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Closing Cases
Cases may be closed in the following circumstances:
- Social work objectives / goals have been achieved and no further input is required
- The family require ongoing support but there is no role for Social Care
- Family decline further support and there is no statutory reason (e.g. child protection concern) for work to continue
- The child / family moves permanently to another area and there is no reason for continued involvement by us.
Where the child was previously subject to a child protection plan, they must be seen alone and their accommodation visited before closure can be considered.
Where a child has been looked after the case can only be closed when they are no longer looked after and one of the above circumstances are met. At the point of closure the Reviewing Officer must be notified and an assessment completed of the services that may be required in the future to prevent the child becoming looked after again.
Closing summary
Closing Summary
Brief household details (to include all children and adults in the home):
Description of agreed outcome:
Evidence of outcome being achieved (including dates):
If not achieved, why not:
Reasons for case closure:
If the case is complex the following extra information will be required.
Family composition (building on above information):
Period covered by closure summary:
Frequency of contact:
Reasons for involvement:
How the family responded:
Other agencies remaining involved:
Suggested work plan if case re-referred:
Case records should be audited prior to closure by the supervisor and the closing summary signed and dated by both the caseworker and their supervisor.
Actions
Task | Responsible Officer | Record required | Timescale |
Discuss the case and agree if closure can take place. | Social worker and supervisor. | Computer | On file within 15 working days |
Present the case for closure to the team manager or supervisor. | Social worker and supervisor. | Computer | 20 working days |
If agreed the closing summary will be authorised and dated and the file audited. | Social worker and supervisor. | Computer | On file prior to closure |
Admin support will archive the case files as required following the file retention policy. | Admin support | Computer | According to file retention policy |