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Children in Care and the Child Protection Process

When children are looked after by the Department they are subject to the care planning process which is triggered through being looked after. Therefore they are unlikely to need a child protection plan to be in place as well. There are however certain circumstances where this may be applicable.

When a child who is subject to a child protection plan becomes looked after, there is a need to determine whether the child protection plan needs to continue.   Where there is a care plan and the need for child protection planning to continue (e.g. if the child is to return home after a short period being looked after) then there should be a single plan overseen through a single review process.  This ensures that all information is shared at the same time and can inform all aspects of the service being provided to the child.

Actions

Action

Person responsible

Timescale

Children subject to CP Plans who start to be looked after

If a child subject to a CP Plan is accommodated under s20 then the next review should consider whether the plan should cease.

Conference members

Next review conference

If a child ceases to be subject to a CP Plan as they are accommodated and the parent unexpectedly requests the child returns home then a decision should be made as to whether an initial conference is convened.

Social worker and Unit Manager ( first line manager)

Within 1 working day of request for child to return home

If a child subject to a CP Plan becomes subject of an emergency protection order then the review conference should consider their safety.

Conference members

Next review conference (to be bought forward if more than four weeks away - see review conference)

Children who are looked after already

If a child is subject of an interim care order and remains at home an initial case conference should be considered

Social worker and Unit Manager (first line manager)

Formulated as part of the care plan to be put before the Court

If it is proposed that a child subject to a care order is to return home decision to be made as to whether an initial conference is required.

Care review members

At review where rehabilitation is considered as the plan for the child

If a child is made subject to an interim care order whilst s47 enquiries are undertaken decision required as to whether an initial conference should be held. 

Social worker and Unit Manager (first line manager)

Within 5 working days of interim care order being made

If decision in the above situation is not to convene conference then child's safety must be considered at every care review until the final hearing with the Chair recording whether an initial conference is necessary and how the child is being safeguarded.

Chair of care review

At each care review until the final hearing

If a parent removes or proposes removing a child from s20 accommodation and there are serious concerns about the parent's capacity to protect the child and meet their needs a decision is required as to whether s47 enquiry should be undertaken.

Social worker and Unit Manager ( first line manager)

Within 1 working day of request for child to return home or child being removed from their placement

If the decision in the above situation is to undertake a s47 enquiry consideration should also be given as to whether legal action is required to protect the child.

Social worker and Unit Manager ( first line manager)

Within 1 working day of request for child to return home or child being removed from their placement