Amendments

CAPTION: January 2023

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	This chapter has been amended to refer to Guidance issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Blackpool Council Children Looked After and Care Leavers Sufficiency Statement	This document has been updated.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	This chapter has been amended in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services	Section 2, Looked After Children who are Arrested has been updated in relation to appropriate adults. The chapter was also revised throughout in line with local procedures.

August 2022

CAPTION: August 2022

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Quality Assurance Framework	This PDF has been updated.
Capacity and Consent	Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated in line with case-law.
Care Planning Meetings	This chapter has been updated.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been updated.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)	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.
Decision to Look After	This chapter has been updated.
Ceasing to Look After a Child	This chapter has been updated to add a note regarding transferring a child’s belongings in appropriate luggage and includes a link to a link to NYAS, My Things Matter Report. (See Section 5, Administration / Process Issues).
Placements in Foster Care	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. (See Section 4, Placement Planning).
Placements in Residential Care	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. (See Section 2.3, Placement Planning).
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	Section 10, Use of Inherent Jurisdiction to Authorise a Placement Involving a Deprivation of Liberty has been updated in line with case-law.
Education of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021). Schools should have policies and processes in place to ensure all concerns about all adults working in or on behalf of the school or college (including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors) are dealt with promptly and appropriately. See Section 8.3, Protecting Children with a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children from Adults Who May Pose a Risk to Them and/or Other Children in the School.
Positive Relationships and Behaviour Management	This chapter has been updated.
Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint	This chapter has been given a general refresh.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. (See Scope Box.)
Fostering Panel	This chapter has been given a general refresh.
Blackpool Council SGO Guidance and Procedures	This PDF has been updated.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Equality and Diversity	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Care Planning	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Providing Personalised Care	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Risk Assessment and Planning	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Health and Safety	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Leisure Activities	This procedure has been added to the manual.
Training and Development of Foster Carers	This procedure has been added to the manual.

January 2022

CAPTION: January 2022

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Requests for Support, Contacts and Referrals	Guidance contained in this chapter has been reviewed and updated as required to reflect guidance from the refreshed Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	The link to the SWET (updated April 2021) has been updated. Section 2, Pre-Proceedings has been updated to include information in relation to pre-birth assessments and planning where the mother has learning disabilities. It was also updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship (Family Justice Council, June 2020). See in particular Section 9, Expectations of the Local Authority by the Court.
Complaints and Representations	This chapter has been amended to reflect the Children’s Statutory Complaint Process: Guide for Practitioners (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman, 2021). (See Relevant Guidance).
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations	Information has been added on recording by employees in a professional capacity.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)	This chapter has been refreshed and updated and includes links to related reports from the House of Commons Library. (See Section 16, Related Guidance).
Short Breaks	Information has been added in to Section 7, Short Break Settings, 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.
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. Minor amendments have also 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 updated.
Family and Friends Care	New Section 7, Education has been added and information added on the School Admission Code.
Relinquished Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect case-law setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children	This chapter has been refreshed and a link added to House of Commons Library Briefing Paper: Criminal Injuries Compensation for Victims of Child Abuse.
Placements with Parents	Section 1, Planned Placements has been updated to add information on placements in ‘other arrangements.’
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.
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 Outside England and Wales	Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey has been updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. Additional information has also been added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	Information has been added in to Section 3, Local Authority Accommodation, in relation to children under the age of 16 being placed in ‘other arrangements’ placements.
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been significantly amended to reflect the ‘Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted, June 2021)’; updated ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (see Scope Box above) and Sexual Harassment in Education – Briefing (House Of Parliament Library, June 2021). (See Section 8.2, Protecting looked after children from sexual harassment and peer on peer abuse). The chapter has also been amended to reflect Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker: Virtual School Head Role Extension, June 2021. In Section 6, When a Child Needs or Joins a New School, information was added on the School Admission Code.
Leaving Care and Transition	Section 6, Pathway Planning was 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 not jeopardised.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been revised. In Section 12, The Special Guardianship Support Plan, information was added on the School Admission Code. It has also been updated to reflect Practice Guidance on Special Guardianship published by the Family Justice Council (June 2020). See Section 6.2, Special Guardianship Applications in Care Proceedings and new Section 16, Special Guardianship Orders in International Cases.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Placements in Other Arrangements	This procedure has been added to the manual.

August 2021

CAPTION: August 2021
Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody	This chapter has been updated to reflect the Section 2.6 Care leavers leaving custody in Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: good practice advice (DfE and MHCLG) 2020. (See Section 3.9 Planning for Release).

July 2021

CAPTION: July 2021

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Capacity and Consent	Information has been added in relation to NICE Quality Standard: Decision-Making and Mental Capacity. Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has been updated and a new Section 5.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support has been added. Section 2.1, Consent to Information Sharing has also been updated to reflect revisions contained in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Assessments and Support	A new section on 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation has been added to reflect the issue of Homelessness and the vulnerability of young people as identified in Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Managing Decision Making in Relation to Legal Proceedings within Social Care - Guidance for Staff	This guidance has been reviewed and updated to reflect processes in place locally for the convening and holding of Care Planning Meetings.
Whistleblowing	This guidance has been reviewed throughout and extensively updated.
Concerns Resolution Protocol	This guidance has been reviewed and updated to reflect local processes for the resolution of concerns.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)	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.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	A link the publication Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers: Good Practice Advice (DfE and MHCLG) has been added. The publication seeks to support the development of joint protocols that can help local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of care leavers (see Section 4, Housing Protocols for Care leavers).
Placements in Foster Care	This procedure has been reviewed and updated throughout to reflect processes in Blackpool for requesting and matching children with foster suitable homes.
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	Section 10, 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.
Advocacy and Independent Visitors	This guidance has been updated throughout to reflect the role of Independent Children and Young People's Independent Advocates in Blackpool.
Persons Disqualified from Fostering	Section 2, New Applications has been updated to include additional details on the types of offences considered serious and which would therefore require consideration by the Fostering Panel.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	This procedure has been reviewed and updated.
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records	This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout and information added on applying for a copy of a birth certificate online.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	This new policy applies when a child or care leaver is discharged from hospital after having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

April 2021

CAPTION: April 2021

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Complaints and Representations	This guidance has been reviewed and updated as required.
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	The link to the DfE Guidance on the Placement of Children under 13 in Secure Accommodation has been updated. See Section 6, Placements of Children under the age of 13 Years for full details.
Notifications of Significant Events	This procedure has been updated to reflect the latest Ofsted guidance for social care providers on the types of incident which they consider to be serious and which will therefore require notification to the regulatory authority. New sections have been added on the Quality of Notifications and Learning from Notifications.
Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UK	This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout. Section 2.3, Insurance Cover 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 2.4, 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.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Capacity and Consent	This new chapter offers guidance in relation to the various situations in which consent is likely to be sought, with reference to previous legal judgements.

CAPTION: December 20

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Child in Need Plans and Reviews	Section 2, Child in Need Plans has been updated to note that visits to a Child in Need should take place - at a minimum - every 4 weeks.
Guidance for Managing Allegations and Serious Complaints against Foster Carers	This updated guidance should be followed whenever there is an allegation or complaint about a Blackpool Council foster carer; the local authority has a duty to investigate all such complaints or allegations and do all that they can to ensure that children and young people are protected and kept safe.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Long Term Fostering for our Children and Young People	Some children and young people are unable to live with, or return, to their families. Where this is the case Blackpool Council aim to ensure that they are brought up until adulthood within safe, secure loving households that offer stability and security. This new guidance sets out our approach to matching children and young people to permanent loving homes.
Blackpool Council SGO Guidance and Procedures (2020)	Special guardianship is one way of securing permanence for children, providing a sense of belonging and security through to adulthood. This policy sets out the meaning of special guardianship, the legal principles and the procedure.

July 2020

CAPTION: July 20

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Services Policies and Values	This chapter has been revised and updated throughout to reflect the 'Our Blackpool Families Rock' way of working.
Families Together Meetings	This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout to reflect the introduction of 'Families Together Meeting' terminology in Blackpool.
Requests for Support, Contacts and Referrals	This guidance has been extensively updated throughout to reflect the work of the Request for Support Hub.
Assessments and Support	This guidance has been reviewed and extensively updated. Section 1, "Blackpool Families Rock - Values" is new.
Section 47 Enquiries - Practice Guidance	This guidance for social workers and managers has been rewritten and should be read in full.
Assessment and Support Team (AST) Responsibilities and Transfer Policy from AST to the Strengthening and Supporting, Children in Our Care, Children with Complex Needs and Awaken Teams	This document has been rewritten to reflect current team names and practice in Blackpool.
Applications for Emergency Protection Orders	This procedure has been updated and reviewed as required.
Complaints and Representations	This guidance has been reviewed throughout to reflect the processes in place locally for responding to any complaints from children and families. Section 4, Dealing with a Complaint is new and sets out eight useful steps for dealing with complaints. Section 7, Dealing with Conflict is also new.
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	Paragraph 1.5 has been updated to include additional information on Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews which may be held when a child dies and abuse or neglect is known or suspected.
Recording Policy and Guidelines	This guidance has been updated to reflect a Blog written 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?)
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)	A note has been added into Section 1, Principles to draw attention to OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring schools for pupils with SEND are registered with the DFE as require.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	A link to the new Digital Referral Form for referring children who have been trafficked or are victims of Modern Slavery to the National Referral Mechanism has been added.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	This guidance has been reviewed locally and additional information has been added in relation to the areas which should be covered by the Social Work Assessment and actions required on completion of the Assessment.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	This guidance has been extensively updated to include additional local information on support available to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
AWAKEN - Contextual Safeguarding and Missing From Home Service	This guidance has been extensively updated to reflect the work of the AWAKEN team and safeguarding partners to support children and young people who go missing or who are being exploited or who are at risk of exploitation.
Placements with Connected Persons	This procedure has been reviewed and updated.
Our Children's Reviews	This procedure has been extensively updated and should be read in full.
Family Time Policy, Procedures and Practice Guidance	This document has been completely rewritten and should be read in full.
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education. 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. In Section 1.3, Role of the Local Authority, Virtual School Head (VSH), and School, OFSTED's advice that Local Authorities should exercise due diligence in ensuring that the schools that Our Children attend are registered with the DFE as required has been added.
Staying Put	The Staying Put Policy and Guidance has been extensively updated. A link to a guide for young people has also been added.
Guidance for Managing Allegations and Serious Complaints against Foster Carers	This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed, and terminology has been updated where required.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Working Well with Children and Families in Lancashire	The Working Well with Children and Families in Lancashire documents provide an overview of the levels of need that families and children might experience through their lives in Lancashire, and broadly sets out who should respond to these needs and how. Part 3 contains Information about Services and Support in Blackpool, including the Our Blackpool Families Rock approach.

January 2020

CAPTION: January 20

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	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).
Private Fostering	This chapter has been updated. It confirms in Section 14, After the Private Fostering Arrangement Ends that any request for support by the young person should be made to the local authority in which they are resident or where the education and training is being provided.
Placements with Parents	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).
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 Our Children's Review so the decision can inform the Our Children's Review and they must be chaired by different individuals.
Notifications of Significant Events	This chapter has been substantially updated and should be re-read.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	A link has been added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 9, Representations / Independent Review Procedure.
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. See Section 6, Representations/Review Procedure.
Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters	This chapter has been amended to reflect the national changes in adoption registration and matching (see Section 9, After the Panel Recommendation) and a link added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 10, Representations / Independent Review Procedure.
Placement for Adoption	This chapter has been amended to incorporate references to the Adoption Register and to Adoption Match following the Adoption Register suspension and the adoption agency Adoption Match.
Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records	A link has been added to Attending and IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 3.2, Adoption Orders made on or after 30 December 2005.
Applications for 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 (see new Section 6.2, Special Guardianship applications in care proceedings).
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship Guidance	This chapter has been updated to note the Family Court Justice Interim Guidance on Special Guardianship, Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (May 2019). See Section 3, Special Guardianship - Matters to be Dealt with in Report for the Court and final paragraphs 11 and 12.
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 has been added to the manual.

July 2019

CAPTION: July 2019

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	The Related Guidance section has been updated to add supporting resources with regard to children's consultation and participation.
Assessments	This chapter has been revised to reflect updated guidance on Assessment in Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the 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 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. It 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)). (See Section 9.1, Good Local Authority Practice During Proceedings).
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the process for reporting a serious incident to the Panel via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification System.
Recording Policy and Guidelines	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).
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	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.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	This chapter has been updated when a new Section 6, Suitable Placements has been added. Details of the National Transfer Scheme Protocol for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children Version 2.0 March 2018 have been added into Section 1, Introduction and Definitions.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds who may be Homeless and/or require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	This chapter has been updated.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	This chapter has been amended 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 (see Section 2.1, The Care Plan - Contents).
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).
Permanence Planning Guidance	This chapter has been 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. Children subject to a Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order are entitled to support from their school, through the designated teacher.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	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.
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	This chapter has been amended to include a link to the Leaving Care and Transition Procedure in relation to Personal Adviser visits to 'Relevant' or 'Former Relevant' young people.
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been 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 15, Mental Health and a new Section 8, Safeguarding the Looked After Child at School. A link has been added to the National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2. 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).
Leaving Care and Transition	Amendments have been made in: Section 5, Leaving Care Assessment of Need - in relation to children who are victims of trafficking or unaccompanied asylum seeking children; Section 7, Reviews of Pathway Plans - in relation to Relevant/Former Relevant young people moving to 'unregulated' accommodation; and Section 8, Personal Advisers - in relation to frequency of visits by Personal Advisers.
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, see Section 7.7, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
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, see Section 3.8, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
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. A previously looked-after child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because 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).
Adoption Reviews	Section 5, The Conduct of Adoption Reviews (paragraph 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.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	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.

January 2019

CAPTION: January 2019

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Assessments	Section 4, Communication has been updated to include reference to parents with learning disabilities.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the 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 2.1, Principles). In Related Guidance, a link has been added to Research in Practice supporting information and guidance on the Social Work Evidence template (SWET).
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been amended. 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.
Case Records and Retention	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.
Relinquished Children	Section 5, Consent and Competency has been updated to include additional information on parental capacity to consent, in line with High Court case-law.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	Additional information has been added in to Section 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation, in line with recent case-law.
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	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).
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 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.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read.
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 has been added in relation to adoption records where an Adoption Order is not made.
Life Story Books Guidance	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be re-read in its entirety.
Later Life Letters	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be re-read in its entirety.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been updated 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.

July 2018

CAPTION: July 2018

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Contacts and Referrals	This chapter has been revised to set out in more detail the timetable and partnership requirements associated with effectively managing contacts and referrals.
Child in Need Plans and Reviews	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.
Recording Policy and Guidelines	This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Access to Records / Subject Access Requests	This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
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.
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.
Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern Slavery	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Family and Friends Care	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Placements with Parents	This chapter 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. (See Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks Before Placement).
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	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.
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).
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.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	New Section 3.5, Consent to Health Care Assessments has been added.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter has been updated to add clarification in relation to Qualifying Young People. See Definitions. In addition this guidance has been updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	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.
Adoption Panel	This guidance has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Placement for Adoption	This chapter has been amended to emphasise 'procedural fairness' as a key aspect of the adoption planning process in respect of ensuring parents are provided with information throughout, including the dates of placement/proposed changes of a child's Status, etc. This follows the outcome of a judicial review ([2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin)). (See new Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness).
Inter Country Adoption	Section 8, Home Study has been updated to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Photography and Sharing Images Guidance for Photographing and Recording Children During Children's Services Support Activities and Events	This policy has been developed for use by Blackpool's Children's Services. It should be used and referenced when social workers and workers in Children's Services intent to obtain and use images of children and young people that are going to be used in Life-story work, websites and social networking sites or information leaflets on service's or initiative's being developed for young people. This policy can also be used to help children, parents, staff and volunteers understand how photographs can be shared more safely.
Deprivation of Liberty	A link to this resource has been added.
Mental Capacity Practice Resource	A link to this resource has been added.

February 2018

CAPTION: February 2018

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	Section 4.2, Case Analysis has been updated to reflect the 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan added by s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 (amending section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	Section 2.1, The Care Plan – Contents has been amended to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (s. 8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Permanence Planning Guidance	Section 5, Assessing and Planning for Permanence, has been updated to reflect the additional 'permanence provisions' of the Care Plan (under s.8 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 31(3B) Children Act 1989) which a court is required to consider when deciding whether to make a Care Order.
Placement for Adoption	Section 1, Planning for Permanence has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by section 9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) into the list of considerations that whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.
Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters	Section 4.1, Duty to Consider Fostering for Adoption Placement has been updated to reflect the additional consideration (added by section 9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.

January 2018

CAPTION: January 2018

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child in Need)	This chapter has been updated in line with the requirement to notify Ofsted of any serious childcare incident using the Ofsted online Notification of serious childcare incident for local authorities form.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	A link has been added to NRPF Network - Securing British Citizenship for looked after children in the Relevant Guidance and Information section.
Private Fostering	This chapter has been amended to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regards to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school.
Young Carers	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	This chapter has been amended to reflect the outcome of an Appeal Court hearing (2017) with respect to 'consent'. The court recognised that the term 'consent' itself was not used in Section 20. However, it described previous court observations as 'good practice guidance', emphasising its judgment should not alter the content or effect of these. (See Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent).
Health Care Assessments and Plans	Section 3.1.2, Role of the IRO in Promoting the Child's Health has been added.
Personal Care and Relationships	Section 3, Bedrooms has been updated to reflect the risk assessment in relation to sharing bedrooms should be reviewed by the supervising social worker at each visit and by the Fostering IRO through Foster Carer Reviews.
Change of Name of a Looked After Child	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Placement for Adoption	A link has been added to Contact After Adoption - Research in Practice.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Scheme of Delegation	An updated version has been added.

June 2017

CAPTION: June 2017

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter has been amended to add a link to the ADCS/Cafcass 'Agreement About How Local Authorities and Cafcass Can Work Effectively in a Set of Care Proceedings and Pre-Proceedings in the English Family Courts'. The Agreement's objective is to reduce delay and ensure the 26 weeks PLO timescale is met. The key areas identified are Pre-Proceedings, assessment and care planning. (See Agreement between Local Authorities and CAFCASS to Work Effectively before the Court in Proceedings).
Supervision Policy and Guidelines	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Case Records and Retention	Section 2, Retention and Confidentiality of Records has been updated including the addition of a note with regards to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter has been updated to reflect the outcome of a court judgement on Ordinary Residence that has been included in DoH, Care and support statutory guidance (December 2016). (See Section 12, Funding Issues - Ordinary Residence). A link has been added into Further Information to guidance on SEND: 19- to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans (DfE 2017).
Short Breaks	A link has been added to Friendship For All (The Children's Society) in the Relevant Legislation, Guidance and Information section.
Family and Friends Care	A link has been added in the Relevant Legislation and Guidance Section to Family Rights Group - Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A Good Practice Guide. This guide sets out best practice as to how viability assessments should be conducted.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	Section 1, Introduction has been updated to take account of the change of definition in: Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017).
Placements with Parents	Section 1.2, Assessment and Checks before Placement has been updated to include consideration should be given as to whether the home environment is safe for the child including where relevant, the need for a risk assessment of any pets and the environment in which they are kept.
Placements with Connected Persons	Section 3, Approval of Immediate Placements of Looked After Children with Connected Persons has been updated to include matters that should be considered when placing a child with a Connected Person should include an initial risk assessment of any pets, together with the environment in which the pet is kept. A link has also been added in the Relevant Guidance Section to Family Rights Group - Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A Good Practice Guide. This guide sets out best practice as to how viability assessments should be conducted.
Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare Grounds	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Advocacy and Independent Visitors	This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Children's Society 'Advocacy services for children and young people – a guide for commissioners'. This guide outlines the legislative requirements of local authorities in the provision of advocacy support to Children in Need and Looked After Children.
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).
Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers	This chapter has been amended to reflect the ADCS / Cafcass 'Agreement About How Local Authorities and Cafcass Can Work Effectively in a Set of Care Proceedings and Pre-Proceedings in the English Family Courts', (see Section 4, Role of the IRO in Relation to Children Subject to Care proceedings).
Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	A link has been added to Children's Attachment: Attachment in Children and Young People who are Adopted from Care, in Care or at High Risk of Going into Care - NICE Guidelines (NG26) in the Relevant Legislation and Guidance section.
Staying Put	A link has been added to Staying Put: What does it mean for you? (Catch 22 National Care Advisory Service) in the Related Guidance and Information Section. This is a booklet for care leavers, regarding staying with their foster carer after the age of 18, and the duties of the local authority to provide support.
Supervision and Support of Foster Carers	Section 5, Support Provided by the Supervising Social Worker (During Placement) has been updated to reflect that the Safer Caring Plan, any changes in household circumstances along with any health and safety issues including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept should be reviewed as required.
Assessment and Approvals of Prospective Adopters	Section 5.3, Assessments has been updated to include where the applicants have pets, a risk assessment should be conducted and any associated risks should be taken into account with regard to the pet itself and where the pet is kept. Where necessary, an independent assessment should be undertaken by a vet to establish whether the dog falls within the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Inter Country Adoption	Section 3, Initial Meeting the Dfe have published Intercountry Adoption and Resident Status Requirements which set out the minimum requirements, however entry clearance requirements vary depending upon the circumstances of each case and prospective adopters will need to obtain their own independent legal advice to establish the requirements that apply to their individual circumstances. A link has been added in Section 4, Formal Approval to Intercountry adoption: means test form which contains information on how to apply for a fee reduction for people who wish to adopt a child from overseas and who earn £45,000 per year or less. In Section 12, After Approval information has been added on the Intercountry Adoption Forms: checklist for adoption which details the paperwork adoption agencies must include in the intercountry adoption applications they submit to DfE.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	The chapter has been updated. The DfE has updated the Special Guardianship Guidance to include details of the Adoption Support Fund as the Fund now covers therapeutic support for children, living in England, who were previously in care immediately before the making of a Special Guardianship Order.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Children's Consultation and Participation	This chapter details the process and commitment to ensure consultation and participation of relevant stakeholders.
Relinquished Children	This chapter deals with the first stages of the adoption process for relinquished children, whilst signposting other key processes that should be progressed and which are expected for any child who is Accommodated or where the plan is for adoption. It also summarises the counselling and support that will be made available to the birth family in these circumstances. Once a decision is made and consent is formally given, although not irreversible, the adoption process is as for any other child.

July 2016

CAPTION: July 2016

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Assessment and Planning Framework - 'Single Assessment'	Information has been added to Section 4, Good Practice in Assessment with regards to considering any factors that may indicate that the child is or has been trafficked, or is a victim of compulsory labour, servitude and slavery or has been exposed to some form of radicalisation or extremism as part of the assessment process.
Access to Records	A link has been added to the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised January 2015) and the Information Commissioners Office – Guide to Data Protection. Section 1, Rights of Access, information has been added with regards to the Data Protection Act applies to both paper and manual records and records held electronically. It is important that electronic recording systems comply with the requirements for children and their families to easily find their story in a logical narrative.
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).
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Minors	Information has been added to Section 3, Assessment with regards to considering any factors that may indicate that the child is or has been trafficked, or is a victim of compulsory labour, servitude and slavery. Also in this section a link has been added to good practice documents produced by the ADCS Asylum Task Force and the Home Office. These documents are offered by way of assistance to local authorities and their partners. The use of the proforma and consent form is voluntary. The content does not, nor does it seek to, be binding on local authorities. It is simply a recommended approach.
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 1.3, Section 20 Accommodation; Section 1.3.1, Obtaining Parental Consent; Section 1.3.2, Recording Parental Consent; Section 1.3.3, The use of Section 20 prior to Court Proceedings. Appendix 1: Becoming Looked After Checklist has also been added.
Practice Guidance on Children Ceasing to be Looked After Aged 16 and 17	This chapter has been extensively updated and replaces the previous chapter 'Ceasing to Look After a Child'.
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings	This chapter has been substantially updated and should be re-read throughout.
Advocacy and Independent Visitors	Section 2, Duties of an Advocate and a new section Relevant Guidance have been added.
Secure Accommodation (Criteria) Reviews	This chapter has been updated in July 2016, including Section 3, Chairing of Secure Accommodation Reviews has been amended as follows: The Secure Accommodation Panel should be chaired by a person independent of the care planning for the child, including line managers and the Independent Reviewing Officer. Given the need to focus on the Section 25, Children Act 1989 criteria issues, the chair should also be independent of any resource allocation, etc. and have sufficient experience and knowledge to carry out the task.
Leaving Care	Appendix 2: A Guide to Money Matters for Young People Aged 16 & 17 Living in Semi Independent or Independent Accommodation Including Supported Lodgings and Appendix 3: A Guide to Money Matters for 18-21 Year Olds have been added. The text that has been previously in Section 5, Personal Advisers has been replaced with a link to the new chapter Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of Leaving Care Personal Advisers.
Transition to Adulthood (Leaving Care) Financial Policy and Guidance	Transition to Adulthood (Leaving Care) Financial Policy and Guidance has been updated and should be read throughout. In addition, Leaving Care Financial Eligibility Table – 2015 - 2016 has been added.
Policy and Procedure for Reviewing Care and Pathway Plans for Eligible, Relevant, Former Relevant and Qualifying Children	The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read.
Approving Prospective Adopters	Information has been added to Section 3, Initial Enquiries and Information with regards to information should also be given about the policy on fees and an estimation of the costs the prospective adopter will have to pay to the agency and the Department for Education.
Adoption Support	Links have been added to Adoption Statutory Guidance 2013 and the Adoption Support Fund (Department for Education).
Intermediary Services	Information has been added to Section 6, Deciding Whether to Proceed with the Application with regards to if, at any time, the intermediary agency ascertains that the subject of an application is under the age of 18, it must not proceed further with the application. Section 7.7, Offence has also been added.
Applications for Special Guardianship Orders	Section 5, Planning Meeting, has been revised and updated in July 2016 to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements (for all applications made from 29 February 2016) as set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016.
Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship	Section 3, Special Guardianship – Matters to be Dealt with in Report to Court, has been revised and updated in to reflect the enhanced assessment and reporting requirements (for all applications made from 29 February 2016 as set out in the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of Leaving Care Personal Advisers	This guidance sets out a broad framework in regard to the roles, responsibilities and tasks of leaving care personal advisers working with 'Eligible', 'Relevant', 'Former Relevant' and 'Qualifying' care leavers. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers Regulations and Guidance 2010 (revised 2015), particularly Chapter 3 and Appendix A.

December 2015

CAPTION: December 2015

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Confidentiality Policy	This chapter has been updated in line with Information Sharing - Advice for Practitioners Providing Safeguarding Services to Children, Young People, Parents and Carers (March 2015).
Short Breaks	Section 7, Short Break Setting, revised links to new Quality Standards for Children's Homes and Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been added.
Placements in Foster Care	This chapter has been updated, a new Section 9, Long Term Foster Placements has been added.
Social Worker Visits	This chapter has been updated in particularly with regards to long term foster placements.
Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews	This chapter has been updated in particularly with regards to long term foster placements.
Health and Care Assessments and Health Plans	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be re-read.
Supervision and Expectations of Foster Carers	The link has been updated to Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol England (2014) (reissued 2015).
Child Trust Funds and Junior Individual Savings Accounts for Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated to include the annual limit on contributions to Child Trust Funds/Junior ISA's for Looked After Children increased to £4080.00.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Young Carers	This chapter details the recognition and response required by the Local Authority with regards to a young carer.
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.
Staying Put	This chapter details the considerations, planning and support required with regards to a Staying Put arrangement.

June 2015

CAPTION: June 2015

Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Details
Assessment and Planning Framework - 'Single Assessment'	A link to 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 has been added to the Related Guidance and Information section.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	A link has been added to the Practice Direction 25b – The Duties of an Expert, The Expert's Report and Arrangements for an Expert to Attend Court and the The ADCS website in the Related Guidance section.
Whistle-Blowing Procedure	A link has been added to Raising Concerns at Work: Whistleblowing Guidance for Workers and employers in Health and Social Care (2014) in the Related Guidance section.
Private Fostering	Appendix 1: Managers Contact Details For Each Social Work Locality has been added.
Decision to Look After and Care Planning	This chapter has been updated in line with 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 1.4, Actions required after a Decision to Look After is made, in relation to sibling placement.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	A link to Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations: 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) has been added to the Related Guidance section.
Placements with Parents	Additional information has been added into Section 1 (ix), Ending of Placement, to take account of recent case-law.
Placements Out of Area	This chapter has been updated in line with the 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.
Contact with Parents and Siblings	Section 1, Approving and Planning Contact has been updated to reflect contact arrangements should be focused on, and shaped around, the child's needs. The child's welfare is the paramount consideration at all times and each child's wishes and needs for contact should be individually considered and regularly assessed. The wishes and feelings of the child should be ascertained, wherever possible, using advocacy and communication services if necessary.
Transition to Adulthood (Leaving Care) Financial Policy and Guidance	This Policy and Guidance has been updated to the 2015-2016 version.
Staying Put Policy 2015-16 (draft)	This Policy has been updated to the 2015-2016 version.
New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Confidentiality Policy	This chapter details Blackpool's Confidentiality Policy, values and principles.
Consultation Policy	This chapter details general principles of consultation and how people's views should be sought and taken into account in relation to all decisions, which are likely to affect their daily life and their future.
Section 47 Enquiries	This chapter should be read in conjunction with the Local Safeguarding Children Board Inter Agency Procedures.
North West Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure	This procedure set out steps to be taken when the following circumstances exist in respect of a child: The child is known to the Children's Social Care service of one local authority area; and The child has moved to stay in another local authority area, whether on a permanent or temporary basis; or Where any other agency is notified of a Child in Need that moves in or out of their area then they must make arrangements for information to be shared with/received from the equivalent agency in the other area consistent with their agency's procedures.
North West Notification and Transfer of Children Subject of Child Protection Plans across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure	This procedure aims to: Promote the safe and efficient transfer of children subject of Child Protection Plans in and out of the Local Authority area; Promote consistent action and responses to the transfer of cases where children are subject of a Child Protection Plan to and from other Local Authority Areas.
North West Pre-Care and Care Proceedings Notification and Transfer across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure	This procedure is applicable where and the steps set out within should be taken when the following circumstances exist in respect of a child: The child is subject of Pre-Care or Care Proceedings in one local authority area; and The child has moved and is now ordinarily resident in another local authority area. Specific provisions are set out for cases where a pregnant mother moves to another local authority area during the latter stages of pregnancy.
Revised Method of Managing Decision Making in Relation to Legal Proceedings within Social Care Guidance for Staff	The purpose of this guidance is to advise all social care staff of the revised process for decision making in relation to legal proceedings. This is to ensure a more consistent approach to the process and to ensure that the cases are tracked and timely intervention occurs, specifically in relation to any pre-proceedings meetings.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Minors	This chapter details eligibility for service assessment, refusal of service including review of provision.
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds	This chapter details the role of the Local Authority and procedures for working with families with no recourse to public funds.
Notifications of Significant Events	This chapter sets out who must be notified of specified events in relation to Looked After children placed in foster care or residential care.
Criminal Injuries Compensation and Looked After Children	This chapter details eligibility and dealing with payments to a looked after child.
Young Persons Guide to Children and Families Act 2014	A link to this Guide has been added.

December 2014

CAPTION: December 2014

New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Assessment and Planning Framework -'Single Assessment'	The purpose of this Assessment and Planning Framework is to set out how, in Blackpool, cases are assessed, planned and managed when there are concerns about a child and where it is recognised that there is a need for social work assessment and intervention. In Blackpool social work statutory assessment and intervention is offered when Level 4 of the Blackpool Continuum of Need threshold is met.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter reflects the revised family court system. It replaces the previous chapters on Court Proceedings and Public Law Outline.
The Family Court in Lancashire – Guidance as to Current Practices and Procedure	This guidance document is an attempt to set out in clear terms the practices and procedures which are now in place, including those which preceded the recent changes, and those which have been a consequence of them.
Lancashire Guidance Note: Non-Compliance With Directions Orders and Request for Extensions of Time for Compliance	This Guidance Note relates to non-compliance with case management orders handed down by the court and requests of extension of time for compliance.
The Lancashire Protocol Relating to the Disclosure To and From Family Care Proceedings	This Protocol applies to cases involving criminal investigations into alleged child abuse and/ or Family Court proceedings concerning a child.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	The information in this chapter is taken from Government guidance documents as listed below. It should be read in conjunction with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures regarding sexual exploitation of children and young people and related procedures in this manual.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This procedure sets out the specific provision under the Children and Families Act 2014 in relation to children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs or disabilities. For the purposes of the Act, 'young person' is someone aged 16-25.
Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters	This procedure deals with placement of a child with carers who are dually approved, i.e. approved both as prospective adopters and as local authority foster carers.
Child Arrangements Orders	Child Arrangements Orders were introduced in April 2014 by the Children and Families Act 2014 (which amended Section 8, Children Act 1989). They replace Contact Orders and Residence Orders. This chapter covers who can apply, directions, conditions and ending of such arrangements.
Updated Chapter
Chapter Name	Details
Applications for Emergency Protection Orders	This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised guidance as set out above, the revised family justice and courts system, and a new Section 6, Powers to Assist in Discovery of Children Who May Be In Need Of Emergency Protection has been added.
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 May 2014). A new Section 8, Applications by Care Leavers has been added.
Permanence Planning Guidance	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014, and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. The main changes are in relation to adoption, specifically Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters.
Placement in Secure Accommodation	This chapter has been slightly updated, links have been added to Related Guidance and Related Chapter sections.
Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter has been extensively updated and should be re-read in its entirety.
Leaving Care	This chapter has been updated in line with The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 3: Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers (revised October 2014). Information has been added in relation to Section 6, The 16-19 Bursary Fund and Higher Education Bursary, Section 7, Young People Resuming Education or Training After 21 and Section 11, Access to Records.
Staying Put Policy	Section 7, Support for Foster Carers has been added and information regarding Young People Attending University and Other Settings Away from Home has been added to Section 8, Financial Requirements and Personal Benefits for Young People.
Child Trust Funds and Junior Individual Savings Accounts for Looked After Children	This chapter has been updated in to include the annual limit on contributions to Child Trust Funds/Junior ISA's for Looked After Children increased to £4000.00.
Approving Prospective Adopters	This chapter has been updated in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the overall aim of speeding up the adoption process. The chapter has been updated throughout and should be re-read. Information has been added in relation to: Fostering for Adoption (Sections 1 and 5.4); Adoption Register (Section 9); Duty to provide information on adoption support services (Sections 1 and 2); Ethnicity (Section 15.3).
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: The duty to consider Fostering for Adoption placements; The removal of the requirement to give due consideration to a child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background when matching a child and prospective adopters; Post-adoption contact; Placing of siblings.
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.

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