3.2.6 Placements Out of Area |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
These requirements apply except where the placement is with a Connected Person, or a local authority foster carer approved by the placing authority.
This chapter was added in June 2011 , to take account of new requirements in relation to decisions to make placements out of area, under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010.
RELATED CHAPTERS
See also Placements Outside England and Wales Procedure;
The Sufficiency Duty in Relation to Accommodation for Children
Contents
1. Approval of Placement by Nominated Officer
The placement of a child outside the local authority area must be approved by the Nominated Officer, who must be satisfied of the following:
- That the child’s wishes and feelings have been ascertained and given due consideration;
- That the placement is the most appropriate placement available for the child and consistent with the Care Plan;
- That relatives have been consulted where appropriate,
- That the area authority has been notified
- That the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) has been consulted (usually the IRO will discuss with the child after the child has visited the proposed placement.)
2. Emergency Placements
In the case of a placement made in an emergency, the Nominated Officer must be satisfied that the child’s wishes and feelings have been ascertained and given due consideration, and must take steps to ensure that within 5 working days: the IRO has been informed; relatives have been consulted (where appropriate) and the area authority notified.
End