3.1.2 Procedures for Section 20 Accommodation Panel

Contents

1. Procedures for Section 20 Accommodation Panel
2. Introduction
3. Threshold for considering Accommodation under S20 Children Act 1989
4. Section 20 Accommodation Panel
5. S20 Accommodation Panel Functions
6. Paperwork required for Panel
7. Panel Membership
8. Section 20 Panel Process
   
   Appendix 1 - Decision of Section 20 Accommodation Panel

1. Procedures for Section 20 Accommodation Panel

This procedure is designed to achieve the following outcomes:-

• to ensure that that all reasonable options have been considered to keep the child/young person within his/her family and community and that these steps are properly recorded.
• all children who are removed from their family are returned home at the earliest opportunity consistent with their safety and welfare.
• to ensure the Local Authority discharges all its statutory responsibilities to provide accommodation in accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Children Act 1989.
• to ensure that when a child is accommodated a plan is developed which focuses in the needs of the individual child; that it is properly planned and structured with a clear purpose; it is proportionate to the degree of harm or need which led to the accommodation, it is regularly reviewed in accordance with regulation to avoid drift and it addresses the child's need for permanence as appropriate.  

2. Introduction

The decision that a child is not able to continue to be cared for by their birth family whether in the short term or the long term is of great importance.   It is always necessary to consider the best available option in providing alternative care arrangements. 

3. Threshold for considering Accommodation under S20 Children Act 1989

The following must be met:-

• The Social Worker must have completed an Initial and Core Assessment of the child's needs and circumstances before reaching the conclusion that alternative care arrangements are required.   This must have resulted in a child's plan that will be presented to the panel when requesting a placement.  Making the request for a placement, the Social Worker must be able to articulate why the level of care provided by the Local Authority will be better than that which the child is presently receiving and will enable them to achieve better outcomes.
• There must be written evidence to demonstrate that consideration has been given to all possible alternative options.
• In determining whether the Local Authority should provide accommodation under the Children Act 1989, or whether other support monies should be provided under S17 of the Act, the Social Worker and her/his manager must take account of the findings of the assessment, including the wishes and feelings of the child and her/his parents.  
• If the assessment has concluded that the child is unable to/cannot remain at home with his/her parents, the Social Worker must explore if there is support available to care for the child, ensure their safety and promote their welfare within the wider network of family/friends/neighbours. 
• There must be clear evidence within the assessments of why the risks cannot be managed within the community and of what community based work has been undertaken.
• If community based services are refused by the child/young person or family, then accommodation will not be offered unless there are clear safeguarding issues.  
• Other professionals' views about the need for accommodation must be obtained and presented to the panel. 
• Research has shown that the later a young person becomes Looked After, the stability of the placement and outcomes for that young person are less positive, therefore no young person aged 13 or above (year 9) will be accommodated in the Looked After System unless clear safeguarding issues exist. 

4. Section 20 Accommodation Panel

If the above thresholds are met, the assessing Social Worker, endorsed by the Team Manager and Service Manager must refer the child to the S20 panel using the ICS Placement Request form.

Other than in emergency circumstance all requests for placement must be approved by the panel prior to a placement being made.

Where a decision has been made to initiate legal proceedings, the placement need not be authorised by the panel.  

The panel will meet fortnightly and deal with all requests for placement.  

In those cases where a child has been accommodated without the approval of the S20 panel, the social worker must ensure that the child is presented to the next scheduled panel.  In all emergency cases, the Service Manager must give approval on the Placement Request form. 

5. S20 Accommodation Panel Functions

1. Ensuring Appropriate Entry into the Children Looked After System.
   • to authorise whether placement outside the birth family is appropriate for a child/young person based on assessed need.   The panel will not deal with placement disruptions, as an earlier decision will have been made that accommodation is in the child/young person's interest. 
   • if accommodation is not appropriate to sign post to alternative resources and divert from accommodation.
   • request for respite placements for children without a disability will be authorised via the panel. 
2. Tracking of Plans
   • track children's case planning until the second review and to ensure a permanence plan is evident.
   • identification of unmet placement need.

6. Paperwork required for Panel

• In all cases other than emergency situations, a core assessment including the child's plan must be submitted.  In emergency situations where S47 enquiry is appropriate and the core assessment is not complete an initial assessment must be submitted.  The core assessment must be submitted to the next panel.
• Placement request form endorsed by Team Manager and agreed by Service Manager.
• Completed genogram.

7. Panel Membership

Chair -

Senior Service Manager, Social Work and Safeguarding Service Service Manager, Assessment and Care Management Service Manager, Placements and Commissioning Head of Blackpool Young People's Services Head of EBSD & EOTAS Head of Integrated Family Services Clinical Psychologist LAC - when appointed Development Officer Think Family PCT Commissioner

The operation of the panel will be reviewed at 6 monthly intervals.  

8. Section 20 Panel Process

The Social Worker must prepare all paper work and book a slot via the panel administrator. 

In the event of an emergency admission all relevant documentation to be forwarded to the Service Manager before authorisation and the case submitted to the next panel.  

The panel decision will be confirmed in writing to the assessing Social Worker and Team Manager.   If a placement request is endorsed the Service Manager Provider Services will ensure matching is progressed via the Fostering Team Manager, Residential Group Manager or Contracts Manager.

The relevant provider services manager will advise the Social Worker when a placement has been identified.  

In the event of a placement not being endorsed by panel, it is the responsibility of the panel chair to advise the Social Worker and team manager in writing, with a recommendation of alternative action. In such circumstances the panel will recommend a package of support. 

In the event of the panel being unable to reach a consensus the chair will take the final decision. 

Appendix 1 - Decision of Section 20 Accommodation Panel

Click here to see Appendix 1 - Decision of Section 20 Accommodation Panel

 

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