This section covers the policy, procedure and guidance for the social worker making arrangements for a child in the care of the city council.
A child is in the care of the city council either under a court order, and is said to be “in care”, or by the voluntary agreement of their parents, and is said to be “accommodated”. Most children are in care because they have suffered abuse or neglect.
Every child in care is allocated a CYPS social worker to ensure that adequate arrangements are made for their care. The social worker will arrange for the child to live with foster carers or in a children's home. The social worker must visit the child regularly and ensure that there is a timely review of the arrangements, according to regulations.
So that the child's future is secure, the social worker will make a Placement Information Record and a Child's Care Plan, in partnership with the child, their parents and other involved people. A Child in Care Review is held within 28 days of placement, then within the next three months and six-monthly thereafter. Age-related Assessment and Progress Records are completed annually.
See also Support for Children in Care available from the link to the left.