Amendments |
June 2022
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated to reflect case-law. |
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline | 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. |
Recognising and Assessing Private Fostering Arrangements | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been refreshed and updated and includes links to related reports from the House of Commons Library (see Section 16, Further Information and Statutory Guidance). The link to the Local Offer has been updated. 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 | nformation 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 has been added into Section 7, Short Break Settings. The link to the Local Offer has been updated. |
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. |
Decision to Look After | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Out of Area Placements | Section 6, Placements in Wales has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | Section 11, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated in line with case-law. |
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation 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 with Parents | This chapter has been revised in line with Public Law Working Group Best Practice Guidance. In addition, Section 1, Planned Placements has been updated to add information on placements in ‘other arrangements’. |
Placements Outside England and Wales | Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. |
Placements in Other Arrangements | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
Education of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
A Positive Approach to Working with Looked After Children | A link to Guidance: Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish (Ofsted) has been added into Section 7, Further Information. |
Blood Borne Viruses - H.I.V., Hepatitis B and C | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Legal Gateway/Planning Meetings | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Care Planning | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Removed Chapters | |
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Next update: November 2022 |
Archive
November 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Capacity and Consent | Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated and 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. |
Early Help and Framework for Action for all Children, Young People and Families in Bolton | This chapter has been updated in line with local practice. |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been updated to reflect guidance from the refreshed Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
Children and Families - Single Assessment Protocol and Guidance | The following information in Section 5, Conducting the Single Assessment has been updated: Cases open to Safeguarding Teams and LAC Teams, assessments should be updated every year, or where there has been a critical incident (previously every 2 years). |
Transfer of Cases Protocol | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice and should be re-read. |
Court Proceedings | This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council, June 2020) |
Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council, June 2020). Section 1.4.1, Good Practice Steps has been updated to include information in relation to pre-birth assessments and planning where the mother has learning disabilities. |
Young Carers | Minor amendments have been made to this chapter in line with local practice. |
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. |
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been revised throughout. |
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children | A link has been added to Bolton’s Sufficiency Strategy in the Documents Library. |
Placements in Residential Care | This chapter has been updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements. |
Placements Outside England and Wales | In Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey, additional information has been added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case. |
Placements in Unregulated Placements | This chapter has been updated. |
Guide to the Care Planning, Placement and Case Reviews Regulations (England) 2010 and Statutory Guidance | This chapter has been updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements. |
Staying Safe Services Quality Assurance Framework | New Appendix 1: Quality of Practice Audit Tool has been added. |
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been revised. In Section 6, When a Child Needs or Joins a New School, information has been added on the School Admission Code. |
Medication Policy: Safe Storage and Administration of Medication in Children's Social Care Service | This policy has been updated. |
Leaving Care Service | Section 5, Pathway Plans has been updated to note that, in relevant cases, immigration status should be included as a separate section on the Pathway Plan. This will help to ensure that young people who have been granted Pre Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme apply to convert this to Settled Status at the appropriate. Pathway Plans should contain clear information about what action needs to be taken by whom and when to ensure that the young person’s right to remain legally in the UK is jeopardised. |
Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | Section 3, Formal Review Meeting has been updated in relation to chairing of formal review meeting. |
Fostering Services Statement of Purpose | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Looked After Children Living with Connected People | This chapter has been updated:
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Relinquished Babies for Adoption | This chapter has been updated to reflect case-law setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases. |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been revised to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship published by the Family Justice Council (June 2020). In Section 11, The Special Guardianship Support Plan, information has been added on the School Admission Code. |
Court Report in Adoption / Placement Order / Special Guardianship Applications Guidance | Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court has been updated. |
Youth Justice Service Policies and Procedures Manual | This chapter has been updated. |
Resettlement Policy | This policy has been updated. |
Bolton Out of Court Disposals Policy and Procedure | This policy has been updated. |
Local Contacts | Local contacts have been updated. |
List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | This chapter has been revised. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 | This policy applies when a child or care leaver is discharged from hospital after having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. |
Practice Guidance in Regard to Children and young People Subject to a Child Protection Plan that Travel Within and Outside the United Kingdom | This chapter provides guidance in respect of children who are subject to a Child Protection Plan and travel within the UK or who are either harmed by family from abroad, or who are themselves taken abroad on a long or short-term basis. |
Bolton Risk Management Policy | This policy provides guidance to ensure that the potential for risk of harm to others is minimised; the public and individual victims are protected and children and young people are kept safe and supported in making meaningful changes for the future. |
Reparation Process Guidance | The purpose of this guidance is to advise members of the Youth Offending Team of the process for tracking reparation for a young person. |
Removed Chapters | |
|
June 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Capacity and Consent |
This chapter has been updated to add information on a High Court case in relation to consent in the context of the use of medication to suppress puberty. Information has also been added in relation to NICE Quality Standard: Decision-Making and Mental Capacity. |
Early Help Guidance 2020 | This guidance has been updated throughout. |
Early Help and Working Together Resources | This link has been updated. |
Section 47 Enquiries | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice and terminology. |
Public Law Outline | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice and terminology. |
Legal Protocol for Judicial Case Management in Public Law Children Act Cases | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice and terminology. |
Financial Support | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice and terminology. |
Childrens Social Care Complaints and Representation Procedures | This PDF has been updated. |
Completing a Chronology | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
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. |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice and terminology. A link has been added to new chapter 'How the Complex Safeguarding Hub Works in Bolton'. |
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children | This chapter has been to add a note about the review of Bolton’s Sufficiency Strategy. |
Permanence for Children | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Placements in Residential Care | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | A new Section 11, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty When One or More of the Relevant Criteria Under Section 25 Children Act 1989 are Not Satisfied has been added. Contact details have been updated in Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years. |
Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated to include a Child and Family assessment being undertaken in the assessment and checks before placement. |
Placements Outside England and Wales | Added into bullet point 2g: ‘The placement is recommended by the child’s Looked After Review and endorsed by the Independent Reviewing Officer’. |
Notifications from Other Local Authorities / Placement Providers | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | Amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Staying Safe Services Quality Assurance Framework | This chapter has been updated in 2016, 2020 and further revisions 2021. This chapter will be constantly under review as the quality assurance grows and develops to meet the needs of the service. |
Holidays School Trips Outside the UK | This guidance has been reviewed and updated. Section 5, Insurance 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 6, 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. |
Promoting the Health of Looked After Children and Young People in Bolton | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice and terminology. |
Leaving Care Service | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Fostering Services Statement of Purpose | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
Inter Country Adoption | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
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. |
Youth Offending Team Manual | This document has been updated throughout. |
Resettlement Policy | This document has been updated throughout. |
Process when a Young Person (17 or Under) Appears in Court Charged with an Offence under Schedule 15 Where the Victim is Under 18 Years | This document has been updated throughout. |
Restorative Justice Process Flowchart | This document has been updated throughout. |
Breach Process Guidance | This document has been updated throughout. |
Out of Court Disposals Policy and Protocol | This document has been updated throughout. |
Mentally Vulnerable Offenders (MVO) Panel Process | This document has been updated throughout. |
Joint Protocol for Children and Young People Missing from Home and Care | Links have been added to updated Bolton Missing Strategy 2020-2023, Children Looked After, Missing from Care Protocol and to new Child Exploitation and Missing From Home Group (C.E.A.M) Terms of Reference. |
Bolton Missing Strategy 2020-2023 | This strategy has been updated throughout. |
Local Contacts | These details have been updated:
|
List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | The chapter has been revised. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
How the Complex Safeguarding Hub Works in Bolton | This link has been added to the manual. |
Child Exploitation Safeguarding Strategy and Plan 2020-2023 | This PDF has been added to the manual. |
Child Exploitation and Missing From Home Group (C.E.A.M) Terms of Reference | This link has been added to the manual. |
Children Looked After, Missing from Care Protocol | This link has been added to the manual. |
January 2021
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Youth Offending Team Manual |
This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Resettlement Policy |
This policy has been added to the procedures manual. |
Removed Chapters | |
|
November 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
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. Section 11, Further Information has been updated to include a link to Statutory Guidance Modern Slavery: How to Identify and Support Victims. |
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | Section 6, Placements of Children under 13 years, has been updated following publication of revised DfE guidance. |
Leaving Care Service | In Section 6.3, The 16-19 Bursary Fund and Higher Education Bursary, the link has been updated to guidance Education and Skills Funding Agency: 16 to 19 education: financial support for students. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Capacity and Consent | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Storage of Data on Mobile Devices | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
Removed Chapters | |
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March 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Transfer of Cases Protocol | Section 1, Referral and Assessment Team to Safeguarding Team has been updated throughout in line with local practice, and that section should be re-read. |
Court Proceedings | 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). The first paragraph of Section 2, Starting Care Proceedings has been updated in line with local practice. |
Financial Support | This chapter has been amended to provide updated financial information and to reflect the current departmental structure and terminology. |
Whistleblowing Policy | An updated version of this local guidance has been issued. |
Recording Policy and Guidelines | This chapter has been amended to reflect the Ofsted Twitter Blog of 24/7/19 by Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Social Care. The Blog highlights feedback from a number of inspections and explores what good recording should look like. (Ofsted: developments in children’s social care – What makes an effective case record?) |
Family and Friends Care Policy | Section 6, Family Group Meetings (previously Family Group Conferences) has been updated. |
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. It replaces the previous chapter Services for Children with Disabilities. An updated version of Process for Direct Payments has been added as Appendix 1: Process for Direct Payments. |
Short Breaks | In Section 1, The Legal Basis for Short Breaks, Situation 1, the time interval between reviews has been amended to every 3 months (previously every 6 months). |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and 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. |
Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated to include the requirement to obtain the approval of the Assistant Director Staying Safe. |
Guide to the Care Planning, Placement and Case Reviews Regulations (England) 2010 and Statutory Guidance | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
Notification of Significant Events | This chapter has been revised and updated throughout. |
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 which replaces the 2018 version. Section 8, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School has been amended to include reference to Upskirting (which is now a criminal offence) and serious violence. OFSTED’s advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for LAC pupils are registered with the DFE has been added. |
Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended. A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Supervision and Support 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). |
Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers | A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Allegations Against Foster Carers | This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed, and terminology has been updated where required. Section 3.1, Initial Action has been updated in line with local practice, and that section should be re-read. |
Policy and Procedure for Parent and Child Fostering | Section 8, Finance has been revised and updated. |
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended. A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records | This chapter has been amended. A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: Information Sheets. |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been updated to reference and reflect the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. |
Court Report in Adoption / Placement Order / Special Guardianship Applications Guidance | This chapter has been updated to note the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary. |
Youth Offending Team Operational Guidance | An updated version of this local guidance has been added. |
Local Contacts | Children with Disabilities Social Work Team has been added. |
List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers | The chapter has been revised throughout. It was previously called Scheme of Delegation. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings | This chapter reflects statutory guidance in relation to children who are placed by health authorities or local authorities for more than 3 months in residential establishments for educational purposes and children placed in care homes or independent hospitals (including hospices) by health authorities or local authorities (Sections 85 and 86 of the Children Act 1989). |
National Appropriate Adult Network National Standards | A link has been added to this national guidance. |
Greater Manchester Local Authorities and Greater Manchester Police: Joint Protocol for Considering Requests for the Provision of Accommodation under PACE | A link has been added to this regional guidance. |
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Codes of Practice | A link has been added to this national guidance. |
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime | A link has been added to this national guidance. |
October 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | Section 8, Further Information has been added. |
Procedure for Updating this Procedures Manual | The dates for the next update have been added. Contact details have also been updated. |
Court Proceedings | A link has been added to additional information relating to the Final Care Plan in the Public Law Outline Procedure. |
Public Law Outline | This chapter has been amended to reflect changes from ‘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). In addition, a new subsection of Section 1.5.1, Local Authority Documentation - ‘Final Care Plan’ provides further detail on the importance of recording information on the Care Plan which will help the child, parent or the child’s carer understand why decisions have been or are being made. That section 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)). |
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) | 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. |
Recording Policy and Guidelines (previously Case Recording) |
This chapter has been revised throughout, and should be re-read. |
Child in Need Practice Guidance (previously Child Action Meetings and Child in Need Plans and Reviews) |
Amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice. |
Recognising and Assessing Private Fostering Arrangements | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice / terminology. |
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery (previously Safeguarding Children Coming In From Abroad) |
This chapter has been revised throughout, and includes information on domestic trafficking within the UK. |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | An updated link has been added to Bolton Domestic Abuse and Violence Handbook. |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | An updated link has been added to Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership Sexual Exploitation Strategy 2018 - 2020. |
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children | An updated link has been added to Bolton Sufficiency Statement - Securing Accommodation for Looked After and Care Leavers 2018 - 2020. |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been updated 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. A link has been added to additional information relating to the Final Care Plan in the Public Law Outline Procedure. Additional information has been added in to Section 2.3, Obtaining Parental Consent to Look After a Child, in line with case-law. |
Permanence for Children | This chapter has been revised throughout, and should be re-read. New Appendices have been added:
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Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings | Section 2, Disruption Meetings has been updated in relation to who will chair the meeting. |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been updated to fully reflect the updated guidance ‘Secure children’s homes: how to place a child aged under 13 (July 2018)’. Additional local information have been added in to Section 10.4, Purpose of the Review and Section 10.5, The Review Process. |
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody. |
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. |
Looked After Reviews | Section 9, The Role of the Looked After Review in Achieving Permanence for the Child has been amended to reflect the outcome of a High Court Judgement in respect of children who have been subject to Section 20 and where there have been concerns of significant delays in their planning for permanence. The following sections have been updated in line with local practice, and should be re-read: Section 2, Frequency of Looked After Reviews; Section 4, Convening Looked After Reviews; Section 5, Invitations and the Child's Participation; and Section 6, The Role of the Social Worker. |
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | Section 2, Different Types of Contact, has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact. |
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice. |
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. |
Assessments and Approvals 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. Section 9, 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. |
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters | This chapter has been amended to remove references to the Adoption Register. |
Fostering for Adoption/Concurrency | Section 2.1, Fostering For Adoption 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. |
Adoption Panel | This guidance has been reviewed and updated in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
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) 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. The chapter has also been updated 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. |
Adoption Reviews | 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. |
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 have been added in relation to adoption records where an Adoption Order is not made. |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been amended in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance which require schools, through the designated teacher to provide support to previously Looked After Children. It has also been amended 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. |
Joint Protocol for Children and Young People Missing from Home and Care | A link has been added to Bolton Missing Strategy. |
Children Missing from Education Guidelines and Procedure (Department of People) | A link has been added to Bolton Missing Strategy. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Personal Education Allowances | This local guidance has been added. |
Bolton Neglect Strategy | Links have been added to this local guidance. |
Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership Multi-Agency Arrangements for Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children in Bolton | Links have been added to this local guidance. |
Placements in Unregulated Placements | This chapter seeks to reflect the requirements for placing children in unregulated placements together with the local authority’s duties and responsibilities. Additional local information will be added at the next update of the procedures. |
July 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Supervision Policy - Bolton's Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers | Added in to Section 9.3, Standards:
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May 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Permanence for Children | The chapter has been amended to add a link to Bolton’s Permanence Strategy. This comprehensive document, which identifies the objectives for permanence planning and the options on achieving this, seeks to define permanence in Bolton and the authority’s commitment to it for its children. It also highlights feedback from children and young people in respect of what they say about it and what they want and need from ‘permanence’. The Strategy also acknowledges how it will ‘measure the impact of permanence planning in Bolton’. Two useful Appendices provide a synopsis of the permanence options and process to achieving it. Please fully reference. |
April 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Looked After Children Living with Connected People | The following appendices has been updated:
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March 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that Bolton’s work and values now reflect the Children and Social Work Act 2017 (see Section 1, Introduction). |
Confidentiality Policy | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
Children's Consultation and Participation | This chapter has been amended to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
Initial Contacts and Referrals | This chapter has been updated to reflect current terminology. |
Children and Families - Single Assessment Protocol and Guidance | This chapter has been updated to reflect current terminology and practice. |
Public Law Outline | This chapter has been updated to provide some emphasis on parents who lack capacity and added links to the President of the Family Division, Family Proceedings: Parents with a Learning Disability note, and a relevant link to working with parents who have a learning disability (see Section 1.5.1, Local Authority Documentation) and Practice Direction 3aa - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and Giving Evidence (see case management in Section 1.5, Documentation). In addition, a section on reviewing the PLO has been added in the Section 1.3, Pre-Proceedings and to note that If a decision is made to implement PLO a Pre-Proceedings Meeting with the parent(s) and their legal representative, should be arranged. |
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child In Need) | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. 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 (see Section 1, Death of or Serious Injury to a Child in the Community). |
Supervision Policy - Bolton's Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers | This chapter has been revised to reflect the DfE Social work post-qualifying standards Knowledge and Skills Statements. Additionally, updated Appendix 3: Supervision Agenda and Appendix 6: Supervision Record have been added. Please re-reference. |
Sustaining Partnerships with Ethnic Minority Families | This chapter has been amended throughout and requires practitioners involved in families that have different cultures from their own, to ensure assumptions are not made and to listen to what is being reflected to them, ensuring that they are nor judgmental nor ‘second guess’ individual’s cultural practice. Practitioners need to be able to engage with children and families in ways which value people’s identity, experience, expertise and self-determination. |
Advice on Dealing with the Media | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to both update protocol and advice. |
Managing Children's and Adults Social Care Complaints Policy | This chapter has been updated and revised and includes an additional Appendix, a tabulated note of the Details of the Investigation which advises that all investigations need to be proportional (see Appendix 3: Provider Complaint Form). Please re-reference. |
Case Records for Looked After Children | Section 1, The Case Record has been updated in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which permits the transfer of a copy of the child’s case record (or part of that record) to another adoption agency when the local authority considers this to be in the interests of the child. |
Access to Records / Subject Access Requests | This chapter has been substantially amended, updated and re-titled to reflect the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. Please reference. |
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations | This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children | This chapter has been amended to add a link to ‘Bolton Sufficiency Statement - Securing Accommodation for Looked After and Care Leavers’. This provides relevant information about Bolton’s principles; data regarding Bolton’s Looked After Children; commissioning and partnerships. Please reference. |
Ceasing to Look After a Child | 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. Previously Looked After Children are entitled to support from their school through the Designated Teacher (see Section 2.5, Children Who Move into Permanency). |
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children | This chapter has been substantially 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 s/he is 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 14, Mental Health and a new Section 8, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School. 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). Three new Appendices have been added to reference children missing education. Please re-reference. |
Leaving Care Service | This chapter has been significantly updated and amended as a result of the impact of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) - see Section 5, Pathway Plans. In addition, a new Section 7.1, 'Delegation of decision making regarding agreement for young people to move into unregulated provision regarding agreement for young people to move into unregulated provision' has been added to provide detail in respect of a young person moving into unregulated Accommodation. Links have also been made to the Bolton Local Offer (see Other Relevant Chapters and Links). These should be re-referenced. |
Adoption Service Statement of Purpose | The Statement of Purpose has been updated. Please re-reference. |
Relinquished Babies for Adoption | Section 9, Section 19 Consent has been added to reflect additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law. |
Later Life Letters | This chapter has been fully reviewed and refreshed. Please reference. |
Joint Protocol - Working with Parents/Carers Who Have Mental Health Problems | This chapter is a joint protocol that has been fully reviewed and updated and includes and updated Appendix 4: Glossary and Contacts and Appendix 3: Framework for Action windscreen. Please fully reference. |
Protocol for Working with Former Relevant Young People Housing Assistance to Care Leavers Including Those Who May Present as Homeless | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated. Please re-reference. |
Children Missing from Education Guidelines and Procedure (Department of People) | This chapter has been updated to reflect the current systems and organisation in Bolton with respect to children missing education. In addition, new Appendices have been included:
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Scheme of Delegation | This has been updated. Please re-reference. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Young Carers | This chapter provides 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 highlights Bolton’s Strategy for Carers which is an all age strategy which aims to identify carers of all ages, and ensure they are recognised and valued within Bolton and supported to lead safe, happy and healthy lives. |
Deprivation of Liberty | This is a live tri.x resource that will be updated in light of amendments in the law and practice. This chapter applies to all social care practitioners carrying out any social care function with children who are receiving care or treatment in any setting. The level of deprivation is not comparable to the level of restriction normally placed on child or young person of that age, or in all circumstances the child is over 12, and constitutes a breach of Article 5 of the Human Rights Act. |
Mental Capacity | This resource seeks to support practitioners working in statutory social care and provider services to understand the Act and practice confidently when supporting young people to make decisions, assessing mental capacity and applying the Best Interests principle. This is a LIVE online resource; updated by tri.x as and when it needs to be in response to changes in legislation, case law and best practice. Please reference when required. |
Life Story Work Guidance | All children with a plan for adoption must have a Life Story Book. Other children, separated from their birth families, will also benefit from an open and honest approach to understanding their personal history and having a ‘memory box’. For children in these circumstances, it is key to a child being able to establish their identity and emotionally develop. The chapter highlights important steps and processes and provides a theoretical framework and additional references, as well as highlighting the development of the child’s life story at important stages of the Bolton permanency planning process for a child. |
Youth Offending Team Operational Guidance | Bolton Youth Offending Team (YOT) offers a specialist service for young people up to the age of 18 and their families. The team’s aim is to reduce offending by young people. The purpose of the policy is to outline guidance for operational processes and to clarify the roles and responsibilities. The policy applies to all staff within the Youth Offending Team and other partners. The chapter contains a number of relevant and practice-based Appendices, including guidance for the management of child criminal exploitation; Multi Agency Risk Management; Risk Assessments Guidance for working with mentally vulnerable offenders. Please reference. |
National Protocol for Case Responsibility (January 2018) | This chapter links to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, ‘National protocol for case responsibility’ promotes consistent practice across youth offending teams (YOTs) in England and Wales. |
National Protocol for Transitions in England | This chapter links to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales/National Probation Service/HM Prison Service protocol to support the planned and safe movement of young people from youth offending teams (YOTs) to probation services when they turn 18. |
MAPPA Guidance | This links to the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements which contains guidance together with a range appendices and relevant forms. MAPPA requires local criminal justice agencies to work together and provides for the establishment of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements ("MAPPA"). This is designed to protect the public, including previous victims of crime, from serious harm by sexual and violent offenders. Please reference. |
Trigger Offences for Assessment of Risk to Children | This table details a range of offences against children, also identifying the Section and Act they relate to. Please reference. |
Removed Chapters | |
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September 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Public Law Outline | Section 1.5.2, 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. Additionally, Section 1.3, Pre-Proceedings has been significantly amended throughout and a new Public Law Outline Flow Chart and Appendices added: Appendix 1: PLO Proforma SWET; Appendix 2: PLO Letter Before Proceedings; Appendix 3: Letter Before Proceedings (Decision Already Made/Are Highly Likely to Issue). |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been significantly amended to reflect the current procedures and process in respect of sexual exploitation, particularly Section 7, The Phoenix/EXIT Team which includes updated contact details and risk measurement tool (see Appendix 2: Phoenix/EXIT Risk Measurement Tool (RMT)), Appendix 5: Key Contacts has also been updated together with a number of relevant guidance, (see Relevant Guidance). |
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been reviewed and revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ in Section 2, Exceptions from those as set out in Section 1, Normal Frequency. The chapter emphasises that this reflects the minimum level of visits and acknowledges that visits may be more frequent following a review, (or other meeting), supervision and where direct work is required with the child or young person. |
Promoting the Health of Looked After Children and Young People in Bolton | This chapter has been amended to revise and develop the section on Issues of Consent. (Please see the new Section 5, Issues of Consent). |
Leaving Care Service | This chapter has been comprehensively updated and amended to reflect Chapter 1 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017: extended support to all care leavers under 25 if requested and needed; Corporate Parenting, including the seven corporate parenting principles and the requirement for all local authorities to develop a ‘local offer’ for care leavers. (See new Section 3, Children and Social Work Act 2017 - The Impact Upon Leaving Care Services and Care leavers). An updated Relevant Guidance Section includes: ‘Extending Personal Adviser Support to All Care Leavers to Age 25’: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (February 2018)’; ‘Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers - Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (February 2018)’ and ‘Local Offer Guidance: Guidance for Local Authorities’. |
Fostering Services Statement of Purpose | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated. |
Joint Protocol for Children and Young People Missing from Home and Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect current departmental processes and procedures, together with organisations that work with and support those who run away from home or care and issues that are associated with this. Note the RUNA project, operated by Urban Outreach, will undertake independent return interviews for all young people who have been reported missing, unless the allocated social worker informs them that another worker is better placed to do it (see Return Interviews in Section 4, Missing from Care). |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Statutory Visits: Good Practice Guidance for Children Subject to Child Protection Plans | This chapter focusses on the visiting and recording of children who have a Child Protection Plan and seeks to provide a framework for both practice and recording key details in terms of those who are in the household; noting relevant changes and assessing the environment in which the children live, including those who are present when visited. Emphasis is placed on seeing the child alone and where this is routinely denied, there should be a discussion with the manager. There is also a link to other recording guidance (see Home Visit Case Recording in Section 2, Children Subject to Child Protection Plans). |
March 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Guidance | This guidance has been updated. Please reference. |
Framework for Action for all Children, Young People and Families in Bolton | This chapter provides a link to Bolton’s Framework for Action which has been amended to provide an updated, accessible link with an updated document. An additional note acknowledges it will be further updated. |
Bolton SCB Integrated Working Processes - Lead professional Guidance for Practitioners | This guidance has been updated. Please reference. |
Transfer of Cases Protocol | This chapter has been fully refreshed and updated to reflect current processes and practice. The links to the ADCS ‘North West Pre-Care and Care Proceedings Notification and Transfer across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure’ and ‘Children in Need moving across Local Authority boundaries Procedure, Annexe A: North West Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure: Guidance and Form’ have been updated. |
Transfer of Child Protection Plans From/To Other Local Authority Area | This chapter has been amended to update the North West Notification and Transfer of Children Subject of Child Protection Plans across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure. (See Relevant Guidance). |
Children in Need moving across Local Authority boundaries | This chapter has been amended to update Appendix 1: ADCS, North West Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure. |
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After a Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated by adding a link in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident to the Ofsted online notification form. (See Sections 1.3 and 2.3). In addition the chapter has been updated to identify the reasons for a local authority to use the serious childcare incident notification. (See The Designated Manager (Death or Serious Injury to a Child)). |
Supervision Policy - Bolton's Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers | This chapter has been revised to add a new Section 9, Workload Management. There is no clear national or local guidance regarding caseloads with great variations between Local Authorities. In light of this it is important to define some clear standards or understanding/expectations around the nature of measuring work. The chapter also contains an updated Appendix 6: Supervision Record. |
Whistleblowing Policy | This chapter has been amended by adding a link to ‘Ofsted, Whistleblowing about safeguarding in local authority children’s services’, which advises of the option of a member of staff reflecting their professional concerns to Ofsted if they feel they have not been ‘heard’ within their organisation. (See Relevant Guidance). |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been significantly updated throughout to provide a further updated version of the ‘Bolton Domestic Abuse Handbook’ and ‘Framework for Action For all children, young people and families in Bolton’, (see Relevant Information). |
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children | This chapter has been amended to acknowledge that the Sufficiency Strategy is being reviewed within the next 6 months. In the interim, staff should contact the Head of Service, Children’s Resources and Children with Disability Team if there are related queries. (See Section 1, What is the Sufficiency Duty?). |
Permanence for Children | This chapter has been fully amended and updated throughout. Some emphasis is given to supporting children within the family or extended family with consideration given to all Children subject to a Care Order to identify if they can be safely reunited with their parents, albeit with resources to support parents to continue to make necessary changes with a view to discharging the Care Orders. (See Section 4, Care Plans). Noted also is that the Regional Adoption Agency has become operational and will increasingly impact upon adoption matters for Bolton. (See Section 9, Adoption). |
Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge: that should there be no local authority foster carers then an approach will need to be made by the Fostering Social Worker to the Head of Service. (See Section 2, Placement Request); where a child requires significant medical treatment such as surgery, the Head of Service provides the consent, (See Section 5, Delegated Authority (Foster Care)); authorisation for long-term fostering will be granted by the Fostering Panel or Fostering Review Panel depending whether the child is under 10 or over 10 (respectively). (See Section 10, Long-Term Foster Placement). |
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds and Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews | This chapter has been significantly refreshed throughout with 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 has also been re-titled to reflect its (original) content and purpose (that of applications for children on 'welfare grounds'), thereby distinguishing it from the 'Remands to Local Authority Accommodation, etc.' (LASPO Act 2012). The chapter retains a Section on Secure Criteria Reviews. |
Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated, 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 can be explored. In addition, any assessment should consider the parent’s capacity to change, particularly if the child has suffered Significant Harm together with what therapy may be required or additional support needed to safeguard the child and effect the placement. (See Section 1.3, Recommending the Plan). |
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). Also, following criticism of the Ombudsman of a local authority, a link has been added to NRPF network, Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens. (See Section 10, Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements). |
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. |
Change of Name of a Looked After Child | This chapter has been significantly changed and now provides information on a change of name by Deed Poll. Please reference. |
Leaving Care Service | This chapter has been amended to add a tri.x interim note on the impact of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 for the Care Leaving Service for general information and ahead of local information. (See following Contents list). |
Staying Put | This chapter has been updated to add a link to ‘Catch22 NCAS, Staying Put: What does it mean for you?’ This is a guide for young people which seeks to respond to a range of FAQ around ‘Staying Put’ and also has a useful comparison table of key differences between Fostering and Staying Put. It also includes a ‘Young Person’s top tips table’. |
Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers | This chapter has been amended to highlight the transfer of foster carers to other providers, (see Section 9, After the Panel Recommendation). |
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. |
Adoption Service Statement of Purpose | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that Bolton are part of the ‘Adoption Now’ Regional Adoption Agency. |
Local Contacts | This chapter has been significantly amended and updated. |
Scheme of Delegation | The chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children's Consultation and Participation | Working Together, legislation and regulation promote the inclusion and involvement of young people in their care arrangements and decisions about their lives. This chapter provides a focus with respect to the involvement of children and young people in making decisions about their lives and contributing to improvements for other children in similar circumstances. It is essential 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. |
Early Help and Working Together Resources | This chapter links to Bolton LSCB from which access to a number of key safeguarding issues can be made. |
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. |
Removed Chapters | |
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September 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated to add a link to DfE Child sexual exploitation: definition and guide for practitioners (2017). |
Promoting the Health of Looked After Children and Young People in Bolton | This chapter has been updated by adding a link 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), (see Relevant Guidance). 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 abuse. |
Placement for Adoption | This chapter has been updated to add a link to ’research in practice, Contact after adoption’ in Relevant Guidance. This highlights practical resources which bring together knowledge from research and practice to support professionals to be reflective and explore their own assumptions, attitudes and values when developing contact plans. |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been amended to add a new Section 8, Variation and Discharge of Special Guardianship Order; Section 10, The Special Guardianship Support Plan and Section 11, Review of Special Guardianship Support Plans. Section 4, Who can apply to be a Special Guardian? has been amended. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Personal Care and Relationships | This chapter details some key and pragmatic issues relating to children looked after and covers a range of things such as Physical Contact; Intimate Care; Sexual Activity; Pornography; Contraception and Pregnancy; Enuresis and Encopresis; Sexual Exploitation; Guidance in Relation to Personal care and Relationships, etc. |
March 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children and Families - Single Assessment Protocol and Guidance | 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 4.1, Pre-birth 'Good Practice Steps'). |
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 1.4, Pre-birth Planning and Proceedings). |
Cross-Border Child Protection Cases | This chapter has been updated to add links to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) and the GOV.UK request for co-operation form. (The ICACU is the operational Central Authority for England and Wales for Council Regulations (EC) Brussels 11 Regulation. It provides a standard response to enquiries for co-operation from local authorities explaining other sources of assistance and information and contact details of other bodies). (Note also link in Section 3, The Central Authority). |
Access to Records | This chapter has been updated: the following Sections have been refreshed and updated, Section 1, Rights of Access, Section 7, Applications by Parents and Section 13, Appeals Process. 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 has been added under Relevant Guidance. |
Child Action Meetings and Child in Need Plans and Reviews | This chapter has been updated and re-titled to reflect Bolton’s new approach to children in need. The procedure now Identifies frequency of visits to the child which should be 4 weekly and must not exceed 6 weekly and that the Plan should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable Related to the Assessment and have a clear timescale (SMART). The Plan should be reviewed 6 weekly. |
Services for Children with Disabilities | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Bolton’s Strategy for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) 2014 - 2018), (see Appendix 4: Bolton's Strategy for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) 2014-2018). |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been fully updated to bring it in line with the 'Children and Families Act 2014', 'DfE, Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 years Statutory Guidance for Organisations who work with Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (2015)' and 'DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)'. A link to the Bolton Short Breaks Statement has been added. |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been significantly updated throughout to more fully reflect the Bolton procedures and resources. A new MARAC and ICS Process - Levels of Domestic Abuse - Framework has been introduced (see Appendix 3: MARAC and ICS Process) which provides factors to be considered and actions by other Agencies and Social Workers (where appropriate) to be taken. |
Forced Marriage and Safeguarding Children and Young People | This chapter has been updated to reflect current process and procedures, but importantly to add a new Section on Forced Marriage Protection Orders in Appendix 4: Practice Examples. Appendix 3: Contacts has also been updated. |
Fabrication or Induction of Illness by Parent or Carer | This chapter has been updated to reflect current process and procedures. A new link has been added to 'NHS Choices, (2016) Fabricated or Induced illness' (see Further Reading). |
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, Process of Applications). The chapter has also been amended to reflect the current organisational and Designated management arrangements (throughout). |
Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been amended 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). |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been amended to add links to DfE, Special Guardianship Guidance (2016) and Adoption Support Fund (Mott MacDonald/DfE), (see Relevant Guidance). The chapter also confirms the Special Guardian will have the ability to exercise this responsibility without seeking permission from the parents (see Section 3, The Purpose of Special Guardianship) and Section 4, Who can apply to be a Special Guardian? has been amended. |
Local Contacts | This chapter has been significantly amended and updated. |
Scheme of Delegation - Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
NICE Postnatal care up to 8 weeks after birth | This chapter is a link to the NICE guidance. The guidance includes: care planning and delivery; Maternal Health; Infant feeding and Maintaining Infant Health. The guidance also includes ‘Parenting and Emotional Attachment’, a range of childhood physical health problems and ‘Co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome’. |
Relinquished Babies for Adoption | The term ‘relinquished baby’ is used to describe a child under the age of 6 weeks whose parents are making the choice of adoption for the child. This chapter deals with the first stage of the adoption process for relinquished babies. It also summarises the counselling and support that will be made available to family in these circumstances. Therefore, this chapter should be read in conjunction with the Related Chapters. |
January 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been updated in regard to Appendix 3: MARAC and ICS Process - Levels of Domestic Abuse - Framework. |
September 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Financial Support | This chapter has been amended to provide updated financial information (see Appendix 1: Scale of Fostering Allowances from 1.4.2016, Appendix 3: Proposal for Financial Support of an Adoption Support/Special Guardianship Plan for a Looked After Child and Appendix 6: Notice of Proposal to Vary Financial Support) and to reflect the current departmental structure and terminology. |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to the ADCS/Cafcass Practice Guidance for the Use of Section 20. |
Ceasing to Look After a Child | This chapter has been amended to emphasise the importance of responding to a request from a parent for their child to be returned to their care under Section 20(8) (Children Act 1989). (See Section 2.3, Circumstances Around Ceasing to Look After a Child). |
Placements with Connected Persons | This chapter has been amended to emphasise that a placement with a connected carer under temporary approval must be made only when the local authority are satisfied that the placement is the most suitable means to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare; it must be made in exceptional circumstances, (see Section 1, Introduction). Also, that when temporary approval has been given, the IRO must be informed and the carer will be expected to complete a Fostering Agreement form. (See Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children Connected Persons). A link to ‘DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)’ has been added. |
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation 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 that 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 26th October 2015. Please fully re-read. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been updated to add new Sections, Section 1.1 Duties of an Advocate, Section 2.2 Duties of Independent Visitors and enhanced Section 2.1 When to appoint Independent Visitors. A link to The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015) has also been added. |
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). The effect of the change is that 17 year olds are included in the definition of ‘arrested juvenile’ and the police must inform an Appropriate Adult or interview them as a voluntary attender. (See Section 2.1, Safeguarding Children and Young People in Police Custody). The amendments made by Section 42 of the Act came into force on 26th October 2015. |
Staying Safe Services Quality Assurance Framework | This chapter has been updated to reflect the department’s current structure and expectations with regard to a quality assurance process. Regular and effective supervision of staff, together with routine auditing of practice, are key to both a learning and improving organisation. The chapter retains key tools and diagrammatic information to enable the quality assurance activity. Please ensure familiarity with the contents. |
Notification of Significant Events | This chapter has been amended to update the Schedule 7 Events and Notifications table (See Section 1, Children Placed in Foster Care). Please reference as required. |
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings | This chapter has been updated and amended with revised Section 2, Different Types of Contact, Section 4, Review of Contact, and Section 5, Cancellation, Suspension or Termination of Contact. Please re-reference as required. |
Education of Looked After Children - The Personal Education Plan (PEP) Process | This chapter has been updated to add new guidance, ‘DfE, Mental health and behaviour in schools: departmental advise, (2016)’ and update links to ‘DfE, Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions - Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies, (2015)’ and ‘DfE and DHSC, Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 - 25 years - Statutory guidance for organisations who work with and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, (2015)’. |
Staying Put | This chapter has been updated as CoramBAAF no longer provide insurance for foster carers. |
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been amended 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). 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 26th October 2015. |
Fostering for Adoption/Concurrency | 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. (See Section 2.1, Fostering for Adoption). |
Special Guardianship Orders | This chapter has been amended in to include Appendix 3: Explanatory Memorandum to Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations (2016) with the Statutory Instrument. |
Scheme of Delegation | The chapter has been updated and revised. |
Advocacy and Independent Visitors | This chapter has been updated to add new Sections on the Duties of an Advocate, Duties of Independent Visitors and enhanced When to appoint Independent Visitors. A link to The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015) has also been added. |
Scheme of Delegation | This has been updated. Please re-reference as required. |
March 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Consultation Policy | This Policy has been updated by adding a link to Practice Guidance: Ensuring the Child's Voice is clearly heard in all work. |
Section 47 Enquiries | This chapter has been fully reviewed and revised to reflect Working Together. |
Supervision Policy - Bolton's Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers | This chapter has been revised in accordance with the North West ADCS Regional Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers. The Appendices contain supervision tools which have been fully reviewed and revised and additional material which include: Useful questions to guide reflective supervision; Supervision Preparation Form; Audit Signature Sheet; 4 x 4 x 4 Integrated Model; Gibbs Model of Reflection; Rolfe So What? Model. The chapter also includes the Practice Guidance - Ensuring the child's voice is clearly heard in all work. (See Relevant Guidance). Please ensure the chapter is fully re-read. |
Case Recording | This chapter has been updated to add three new appendices: Guidance on Completing a Case Summary; Home Visit Case Note Recording Template; Core Group Meeting Agenda. |
Case Records for Looked After Children | Section 1, The Case Record has been updated to provide further specific detail as to what should be included in the case record. Please re-reference as required. Also to note that 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 under Section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005. There is therefore an obligation to preserve records for the Inquiry for as long as is necessary. |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'Dartington Research in Practice, Working Effectively to Address Child Sexual Exploitation: An evidence scope, September 2015'. |
Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter has been updated as a result of 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 are new Sections and amendments as a result. (See: Section 20 Accommodation; Obtaining Parental Consent; Recording Parental Consent; The use of Section 20 prior to Court Proceedings). Also, any requests for children to become looked after (including cases where decisions to issue care proceedings are to be made) should be discussed firstly with a Head of Service as a case management decision. The case should then be presented at Resource Management Panel. |
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children | This chapter has been updated 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)' (See Normal Frequency). A link has also been added to, 'Practice Guidance: Ensuring the Child's Voice' is clearly heard in all work. |
Looked After Reviews | This chapter has been updated to include the requirements of DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015). A new Section 10, Looked After Reviews Concerning Children in Long Term Foster Placements, has been added. (See also Section 5, Invitations and the Child's Participation and Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities). |
Notification of Significant Events | This chapter has been amended to update the Schedule 7 Events and Notifications table (See 'Children Placed in Foster Care') and to reflect the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 (see Children Placed in Children's Homes. |
Promoting the Health of Looked After Children and Young People in Bolton | This chapter has been updated to include a new Section on 'Out of Area Placements' (see Roles and Responsibilities of Bolton Children's Services). Please reference as required. |
Adoption Panel | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to identify: the Panel is quorate with 5 people(or 6 people if it is a joint panel); the chair is an independent person; the panel List must be maintained by a senior social worker with at least 5 years experience. |
Adoption Support | This chapter has been updated to add a new Section on Remuneration for Former Foster Parents and to include a link to the DfE, Adoption Statutory Guidance 2013. |
Adoption Reviews | This chapter has been reviewed and amended and a minor change has been made in the Conduct of Adoption Reviews. |
Intermediary Services | This chapter has been updated to emphasise that adherence to the regulations is an important aspect in this area of work (see 'Deciding Whether to Proceed with the Application' and new Section 'Offence'). |
Special Guardianship Orders | Section 7, Reports about the suitability of Applications to be Special Guardians has been revised and updated to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016. |
Court Report in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance | Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court, has been revised and updated to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | 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. The Local Authority has a duty to ensure that when children have been Accommodated under Section 20 (Children Act 1989) and are discharged from, or leave care, that the discharge is in their best interests and that they will be safeguarded and their welfare will be promoted. Where a child has been Accommodated for 20 days or more, the decision should be made by a Nominated Officer, or Director of Children's Services if the child/young person is 16/17 yrs and has been Accommodated under Section 20, before discharge. |
September 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Confidentiality Policy | 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. |
Transfer of Cases Protocol | This chapter has been updated by the addition of the guidance North West Pre-Care and Care Proceedings Notification and Transfer across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure (listed under Guidance above). |
8 Assessment Practice Standards: A Practice Development Guide | An updated and fuller guide has been provided. Please re-read. |
Transfer of Child Protection Plans From/To Other Local Authority Area | This chapter has been slightly updated by adding a link to North West Notification and Transfer of Children Subject of Child Protection Plans across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure. |
Children in Need moving across Local Authority boundaries | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to North West Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure and updated Child In Need Transfer Form To Another Authority (Appendix A). |
Services for Children with Disabilities | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Bolton Council and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘Policy and Guidance for the Provision of Children’s Beds and bed Related Equipment in the Community (2015)’. A link top Bolton S.E.N.D (for children with special educational needs) has also been added. |
Short Breaks | This chapter has been updated to include reference to The ‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations (2011); DfE, Short breaks for disabled children - Departmental advice for local authorities (March 2011); (see Assessment of Needs) and Children and Families Act 2014, (see Carer’s Assessment). Note also Section 7, Short Break Settings, revised links to new Quality Standards for Children’s Homes and Care Quality Commission (CQC). |
Safeguarding Children Coming In From Abroad | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to The International Child Abduction and Contact Unit guidance. Please reference as required. |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | A note has been added in relation to the Serious Crime Act 2015; an offence of sexual communication with a child has been introduced. (See paragraph 9.3). |
Placements in Foster Care | This chapter has been updated to reflect the 2015 Statutory guidance ‘Permanence, long-term foster placements and ceasing to look after a child’ in DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)', by adding a new Section on Delegated Authority and the Bolton Delegated Authority Decision Clarification Tool. A new Section 10, Long-Term Foster Placements, has been added. A link to the updated statutory guidance, 'DfE, Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)' has been made. |
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)’. |
Education of Looked After Children - The Personal Education Plan (PEP) Process | This chapter has been updated by adding links to significant guidance:’ DfE and DHSC, Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 - 25 years - Statutory guidance for organisations who work with and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, (2014)’; ‘Guidance on Looked After Children with Special Educational Needs placed out-of-authority (DCSF 2009)’; ‘DfE, Promoting the education of looked - Statutory guidance for local authorities (2014)’; ‘DfE, Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions - Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies, (2014)’; ‘DfE, Designated teacher for looked-after children (2009)’; ‘DfE, Exclusions from schools, Academies and pupil referral units in England - A guide to those with legal responsibilities in relation to exclusion (2012)’ and the Bolton S.E.N.D - Local Offer. |
Promoting the Health of Looked After Children and Young People in Bolton | This chapter has been updated to add a link to 'DfE and DHSC, Statutory Guidance on Promoting the Health and Well-being of Looked After Children (March 2015)'. |
Anti-Bullying Policy | This chapter has been updated to add a link to 'DfE, Advice for parents and carers on cyberbullying (2014)'. |
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter has been amended to update the Youth Justice (YJB) Board National Standards in the Scope Box and the address of the YJB (in Section 3.6). A link to ‘The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)’ has also been provided, (please see ‘Looked after children in contact with the youth justice service’). |
Supervision and Support of Foster Carers | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to The Fostering Network, Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol England (2015). Please reference as required. |
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. This chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. Information has been added in relation to:
|
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. The main changes are in relation to:
|
Scheme of Delegation | This chapter has been updated. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Guidance | This new chapter has replaced the previous CAF Guidance chapter and provides a comprehensive guide to undertaking and completing Early Years assessments - including a template chapter and FAQ Section. Please fully re-read. |
Bolton SCB Integrated Working Processes - Lead professional Guidance for Practitioners | This guidance seeks to support practitioners undertaking the 'Lead Practitioner' role. The role seeks to avoid families potentially 'being flooded' by professionals involved in their lives by providing a person who can assist them to understand the package of support they may be receiving and to co-ordinate this for them. |
Assessment of Sibling Relationships | The presumption of the 1989 Children Act is to place siblings together. This chapter focuses on the difficult but important decisions to determine the occasions when this should not happen and is based on the CoramBAAF work 'Together or Apart'. A Tool to assist in this consideration is included. Please explore this chapter. |
Staying Safe Services Quality Assurance Framework | This chapter establishes the expectations across the Safeguarding Fieldwork Teams to ensure that casework management and standards are established and maintained. Monitoring and auditing case files are key aspects of case management and accountability. Please fully read. |
Fostering for Adoption/Concurrency | This chapter reflects the new processes and procedures and 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 and as required with respect to the Children and Families Act 2014. Please fully read. |
March 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Framework for Action for all Children, Young People and Families in Bolton | This link now takes you to an updated document on the Bolton Safeguarding website. Please fully re-read. See also new chapter Bolton SCB 'Integrated Working Processes - Lead professional Guidance for Practitioners'. Please fully re-read. |
Core Assessments (including Section 47 Enquiries) | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to DfE statutory guidance, 'Working with foreign authorities: child protection cases and care orders (2014)'. |
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After a Child in Need) | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'ACPO, A Guide to Investigation of Child Deaths'. |
Managing Children's and Adults Social Care Complaints Policy | This chapter has been fully re-written to provide a consistent approach through both Children and Adults Services. Emphasis is given to being a 'learning organisation' but contains additional detail with regard to progressing complaints. |
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. |
Family and Friends Care Policy | This chapter has been substantially amended to bring the chapter up-date with regard to permanency planning and other changes, both national and local. |
Safeguarding Children Coming In From Abroad | This chapter has been updated in line with the 'Care of unaccompanied and trafficked children: Statutory guidance for local authorities on the care of unaccompanied asylum seeking and trafficked children (2014)'. A link to this Guidance has been provided, together with 'DfE, Working with foreign authorities: child protection cases and care orders. Departmental advice for local authorities, social workers service managers and children's services lawyers, (July 2014)'. |
Children and Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated to add notes on 'Sexual Harm Prevention Orders' and 'Sexual Risk Orders' created under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. These replace the previous 'Sexual Offences Prevention Order', 'Risk of Sexual Harm Orders' and 'Foreign Travel Orders' which were introduced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. |
Out of Area Placements | This chapter has been updated in line with Statutory Guidance, 'DfE, Out of authority placement of looked-after children - Supplement to The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review' and should be re-read. |
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation | This chapter has been significantly updated in line with the 'Statutory Guidance Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (Supplement) - 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 Youth Justice Services (April 2014)'. A link to this Guidance has also been added. Please fully re-read. |
Placements with Parents | This chapter has been updated to provide additional information into Section 1.7 Termination of Placements to take account of recent case-law (Re DE (a child) 2014). |
Guide to the Care Planning, Placement and Case Reviews Regulations (England) 2010 and Statutory Guidance | This chapter fully sets out the roles and responsibilities of Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO's) and the purpose of statutory reviews The chapter has been completely revised and rewritten to reflect changes in legislation, regulations and guidance since the implementation of these Regulations in April 2011. Even if not an IRO, it is recommended that this chapter is read as it reflects the requirements and expectations for practitioners, other staff working in the Department and partner agencies. |
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter details the processes, procedures, roles and responsibilities for staff when young people who are Looked After come into contact with the Youth Justice System. It takes account of the youth remand framework under the 'Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012' and the 'Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (Supplement) (2014)'. There is a link to this Guidance. Please fully read. |
Contact with Parents and Siblings | This chapter has been updated in line with the updated statutory guidance, 'Looked-after Children: Contact with Siblings - Update to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review'. Additional information has been added in to Section 1 Approving and Planning Contact, in relation to sibling placement. |
Medication Policy: Safe Storage and Administration of Medication in Children's Social Care Service | This chapter has been updated and should be reviewed by practitioners and managers when required. |
Leaving Care Service | 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). Information has been added in relation to the Higher Education Bursary (Section 5.3), Young People Resuming Education or Training After 21 (new Section 5.4) )and new Section 10, Access to Records. |
Staying Put | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with 'DfE,Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised January 2015)' and should be re-read. New Sections on Support for Foster Carers and Young People Attending University and Other Settings Away from Home have been added. Please 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. In addition, additional detail is provided in respect of the Adoption Mailbox and payments that can be made. |
Intermediary Services | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with the Adoption Information and Intermediary Services (Pre-Commencement Adoptions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, and should be re-read. |
Life Story Books | This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014. All children with a plan for adoption must have a Life Story Book. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Guidance | This new chapter has replaced the previous CAF Guidance chapter and provides a comprehensive guide to undertaking and completing Early Years assessments - including a template chapter and FAQ Section. Please fully re-read. |
Bolton SCB Integrated Working Processes - Lead professional Guidance for Practitioners | This guidance seeks to support practitioners undertaking the 'Lead Practitioner' role. The role seeks to avoid families potentially 'being flooded' by professionals involved in their lives by providing a person who can assist them to understand the package of support they may be receiving and to co-ordinate this for them. |
Assessment of Sibling Relationships | The presumption of the 1989 Children Act is to place siblings together. This chapter focuses on the difficult but important decisions to determine the occasions when this should not happen and is based on the CoramBAAF work 'Together or Apart'. A Tool to assist in this consideration is included. Please explore this chapter. |
Staying Safe Services Quality Assurance Framework | This chapter establishes the expectations across the Safeguarding Fieldwork Teams to ensure that casework management and standards are established and maintained. Monitoring and auditing case files are key aspects of case management and accountability. Please fully read. |
Fostering for Adoption/Concurrency | This chapter reflects the new processes and procedures and 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 and as required with respect to the Children and Families Act 2014. Please fully read. |
Updated Terminology | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)' and Replace with Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions'. |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'Sexual Offences Prevention Orders', 'Risk of Sexual Harm Orders' and 'Foreign Travel Orders' (which were introduced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003)' are Replaced by 'Sexual Harm Prevention Orders' and 'Sexual Risk Orders.' |
Throughout the Manual | The term 'SEN' is Replaced with 'Education, Health and Care.' |
Keyword: Interim Care Order/Interim Supervision Orders | The Children and Families Act 2014 removes the time limit on interim care/supervision orders. The Keyword for this has been amended. |
End