BexleyChildren's Services Procedures Manual

Amendments have been made to reflect case-law in relation to assessing legal capacity.

Information in relation to Supervision Orders, in line with Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems: Supervision Orders has been added into Section 4, Care Orders and Supervisions Orders on a Care Plan of the Child Remaining at Home.

Information in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adoptive parents in First Tier Tribunal appeals has been added into Section 15, Resolving Disagreements. It has also been updated to include information from Guidance: Area SEND Inspections Framework and Handbook (November 2022).

This chapter has been updated to include information from the UK Social Work Practice in Safeguarding Disabled Children and Young People report.

Information in relation to the National Age Assessment Board has been added into Section 4, Assessment.

Section 3, Section 20 Accommodation has been updated in line with case-law.

This chapter has been updated.

This chapter has been amended to include information from Annex to MOJ Circular 2022/03: Additional Information on Remand to Local Authority Accommodation (RLAA).

This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect supported accommodation for 16-17 year olds becoming regulated by Ofsted.

Information in relation to allergies has been added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies.

Information in relation to allergies has been added into Section 4, Health Plans.

This chapter has been amended to note that with effect from 1 April 2023, the leaving care allowance increased from £2,000 to £3,000.

Information in relation to timing of assessments has been added into Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings.

This chapter has been added to the manual.

• Child Protection;
• Gangs;
• Missing;
• Child Sexual Exploitation;
• Channel Panel (Policy Updates).

Note: A link has been added to the London Safeguarding Children Procedures and to SHIELD Bexley Safeguarding Children Partnership.

For the following chapters, please see the Adoption Partnership South East Regional Adoption Agency Procedures Manual.

• Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters;
• Adoption Panel;
• Placement for Adoption;
• Adoption Support;
• Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive Placements;
• Adoption Reviews;
• Disruption of Adoptive Placements;
• Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already Adopted;
• Inter Country Adoption;
• Non Agency Adoption;
• Adoption Case Records;
• Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records;
• Intermediary Services;
• Life Story Books Guidance;
• Later Life Letters;
• Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters.

• Case Management Review, Legal Planning Meeting and Pre-Proceedings Protocol.

This chapter has been revised to reflect updated guidance on Assessment in Working Together to Safeguard Children. In addition a new section on Contextual Safeguarding has been added (see Section 17, Contextual Safeguarding).

This chapter has 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)) (see Section 9, Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings);
• To update Pre-Proceedings and Issue letters together with a new Social Work Consent Checklist (see Appendices);
• In Related Guidance a link has been added to Research in Practice supporting information and guidance on the Social Work Evidence template (SWET);
• Amendments have also been made to reflect changes in '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 4.1, 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.

Please re-reference.

This chapter has been amended in April 2019 to reflect HHJ Greensmith's comments regarding M and N (Children: Local authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) [2018] EWFC 40 (1 June 2018).

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 to provide support to 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.

• Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of accommodation for 16 and 17 year old young people who may be homeless and/or require accommodation (2018): this guidance is solely concerned with the functions of children's services and housing services when young people seek help from, or are referred to, local authorities because of homelessness or being threatened with homelessness. It incorporates judgements made in the House of Lords over several years around the duties of local authorities under Section 20 (Children Act 1989) and Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. The guidance also reflects the duties introduced under the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017);

And now includes a link to:

• Homelessness - Duty to Refer: the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) places a duty on specified public authorities to refer service users who they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness to local authority homelessness/housing options teams.

This chapter has been updated to note that this procedure does not apply to children subject to Interim Care Orders where the placement is required by the court under Section 38(6) Children Act 1989 for the purposes of assessment (see Scope of this Chapter).

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)' (see Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years).
Please re-reference.

This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 2.3, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.

This chapter has been updated and includes a section on 'Understanding My Life and Care Experiences' (access to records) and an additional Appendix G 'Consent to Share information Agreement'.
Please re-reference.

This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 7.7, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.

This chapter has been updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 3.8, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.

Section 5.1.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.

This chapter links to the Knowledge Bank that supports the Signs of Safety process in a practical sense. This chapter should be regularly referenced.

This substantial chapter provides the legal policy and framework for action and gives information on the signs of modern day slavery; the National Referral Mechanism together with making referrals for adults and children. The chapter also identifies the actions and next steps for the authority and relevant and a list of useful resources and contacts. Please fully reference.

A new Section 2, Corporate Parenting has been added in response to the DfE Applying Corporate Parenting Principles to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers – Statutory Guidance (Feb 2018). It includes the seven corporate parenting principles set out in the guidance.

This chapter has been updated by adding Case Audit Moderation Guidelines, (which seeks to provide a framework for Social Care Quality Assurance Framework. See Appendix 1: Case Audit and Moderation) and Delegate Case File Audit Actions, (which provides detail action with respect to the electronic recording system of the audit process).

This chapter has been updated to add the Children's Services Managers' Standards which is a 'self-assessment' checklist of 9 standards.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current Bexley processes and social work tools.

This chapter has been amended to add a link to the Bexley MARAC Process.

This chapter has been updated by adding a new Section 4, Children in Need Moving to Another Authority - Principles. Information and communication is important between the respective local authorities to ensure appropriate services continue for the child and family and, where relevant, any risk of harm is recognised and identified with the receiving local authority. It should be noted that the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child lies with the local authority where the child is to be found.

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 2.1, Principles) and Practice Direction 3aa - Vulnerable Persons: Participation in Proceedings and Giving Evidence (see case management in Section 4, Documentation).

This chapter has been amended in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. Note that Serious Case Reviews are called Child Safeguarding Practice Review. Nevertheless, the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online notification form remains. The Notification will go to Ofsted, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel and the DfE.

This chapter has been fully amended:

• Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need) Procedure has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online notification form;
• Serious Incident Notification Template has been updated;
• Children's Services Serious Incident Notification Policy has been updated;
• A new Notification Categories chart has been added to promote clarity and consistency of reporting.

This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

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.

This chapter has been substantially amended, updated and re-titled to reflect the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

The chapter has been updated and replaces a previous, similar chapter and has been developed to reflect the 'Care of Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Modern Slavery - Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2017)' – which itself replaced statutory Guidance of 2014 regarding Unaccompanied asylum Seeing children. The chapter contains a link to the updated statutory Guidance and also includes a link to the NRPF network, Securing British Citizenship for looked after children ('Project for Registration of Children as British Citizens') – see Section 10, Further Information.

Section 5, Consent and Competency has been updated to include additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law.

This chapter has been amended to identify that when children become looked after, the decision and care plan must be presented to the Permanence Panel (see Section 1.4, Actions Required After a Decision to Look After is Made and Children's Social Care Resource Panel; Children's Social Care Permanence Panel Protocol and Terms of Reference). Additionally, information has been added in to Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation, in line with recent case-law.

This chapter has been adjusted to acknowledge that when a child has been looked after for more than 20 days, the decision to cease looking after a child should be endorsed by the Permanence Panel before being agreed to by the Nominate Officer (see Section 2.2, Decision Making).

This chapter has been amended by linking to the Bexley Disruption Meetings policy and process. The Bexley Policy deals in some detail with the aims of the meeting; the process and post-disruption meeting actions. The link contains Appendices providing guidelines that promote joint working between the children's and supervising social workers Signs of Safety framework for disruption meetings as well as a flow chart of the process.

This chapter has been amended 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 (see Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement). Also to acknowledging the role of the Permanence Panel in endorsing the child's Plan and placement (see Section 1.3, Recommending the Plan and Section 1.4, Approval of the Placement).

This chapter has been updated to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those as set out in Section 1, Normal Frequency (see Section 2, Exceptions) and to add a new Section 6, Consequences of Visits to identify that where there is concern that a placement does not appear to meet a child's needs, Regulation requires the IRO is informed and that the local authority reviews the child's plan.

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 were subject to Section 20 and where there were concerns of significant delays in their planning for permanence. The court noted the IROs' recognition and action over a number of reviews but acknowledged that a more robust response had been needed.

This chapter has been updated to take account that from 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.

Section 2, Different Types of Contact has been updated to take account of the use of mobile communication with regards to contact.

A new Section 3.5, Consent to Health Care Assessments has been added.

This chapter has been comprehensively amended to both reflect the Children and Social Work act 2017 and provide detail on local policies and practice. Please re-reference.

This chapter has been updated by adding the Bexley Post Approval Induction Protocol for Foster Carers (see Relevant Guidance).

This chapter has been amended to add Appendix 1: Bexley Foster Carer Visiting Template Form.

This chapter has been updated by adding Appendix 1: Bexley Annual Review of Foster Carer's Approval Report Form.

This Bexley chapter comprehensively deals with the context and definition of this area of work and seeks to describe the multi-agency roles, as well as providing practice guidance on the investigation, process and implications around the events. The chapter also reflects the importance of providing support and information to the carers at this time. Please re-reference.

This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

Section 8, Home Study has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits.

This chapter has been updated to update the Bexley and Metropolitan Police Service Joint operational procedure which has been fully reviewed and includes updated references guidance. Three other links to: 'Young People Involved in Gangs: Identification Arrangements and Monitoring System and Flow Chart'; 'Early Notification Form Referral Form for Individuals Suspected of Being Vulnerable to or Involved in Gang Related Activity' and 'Serious Violence Prevention Panel Referral Form' have also been included.

This new chapter is a link to a DHSC site and contains to guidance: one sets out the surrogacy pathway and legal guidance for intended patterns; the other offers guidance for health care professionals. Please reference as required.

This chapter 'does what it says on the tin' and identifies the framework for dealing with all complaints regarding its services, establishing who and how complaints can be made (including anonymous complaints); the stages of dealing with a complaint; vexatious complaints and unreasonable 'customer' behaviour and further avenues and supports for complainants. Please reference.

This brief chapter tabulates the education Key Stages, Ages and School Stages with comments regarding Attainment and Progress. The chapter will provide clarity for practitioners in this important area of children's lives. Please reference.

This chapter contains links to key documents and policies relevant to the Virtual School regarding exclusion and the Pupil Premium Plus i.e. Exclusions and Looked After Children; Potential Interventions for Looked After and Post-Looked After Children using Pupil Premium Plus; Pupil Premium Plus for Looked After Children Policy; Application Form for Pupil Premium Plus. Please reference.

This chapter has been amended to change the link to 'Revised Process for Child Protection Conferences: CP consultations from front door to conference/Re-referrals for Initial Conferences/Child in Need Reviewing.'

Section 4.2, Case Analysis has been updated to reflect the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan added by s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 (amending section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.

A note has been added to identify that records must be updated as information becomes available or at the latest within 72 hrs. However, where the information is significant or concerning, this information must be recorded within 24 hours (see Section 9, Records Must be Kept up to Date).

This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a court judgement on Ordinary Residence that has been included in DHSC, Care and support statutory guidance (December 2016) (see Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has also been added into Further Information to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017). See Section 15, Further Information and Statutory Guidance.

This chapter has been amended to acknowledge the impact of the Children and Social Work Act 2017. A link to the new 'Care of unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery, DfE (2017)' is also included (see Related Guidance).

In Section 5, Assessing and Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (under s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.

Section 2, Exceptions has been revised to set out more clearly the circumstances where visiting requirements differ from those set out in Section 1, Normal Frequency.

This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Children's Society 'Advocacy services for children and young people – a guide for commissioners'. This guide outlines the legislative requirements of local authorities in the provision of advocacy support to children in need and looked after children.

This chapter has been amended to fully reflect the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review 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).

This chapter has been significantly changed throughout and now provides information on a change of name by Deed Poll.

This chapter has been updated to a link to the Bexley Looked After Children & leaving Care Strategy 2017 – 2020 #a mile in my shoes. Over the Summer of 2017 the Young Director undertook some engagement work with looked after children. A survey for under 11's and another for over 11's has been used to gain some insight into how young people felt Bexley had delivered on our Bexley Pledge that we had included in our previous Strategy for Looked after Children. The document includes a summary of these comments, together with the views of the Independent Reviewing Officers, and this provides the backdrop to Bexley's vision, which includes Bexley's 'Commitments. (Note however, this is separate from the care leavers 'Local Offer').

Section 8, 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 – The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4 and Standard 14 (14.9) Fostering panels and the fostering service's decision-maker.

Section 4.1, Duty to Consider Fostering for Adoption Placement has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by section 9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.

This chapter has been replaced with an updated version.

This chapter has been amended to add a new 'For Information' section which links to additional information for reference:

• Children's Commissioner, 'Preventing Child Sexual Abuse' (2017);
• College of Policing, 'Responding to Child Sexual Exploitation;
• Home Office, Tackling child sexual exploitation: Progress report (2017);
• LGA, Child sexual exploitation: A resource pack for councils (2017).

This policy emphasises the importance of supervision and its impact on a number of fronts and focusses on four standards: Frequency and Conditions; Preparation; Recording and a policy on Group Supervision. The chapter has a range of tools and information on Further reading. Please reference.

A new Section of the Manual has been created to focus on Children and Young People's involvement. This document imaginatively identifies 99 ways 'for professionals top build positive relationships with looked after children and young people and their families' and highlights 6 Commitments to Looked After children. Nevertheless, many of 'the ways' and 'commitments' apply to all children - whatever the context of professional involvement.

This procedure describes the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer and provides information about dealing with allegations against staff and volunteers who have contact with children and young people in their work or activities. It recognises the role and responsibilities of employers and organisations who have responsibility for providing services to children, young people and adults who are parents or carers. It identifies key practice issues in the process that distinguishes this area of work as different from the same or similar concerns in other circumstances, whilst reflecting also that the Department's procedures will remain in terms of assessing those concerns and risks to children. Please reference.

This policy has been developed to encourage a culture managers and practitioners can feel confident in raising concerns or questions regarding a case's direction, where they believe it may compromise the safety or well-being of a child and to ensure there is every possible opportunity to carefully consider any issues officers may have before a child's plan is carried out.

This policy covers those parents who chose to educate their child at home. The policy provides the principles for working with parents and children who make this choice and provides procedures for its officers including some parents may make this choice to negate their proper parental obligations. The procedure acknowledges the Local Authority's safeguarding role and has a section on special educational needs. It provides a number of essential contact details. Please reference.

This brief chapter highlights key relevant legislation together with objectives and is based on the Signs of Safety model of working. Please reference.

This has been introduced into the manual and contains links to key organisation, including the LSCB, CAMHS, Clinical Commissioning Group and Police.

This new link now goes to the Bexley Safeguarding Partnership 'Effective Support for Children, Young People and families in Bexley' and amends and updates the previous LSCB paper.

This chapter has been amended to update the ICACU link and to emphasise key issues, for example, that the assessment should give a picture of what life is like for the child (see Section 7, The Child). Please note: A link has also been made to a 'Management Actions Note' and 'Revised Process for Child Protection Conferences: CP consultations from front door to conference/Re-referrals for Initial Conferences/Child in Need Reviewing' in the Local Resources section of the manual. Please ensure familiarity with these.

This chapter has been amended by adding a link to the 'Revised Process for Child Protection Conferences: CP consultations from front door to conference/Re-referrals for Initial Conferences/Child in Need Reviewing' in the manual's Local Resources. Please ensure familiarity of this.

This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'Revised Process for Child Protection Conferences: CP consultations from front door to conference/Re-referrals for Initial Conferences/Child in Need Reviewing' in the Local Resources section of the manual. Pease ensure familiarity.

This chapter has been updated to reflect Bexley procedures. These include an evaluation as to whether a representative has the capacity or interest to act in young person's welfare (see Section 1, Who may make a Complaint?); detail the processes regarding the management of the complaint (see Section 6, Stage One - Local Resolution and Section 7, Stage Two - Investigation), including that the maximum period for a complaint to remain at Stage 1 is 10 working days (with exception). The contact details of the Local Government Ombudsman are also included.

This chapter has been updated to add a link to The Children's Society, Friendship For All. Professionals delivering foster care and short breaks services are invited to implement simple changes to practice and strengthen carer training to increase friendship in the lives of children. Friendship For All provides freely downloadable, nationally piloted and evaluated resources.

This chapter has been amended to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regards to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school.

This chapter has been amended to reflect the outcome of an Appeal Court hearing (2017) with respect to 'consent'. The court recognized that the term 'consent' itself has been not used in Section 20. However, it described previous court observations as 'good practice guidance', emphasizing its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these (see Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent).

This chapter has been updated to add a link to FRG, Assessment Guide: Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A good practice guide (2017) (see Section 7, Further Information). This resource outlines what a viability assessment for family and friend carers should look like, what social workers should consider and how to undertake international assessments.

A note has been added in respect of Secure Accommodation - Placements in Scotland: Schedule 1, Children and Social Work Act 2017, with immediate effect, now enables local authorities to make placements in Secure accommodation under Sect 25 (Children Act 1989) (see Section 7.1, Placement Request, Identification and Approval).

This chapter has been reviewed and the Bexley Children's Services Scheme of Delegated Decision Making has been added. This sets the authority needed to effect key decisions and others who should be consulted. Please reference.

This chapter has been updated to add a link to GOV.UK Child car seats: the law. The rules changed in February around booster seats and babies who now need to stay in rear facing seats until 15 months. (There has been a change to the technical standards of booster seats and cushions for manufacturers from 9 February but this does not affect existing models of booster seats and cushions.)

This chapter has been updated by adding a link to – research in practice, Contact after adoption (see Related Guidance). A link to 'Bexley - Has adoption been identified as the plan for your child? (Information for birth parents)' has also been added. (This document can be independently located in the manual's Local Resources section).

This chapter has been reviewed and amendments made throughout to reflect the Special Guardianship Guidance and practice. Particularly note Who may Apply? Planning Meeting and Report for the Court sections. Please re-reference.

This chapter details the Bexley procedure of Notification in the event of a serious incident to a child, identifying principally issues which should always be a 'notification' and those officers within the Department who need to informed. The chapter also identifies the process and includes a Serious Incident Notification Template.

This new chapter is a matrix which seeks to provide guidance on practitioner's case-loads in various teams. Please reference when required.

This chapter highlights the aims, tasks and processes of the Panel which include agreement to Section 20 Accommodation and externally commissioned placements, as well as ensure current resources are fully used to prevent such accommodation. Please reference.

• Management Actions Note for MASH;
• Process for Child Protection Conferences: CP consultations from front door to conference/Re-referrals for Initial Conferences/Child in Need Reviewing;
• Section 20 Agreement Form;
• Bexley - Has adoption been identified as the plan for your child? (Information for birth parents).

This chapter has been fully reviewed and revised by Bexley in and includes 'Missing from Home, Care & Education – Child Sexual Exploitation: Joint Operating Procedures & Practice Guidance (Bexley Children's Social Care and Bexley Borough Police).

This chapter has been fully revised and amended in line with Bexley process and protocols in respect of children in need and highlights what a good plan will be clear and specific about (see Section 2, Child in need Support Plans).

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter links to the London Borough Corporate Procedure. 'Bexley is committed to the highest standards.... and encourages employees and others with serious concerns... to come forward.... The Council recognises that certain cases will have to proceed on a confidential basis, etc.'

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley with points of clarification and guidance throughout.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and slightly amended to reflect local procedures. A link has been added to the DfE Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners (2015).

This chapter has been reviewed to note 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 (see Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality of Records).

This chapter has been amended by Bexley. Please re-reference.

This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'The Children's Society Friendship for all: Transforming short breaks and foster care services to increase friendship in the lives of children and young people' for information. A link has also been made to the Bexley Short Breaks Statement.

This chapter has been updated in April 2017 to add a link to FRG, Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A good practice guide (2017).

This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that Bexley use IMAGO to undertake assessments of young carers (see Section 3, Response).

This chapter has been updated by Bexley to reflect the Bexley management structure and local practice.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to confirm that a Disruption Meeting should be convened if the placement is at risk of breaking down. The meeting should be chaired by the fostering manager if the child is placed in a Bexley placement, or otherwise the IRO or Placement Manager.

This chapter has been amended to advise that consideration should be given in the assessment to any risks posed by pets the family have (see Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement).

This chapter has been updated to include local processes. It has also been amended to advise that consideration should be given in the assessment to any risks posed by pets the connected person may have. See Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children with Connected Persons Section.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley to reflect the structure of the Children and Families service.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley to reflect the structure of the Children and Families Service and Bexley processes, particularly with regard to the role of the Placement Service.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley particularly the conditions that are taken into consideration with respect to Youth Detention Accommodation and to add additional material around Safeguarding Children on Remand and transfer requests to the YJB.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and updated to reflect local policies and procedure with regard to the normal frequency of social worker visits to child in the placement and those subject to exceptions.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley to acknowledge that the provision of both Advocates and Independent Visitors is a commissioned service – the details of which can be obtained from the Service Manager of the Independent Reviewing and Conferencing Team.

This chapter has been updated to note The Law Society guidance 'Attendance of solicitors at local authority Children Act Meetings' and their Code of Conduct where the child or family who attend reviews are supported by a legal representative (see Section 8, Independent Reviewing Officer's Responsibilities). The amendment also reflects local processes and Bexley Children and Family Care Services organisation.

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'. 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.

This chapter has been updated by Bexley to reflect the Bexley management structure and local practice.

This chapter has been updated by updating the Ofsted contact and communication details.

This chapter has been reviewed and adjusted by Bexley.

This chapter has been updated by tri.x following a review which includes being re-titled to more reflect the contents. It also includes local guidance, particularly that where a foster care is not sure about a social visit or overnight stay, they should consult with the social worker (see Section 2, Social Visits/Overnight Stays).

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley. It has been noted that Looked After Children should have three PEPs per year (see Section 1, Duty to Promote the Educational Achievement of Looked After Children). Additionally, a new section on Asylum Seeking Children has been added to note that when unaccompanied asylum seeking children become Looked After, it is important that an education facility is found for them quickly and the Virtual School designated officer for unaccompanied minors will work with the allocated social worker to achieve this.

This chapter has been amended to emphasise that children should not be taken on holiday in term time unless the request has been agreed by the practitioners manager and then Head of the school. The chapter also reflects the Bexley management structure and local practice.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley, particularly in 'Arranging Health Care Assessments'. In addition, a new link has been added in Relevant Guidance, '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)'. This guideline covers the identification, assessment and treatment of attachment difficulties in children and young people up to age 18 years from a variety of care settings.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley to acknowledge additional points of clarification with regard to expectations and boundaries around relationships (throughout the chapter).

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley to acknowledge additional points of clarification and guidance throughout.

This chapter has been updated to add a link to 'NCAS, Staying Put: What does it mean for you?' This guide has been added to Related Guidance; this is a booklet for care leavers, regarding staying with their foster carer after the age of 18 years.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley to reflect local processes and requirements. Further clarity and detail added to 4.3 when a court can only order a Remand to Youth Detention where certain specified criteria are met. Further detail has been added regarding The YJB Placement review process (see Section 7, Responsibilities of the LA to Looked After Young People who receive a Custodial Sentence in 7.6. Action to be taken if there are Concerns about the Child's Safety or Welfare).

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley to reflect local processes and requirements. In Section 3.6, Young people serving long sentences, clarity has been added with regard to the procedure for when a young person is likely to turn 18 while in custody with regards to their placement in the adult estate and their transition plan to the Probation Provider. Further points of clarity have been added with regard to The YJB Placement review process – see Section 3.7, Action to be taken if there are concerns about the young person's safety or welfare.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley to reflect local processes – in Section 3, Approved Foster carers, information has been added with regard to Disclosure and Barring Service checks which cause immediate concern for the child/children's welfare.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local processes and procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and comprehensively updated throughout by Bexley to reflect local processes and requirements. Additionally, the chapter 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.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley to acknowledge additional points of clarification and guidance throughout.

A number of amendments have been made to reflect Bexley procedures, processes and expectations throughout the chapter. In addition Section 5.3, 'Assessments' has been updated to include where the applicants have pets, a risk assessment should be conducted and any associated risks should be taken into account with regard to the pet itself and where the pet is kept. Where necessary, (and where the pet is a dog), an independent assessment should be undertaken by a vet to establish whether the dog falls within the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

This chapter has been reviewed and updated by Bexley with a link to relevant local policies to be read in conjunction with the chapter: Protocol for Agency Decision for Adopter Approval and Protocol for Agency Decision for the match of a child with adopters, and Admin procedures for Adoption panel.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and a link has been added to Bexley's Permanency planning policy Protocol for Agency decision when the plan for a child is adoption, and to the CAFCASS best practice guidance on children relinquished for adoption.

This chapter has been reviewed and substantially updated in Section 9, Financial Support, to reflect local policy and procedures and links to six Appendices have been added.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and slightly amended to reflect local procedures.

This chapter has been reviewed and amended by Bexley to reflect local procedure.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and amended to reflect local procedure. The decision around when the child sees the later life letter will be at the discretion of the adopters. However, it is anticipated that this will be around the child's mid-teens and it is recommended that the letter is pitched at this level.

This chapter has been reviewed by Bexley and updated with a link  to the CoramBAAF, Foster for Adoption, Becoming A Carer; Foster to Adoption Presentation and GOV.UK, Technical guide to changes to adoption leave and pay (2015).

This chapter has been updated. Please re-reference.

This chapter identifies 10 key professional values. All staff should be familiar with these.

Identifies key aims and beliefs in working with children, young people and families. All staff should be familiar with these.

This procedure details how the Family Wellbeing Service operates, working with partners to help with children, young people and families.

The chapter includes a step-up and step-down processes and procedures and a Flow Chart to assist.

This chapter links to Bexley Strategies Policies & Procedures. Neglect is a complex area of practice, presenting particular challenges. It requires skilful use of assessment, professional authority and direct work with the child and parents to effect change. Professionals need to be alert to the complexity of practice in this area. Please reference this chapter.

This chapter sets out 'best practice' principles and processes regarding case transfers.

This chapter sets out the financial arrangements for Care Leavers.

This chapter links to Bexley Policies and Procedures - joint operational policy and additional information site on Gangs. Please reference.

This joint procedure between Bexley and the Metropolitan Police provides a detailed policy and procedure regarding children and young people who go missing. The key objective of the policy, is 'promoting an enhanced service to ensure children and young people, who are or who have a history of going missing from home, local authority care or are missing from education, are identified, safeguarded and supported.' Please reference.

This is a joint procedure between Bexley and the Metropolitan Police and provides key references to local and national policies and highlighting how this form of abuse is specifically progressed in terms of assessment and investigation jointly by Children's Social Care and the Police.