Residential placements

Looking for residential provision is a significant step for both the child and the department. It is therefore important that the needs of the child are clearly matched to the placement and that the placement is considered to be able to meet those needs and keep the child safe.

In identifying suitable placements out of jurisdiction the department should consider at least three providers. Consideration should be given to Ofsted reports and how the organisation can meet the identified needs of the child or young person. The best option and best value must be the primary consideration.

Child's needs These should be paramount when identifying suitable provision and consideration must be given to all aspects of the child's care plan.Before any placement the following must take place:

Most recent Ofsted Inspection Reports, and any other supporting documents, are requested from the relevant local authority, and received prior to any further action being taken. These reports will include all relevant information ie how behaviour has been managed within the placement, how child protection allegations have been managed etc.
The social worker should not visit the placements in isolation but be accompanied by a clinical or educational psychologist (or both) depending on the predominant identified need.
Placement plans part 1 and 2 and care plans must be agreed.
Roles should be clearly identified between the placing agency and providers prior to placement.
The contract services manager will agree a contract with the provider.
Frequency of visiting by the social worker should be agreed.

Actions

Task	Responsible Officer	Record	Timescale
Contact providers from resources library in LAC Team	Social Worker / Clinical Psychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	Within one week of panel approval
Most recent Ofsted Inspection Reports, and any other supporting documents, are received from the relevant local authority (responsible for placement)	Social Worker / Clinical Psychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	Within one week of request
Consider options available	Social Worker / ClinicalPsychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	On receipt of information
Arrange visits to placements	Social Worker / Admin worker / ResidentialSocial Worker / Clinical Psychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	Within one week
Visit placements	Social Worker / Clinical Psychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	Immediately
Multi-agency planning meeting to consider most appropriate provision	Team Manager / Senior Practitioner	Computer	Within one week of visits
Case presented to complex needs	Social Worker / ClinicalPsychologist / Educational Psychologist	Child's plan	Next available panel
Introductions commence	Social Worker/ Clinical Psychologist / Educational Psychologist	Computer	Immediately

Residential placements

Child's needs These should be paramount when identifying suitable provision and consideration must be given to all aspects of the child's care plan.Before any placement the following must take place:

Actions

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