details
List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers	These details have been updated.

Shared Information

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Contacts and Referrals	This chapter has been revised to set out in more detail the timetable and partnership requirements associated with effectively managing contacts and referrals.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	Section 4.2, Case Analysis has been updated to reflect the ‘permanence provisions’ of the Care Plan added by s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 (amending section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	A link has been added to information from the Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens in relation to the responsibilities that local authorities have to ensure that children in their care have effective access to specialist legal advice so their citizenship or any entitlement to citizenship is secured.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	A link has been added to information from the Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens in relation to the responsibilities that local authorities have to ensure that children in their care have effective access to specialist legal advice so their citizenship or any entitlement to citizenship is secured.
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.
Permanence Planning Guidance	Section 5, Assessing and Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional ‘permanence provisions’ of the Care Plan (under s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Looked After Reviews	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, Frequency of Looked After Reviews).
Change of Name of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Placement for Adoption	Section 1. Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by section 9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) into the list of considerations that whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant. This chapter was alsoupdated 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 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness).
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.

Next Update: September 2018

Archive - Shared

2017 Amendments

September 2017

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online notification form.
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 DoH, Care and support statutory guidance (December 2016). (See Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has been added into Related Guidance to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017).
Short Breaks	A link has been added to Friendship For All (The Children's Society) in the Related National Guidance and Information section.
Family and Friends Care (Kinship Care)	A link has been added in the Relevant Legislation and Guidance Section to Family Rights Group - Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A Good Practice Guide. This guide sets out best practice as to how viability assessments should be conducted.
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.
Young Carers	A link has been added in Related Information to CareFree Young Carers (Barnado’s) website.
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).
Placements with Parents	Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement has been updated 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.
Placement with Connected Persons (Kinship Care)	Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children 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.
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Advocacy and Independent Visitors	This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Children's Society 'Advocacy services for children and young people - a guide for commissioners'. This guide outlines the legislative requirements of local authorities in the provision of advocacy support to children in need and looked after children.
Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers	This chapter has been updated in relation to the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer in line with the Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations - Volume 2: care planning, placement and case review, June 2015. In particular, the IRO being sensitive to the close and active involvement of parents of a child looked after in a series of Short Breaks and problem-solving where there might be difficulties or issues.
Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	A link has been added to Children's Attachment: Attachment in Children and Young People who are Adopted from Care, in Care or at High Risk of Going into Care - NICE Guidelines (NG26) in the Related Guidance section.
Supervision and Support 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.
Assessment and Approvals 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.
Placement for Adoption	A link has been added to Contact After Adoption - Research in Practice in the Related Information section. This practical resource brings together knowledge from research and practice to support professionals to be reflective and explore their own assumptions, attitudes and values when developing contact plans.
Inter Country Adoption	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.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	This chapter deals with the Local authorities commitment to the participation of children and young people in decisions about their lives and how this is carried out.

March 2017

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Assessments	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge highlighted 'good practice steps' to undertaking assessments and issuing care proceedings in respect of the removal of a child at birth, including the assessment process (see Section 11.1, Pre-birth 'Good Practice Steps').
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated 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).
Legal Planning Meetings	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a judgment following an application to remove a child at birth. The judge set out what were thought to be 'basic and good practice steps' (see Section 2, Considerations).
Case Records and Retention	A note has been added to Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality of Records with regards to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (GODDARD INQUIRY/IICSA) - The Chair of the IICSA issued a notice, dated 2nd July 2015, to all local authority chief executives. The scope of this notice is very broad. It requires that all records/information (in any format) relating to child protection, safeguarding and the provision of services to children must be retained, pending the conclusion of this national inquiry. This supersedes all other guidance relating to the retention and destruction of records, and applies to all council records, particularly those relating to Children's Services.
Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings	Section 1, Placement Planning Meetings has been updated with regards to the first Placement Planning Meeting in relation to a placement should be held before the placement. Where this is not possible because of the urgency of the situation, It should be held within 5 working days. The Placement Plan must be prepared for the meeting.
Placements with Connected Persons (Kinship Care)	Section 4, The Placement has been updated with regards to the first Placement Planning Meeting in relation to a placement should be held before the placement. Where this is not possible because of the urgency of the situation. It should be held within 5 working days. The Placement Plan must be prepared for the meeting.
Placements in Secure Accommodation	This chapter has been updated to acknowledge the President of the High Court's judgement regarding applications in English courts for Secure Accommodation placements in Scotland (see Section 4.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval).
Looked After Reviews	This chapter has been updated to note The Law Society guidance 'Attendance of solicitors at local authority Children Act Meetings' and their Code of Conduct where the child or family who attend reviews are supported by a legal representative (see Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities)
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records	This chapter has been slightly updated and should be re-read.
Life Story Books Guidance	Section 1, What is a Life Story Book? has been updated with regards to it is good practice that all children who are looked after have a Life Story Book.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	In Section 7, Report to the Court, a note has been added to say: For a child in Care proceedings, the Connected Person's assessment (Form C) may be used in lieu of the Regulation 21 report; this allows the court to make a SGO if appropriate at the final hearing. For a child already on a Care Order, the child's Social Worker and the Fostering Supervising Social Worker may write a joint Regulation 21 report, and support plan.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Guidance on the Use of Written Agreements	This is based on learning from Serious Care Reviews in other LA and this contains a model written agreement which is shown as completed document using fictitious names.
Relinquished Children	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.

2016 Amendments

March 2016

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Decision to Look After a Child	This chapter replaced the previous Decision to Look After a Child chapter and should be read throughout.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	Section 3, Single Assessment, a link to "good practice documents produced by the ADCS Asylum Task Force who worked with the Home Office has been added.
Access to Records	The links to the Leicester County Council's Access to Records and the Leicester City and Rutland County Council Access to Records Procedures have been updated.
Legal Planning Meetings	This chapter has been amended to reflect current practice regarding children who are Section 20 Accommodated. Where this is case there should be no delay in issuing proceedings where required.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Short Breaks	Links have been added to the respective Short Breaks Statements in the Related Information section. This chapter reflects current practice around Single and Carers Assessment.
Permanence Planning Guidance	The links to Leicester and Leicestershire County Councils Permanence Planning Guidance and Rutland County Council's Permanency Planning Guidance have been updated.
Notifications of Significant Events	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews	Both Leicestershire County Council's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review, and Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council's Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Review have been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters	This chapter has been updated including a link being added to Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers: Amendments to the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations in the Relevant Guidance section.
Intermediary Services	Section 6, Deciding Whether to Proceed with the Application information has been added with regards to if, at any time, the intermediary agency ascertains that the subject of an application is under the age of 18, it must not proceed further with the application.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Ceasing to Look After A Child	This chapter reflects the statutory guidance 'Ceasing to look after a child' in 'Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations (2015)' as amended by the 'Care Planning and Fostering (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2015' together with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. It deals with the various situations where a child may cease to become looked after.
Young Carers	This chapter deals with the definition, assessment and response for young carers.

2015 Amendments

September 2015

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	This chapter has been updated including the addition of Section 3, Independent Family Returns Panel.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Short Breaks	Links have been added to the respective Short Breaks Statements in the Related Information section.
Permanence Planning Guidance	Both Rutland County Council's and Leicester City Council's and Leicestershire County Council's Permanence Planning Guidance has been updated to reflect 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)'.
Placements in Foster Care	This chapter has been updated to reflect the 2015 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)'. A new Section 8, Long-Term Foster Placements has also been added.
Looked After Children Review	This chapter has been updated to include the requirements of the 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)'
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated in to reflect the revised visiting requirements in respect of long term foster placements as set out in 'The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)'.
Health Care Assessments and Health Plans	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Professional Pathway - Sexual Health and Pregnancy	An updated version has been added.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
The International Child Abduction and Contact Unit	This guide outlines the role of the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit.

March 2015

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect Care of Unaccompanied and Trafficked Children: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on the Care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking and Trafficked Children (2014) and should be read throughout.
Access to Records	This chapter has been updated in line with Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised January 2015). A new Section 8, Applications by Care Leavers has been added.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter replaces the previous chapters on Public Law Outline and Court Proceedings.
Permanence Planning Guidance	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. The main changes are in relation to adoption, specifically Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters.
Placement with Parents	Additional information has been added into Section 1.9, Ending of Placement to take account of recent case-law.
Out of Area Placement	This chapter has been updated to reflect Out of Authority Placement of Looked-after Children - Supplement to The Children Act 1989 Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Guidance and should be read throughout.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Education of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Contact for Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout.
Contact with Relatives and Overnight Stays (Sleepovers)	This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout.
Leaving Care and Transitions	This chapter has been updated to reflect Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review and should be read throughout. Section 5, Education, Training and Employment, Section 9, Access to Records and Appendix 1: Needs Assessment and Content of Pathway Plans for Relevant and Former Relevant Children have been added.
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. Information has been added in relation to: Fostering for Adoption (Section 1, Recruitment and Responding to Initial Enquiries and Section 5.4, Foster for Adoption); Adoption Register (Section 9, After the Panel Recommendation); Duty to provide information on adoption support services (Section 1, Recruitment and Responding to Initial Enquiries and Section 2, Registration of Interest in Adoption); Ethnicity (Section 15.3, Ethnicity).
Placement for Adoption	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read.
Adoption Support	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. A new Section 2, Duty to Provide Information Concerning Adoption Support, has been added.
Intermediary Services	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Working with Foreign Authorities: Child Protection Cases and Care Orders Non Statutory Guidance	This guidance contains advice for local authorities, social workers, service managers and children's services lawyers.
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. For the purposes of the Act, 'young person' is someone aged 16-25.
East Midlands Protocol for Notification by Other Local Authorities for Children Placed within Local Authorities in the East Midlands (LLR LSCB Procedures)	A link to the LLR Safeguarding Children Board has been added.
Fostering for Adoption 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.
Child Arrangements Order	This chapter deals with issues such as who can apply, directions and conditions.

2014 Amendments

September 2014

Updated Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated to reflect the updated Public Law Outline 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.
Court Proceedings	Section 1. Introduction and Section 11, Parallel Criminal Investigations have been added.
Education of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. Additional information has been added in new Section 1, on the requirement for local authorities to appoint an officer to promote the educational achievement of Looked After children - sometimes referred to as a 'Virtual School Head'.
Leaving Care and Transitions	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. Additional information has been added in Section 1, Leaving Care Assessment of Need, in relation to Staying Put.
New Chapters (all three authorities)
Chapter Title	Details
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children	This new chapter details the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which is a government-funded scheme to compensate victims of violent crime, administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Where a Looked After child appears to qualify, legal advice must always be sought as to whether or not an application should be made.
Notifications of Significant Events	This chapter sets out who must be notified of specified events in relation to Looked After Children placed in foster care or residential care

Archive - Local

2017 Amendments

2015 Amendments

2014 Amendments