2.1.1 Child in Need Plans and Reviews |
Contents
1. Child in Need Plans
A Child in Need Plan is a plan setting out the services provided to a Child in Need, who is not Looked After and does not have a Child Protection Plan, for example, family support or day care.
Child in Need Plans are normally drawn up at the conclusion of an Initial or Core Assessment by the social worker undertaking the assessment and/or allocated to the child's case or responsible for making the arrangements for a child to receive services.
It may be necessary to make minor adjustments to the plan and services provided. Any changes to the plan must be made in consultation with the parents and the child (where appropriate) and key professionals from other agencies. If there are significant changes in the family circumstances, a formal review should take place.
For additional procedures and guidance relating to children with disabilities, see Children with Disabilities Procedure.
2. Child in Need Plan Reviews
Child In Need Plan Reviews will be conducted at intervals agreed with the manager, but at least every six months, by the child's social worker, who should invite or seek the views of the child, parents and any service providers. If the case is not allocated, the manager must undertake the review or arrange for it to be undertaken on his/her behalf.
In the case of services provided to asylum seeking families, the Review should take place at least every 12 weeks, see Asylum Seekers Procedure.
In the case of services provided to children with disabilities which include respite care, the first Review should be held within 28 days of the first overnight stay, the second review should be within 3 months, and subsequent Reviews should be held annually. A practice supervisor from the Children with Disabilities Team will chair such reviews.
The outcome of a Child in Need Review may be:
- That the child is no longer a Child in Need, resulting in a recommendation to the manager that the case be closed.
- That the child continues to be a Child in Need, resulting in the continuing provision of services and amendment, as necessary, of the Child In Need Plan; which must be circulated to the child, parent(s) and all other relevant people.
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