» ‘Forever Planning’ for Bolton’s Children and Young People

Bolton’s Permanence Strategy 2019-2021

Contents1. Introduction 1.1 What is the aim? 4 1.2 DefinitionofPermanence 4 1.3 WhatdoBoltonchildrenwhoarelookedaftersayabout‘Permanence’? 5 1.4 OurcommitmenttothechildrenandyoungpeopleofBolton 5 1.5 WhatweknowaboutLookedAfterChildrenandCareLeaversinBolton 6

Bolton’s Objectives for Permanence Planning2. Objective 1: Supportingchildrenandyoungpeopletoremainwiththeirparentsorcarerswhenitissafetodoso byprovidingeffectiveservicesandsupportandreducingtheneedforchildrentobecomeorremainlookedafter 2.1 Helpingearlierand‘TargetedSupport’ 7 2.2 A‘Strengths-BasedApproach’withfamilies 7 2.3 Effectivepre-proceedingsinterventionandthe‘PublicLawOutline’(PLO) 8 2.4 GatewayandPermanencePanel 8 3. Objective 2: Whenchildrenmustbecomelookedaftertheywillhaveaclearpathwaythatidentifiesand securesapositivepermanencesolutionfortheminatimelyway 3.1 Principlesforeffective‘PermanencePlanning’forLookedAfterChildren 9 3.2 Effectiveplanningincluding‘Multi-track’Planning 9 3.3 Highqualityassessmentofachild’sneeds 10 3.4 Attachmenttheoryandstability 10

4. Options of Permanence 4.1 Reunification 11 4.2 Placementwithfamilyorconnectedpersons 11 4.3 Adoption 12 4.4 Fosteringforadoption/concurrency 12 4.5 Longtermfostering 12 4.6 SpecialGuardianshipOrder(SGO) 12 4.7 ResidentialCare 12

5. When there is delay to permanence being achieved 136. TheroleoftheIndependentReviewingOfficer(IRO) 147. The ‘Child’s Life Story’ 148. Bolton’s pledge to children and young people who are looked after 159. Advocacy services for children and young people in Bolton 1510. Securing enough accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers in Bolton 1511. How will we measure the impact of permanence planning in Bolton? 11.1 The‘TrackingPermanenceModel’ 16 11.2 Trackingpermanence(forallLookedAfterChildrenlinkedtolifetimecosting) 16 11.3 Measuringimpactforthechild 17 11.4 Practiceandresourcedevelopment 17

Appendix A - Achieving Permanence Flowchart 18Appendix B - Permanence Options by Age Grid 19

1.1 What is the aim?

ThisPermanenceStrategysetsoutBoltonCouncil’scommitmenttosecuringpermanenceforallourchildrenandhowthiswillbeachieved.Ourpriorityissupportingchildrentoremainathomewithfamilywherepossibleandwhenchildrendohavetobecomelookedafter,itisourcommitmenttoensuringthesechildrenhaveaclearplanforpermanence.

Permanenceplanningprovidesanunderpinningframeworkforallsocialworkwithchildrenandfamiliesfromthepointofofferingearlyhelp,ifchildrenareinneed,requireprotection,andiftheyhavetobecomelookedafter.

ThisPermanenceStrategywillbeembeddedinthepracticeofallprofessionalsacrossservicesforchildreninBolton.Allpractitionersshouldbeawareoftheirroleinachievingearlypermanenceforeverychildandworkcollectivelywithothersinordertodeliveranexcellentservicethatcontributestoeverychild’sexperienceofreceivingservicesandsupportinBolton.

BoltonCouncilarecommittedtoachievingthebestoutcomesforBolton’schildrenandfamilies,keytothisisthateveryprofessionaldeliversahigh-qualityserviceforourmostvulnerablechildrentoensureeverychildhasasecure,stableandlovingfamilytosupportthemthroughchildhoodandbeyond.

TheChildrenAct(1989)GuidanceandRegulationssetsouttheclearexpectationthatlocalauthoritiesshould,wherevernecessarysecurepermanentcarearrangementsforchildrenintheircare.Thishasbeenstrengthenedintherevisedregulationswhereachievingpermanencefromthedayachildbecomeslookedafter(CarePlanningPlacementandCaseReview(England)Regulations2010,revised2015).

Introduction

Thisstrategyshouldbereadinconjunctionwith‘Bolton’spledgetochildrenandyoungpeoplewhoarelookedafter’,whichisthesetofpromisesmadebyBoltonCouncilandpartnerstoallchildrenincareandcareleavers.

1.2DefinitionofPermanence

Permanence is the long-term plan for the child’s upbringing and provides an underpinning framework for all social work with children and families from family support through to adoption. The objective of planning for permanence is to ensure that children have the appropriate physical, emotional and legal circumstances to provide them with a stable and loving family to support them through childhood and beyond and to give them a sense of security, continuity, commitment, identity and belonging

Care Planning and Fostering Regulations (2015)

Permanenceisabouthavinga‘familyforlife’(Sinclairetal,2007)andasenseofbelongingandconnectedness(Schofieldetal,2012).

Bolton children and young people want permanence planning for them to be called ‘Forever Planning’.

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1.3WhatdoBoltonchildrenwhoare lookedaftersayaboutPermanence?

Voice 4 U is Bolton’s children and young people’s participation group, and this is what they had to say:

» Youngpeopledidn’tunderstandwhatwasmeantbytheword‘Permanence’;theyidentifiedmorewiththeterm‘ForeverPlanning’ratherthan‘PermanencyPlanning’

» Youngpeoplewanttheirfamilytobeconsideredtocareforthemfirst,thisshoulddependonwhetherprofessionalsthinkitissafeandinformedbythechildoryoungperson’sviews

» Youngpeopleinformustheywanttofeelsafeandcomfortablewheretheylive,andtheywanttofeelwantedbythepersoncaringforthem.Oneyoungpersonsaidtheyliketheircarerbecausetheylistentothemandmakethemfeelokay,sotheiremotionsdon’tgetworse

» Youngpeoplesayprofessionalsneedtoasktheirparentswhattheirlikesarewhenthinkingabouttheirfutureifthisisawayfromtheirparents

» Talkingaboutsiblings,youngpeopleidentifiedmorewiththeterm‘brothersandsisters’;youngpeoplespokeabouthowitisimportantforthemtolivewithbrothersandsistersiftheycanandthatprofessionalsneedtothinkaboutwhenbrothersandsistersaresplitbetweenlivingwithfamilyandsomeinotherplacementsandtheimpactthishasontheirrelationshipswitheachother.Youngpeoplefelttheycouldbepushedoutoftheirsiblinggroupbecausetheywereplacedoutsideoftheirfamily

» Talkingaboutanadulttheytrustedgrowingup,youngpeoplespokeaboutateacherorkeyworkerfromschool

» Youngpeoplewouldratherknowtheyaremovingevenifthiswillupsetthem,asthisgivesthemtimetoprocesswhatishappeningbeforetheymove

» Youngpeoplewanttoknowhowlongtheplanistolivesomewhereasnotknowingisharder

» Youngpeoplesaidthatwhentheplanisforthemtolivewithsomeonetheydonotknowsuchasafostercarerthattheyshouldbegiventheopportunitytobeintroducedtothembeforetheymove

1.4OurcommitmenttothechildrenandyoungpeopleofBolton

Childrenandyoungpeopleareattheheartofeverythingwedo,Bolton’s2030VisionsetsouttheclearplanofwhatneedstobedonetosupportthepeopleofBoltontoStartWell,LiveWellandAgeWell.

We are committed to delivering the following outcomes for our children, families and communities in Bolton which will underpin our approach to Permanence planning:

» Givingourchildrenthebestpossiblestartinlife,sothattheyhaveeverychancetosucceedandbehappy

» Developingstronger,cohesive,moreconfidentcommunitieswherepeoplefeelsafe,welcomeandconnected

» Ourchildrenaresafeandhealthy,andactive

» Ourchildrenarriveatschoolreadytolearnanddevelop

» Ourchildrenarepreparedforlife

» Ourlookedafterchildrenaspireandachieve

» PeopleinBoltonstaywellforlonger,andfeelmoreconnectedintheircommunities

» PeopleinBoltoncanliveindependently,withchoiceandcontrol

» PeopleinBoltonlivelonger,healthierlives

» Povertyisreducedamongourfamiliesandchildren

» ItisourresponsibilitytoensureeverychildinBoltonwillhavethesupportandservicestomeettheirassessedneeds

» Decisionsaboutachild’sfutureplanningwilltakeaccountandrespectthechild’srace,religion,sexuality,ageanddisability

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1.5WhatweknowaboutLookedAfterChildren(LAC)andCareLeaversinBolton

Duringthelast10yearsBolton’sLACpopulationhasrisenfrom436(March2009)tothecurrentlevelof647(March2019).Thisisanincreaseofover48.4%.Thetrajectoryoftherisecanbeseeninthetableaboveandifthetrendfrom2011continued,by2028therewouldbe960LookedAfterChildreninBolton.

FurtheranalysisofBolton’sLookedAfterChildrenpopulationcanbefoundintheBoltonCouncil‘LAC Sufficiency Statement 2018-2020’.

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Bolton’s Objectives for Permanence Planning EffectivePermanencePlanninginBoltonmustleadfromarecognitionthatthepopulationofLookedAfterChildrencontinuestoincreaseyearonyear,thereforeourfirstobjectiveistosupportchildrenwherepossibletoremainathomeandoursecondobjectiveistoensurewhenitisnecessaryforachildoryoungpersontobecomelookedafterthatpermanenceisachieved:

Objective 1Supportingchildrenandyoungpeopletoremainwiththeirparentsorcarerswhenitissafetodosobyprovidingeffectiveservicesandsupportandreducingtheneedforchildrentobecomeorremainlookedafter.

Objective 2Whenchildrenmustbecomelookedaftertheywillhaveaclearpathwaythatidentifiesandsecuresapositivepermanencesolutionfortheminatimelyway.

Table1:LACPopulationinBolton

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500

600

700

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End

436

481

521 517539 530

572 561579

615647

Looked After Children at year end

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FurtheranalysisofBolton’sLookedAfterChildrenpopulationcanbefoundintheBolton Council ‘LAC Sufficiency Statement 2018-2020’.

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/bolton_suff_statement.pdf?zoom_highlight=sufficiency#search=%22sufficiencyhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/bolton_suff_statement.pdf?zoom_highlight=sufficiency#search=%22sufficiencyhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/bolton_suff_statement.pdf?zoom_highlight=sufficiency#search="sufficiencyhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/bolton_suff_statement.pdf?zoom_highlight=sufficiency#search="sufficiency

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Objective 1 2.Supporting children and young people to remain with their parents or carers when it is safe to do so by providing effective services and support and reducing the need for children to become or remain looked after.

2.1HelpingearlierandTargetedSupport BoltonStayingSafeDivisionwillworkinpartnershipwithparentsandfamilies,inordertoachievethebestpossibleoutcomesforchildren.Everyeffortwillbemadetosupportchildrenremainingathomewithparentswiththerightlevelofsupportifitissafetodoso.

BoltonStayingSafeDivisionarecommittedtothecontinueddevelopmentoftheEarlyHelpandTargetedServices.Thisserviceistomakeimpactonsupportingchildrenandtheirfamiliesfromtheearliestopportunity.Theaimistoprovidetherightsupportattherighttimewithanapproachthatisfamilyfriendlyandstrengthsbased.MoreinformationcanbefoundintheEarly Help Guidance (2018).

Whenthereareconcernsaboutachildtheappropriateassessmentwillbecompletedandthecorrectlevelofsupporttomeettheneedsofthechildandtheirfamilywillbeprovided,plansforchildrenandyoungpeoplewillbeSMART(Specific,Measurable,Achievable,RelevantandTimely),andwillbereviewedaccordingtostatutorytimescalestoensurepositivechangecanbeachievedwherepossible.MoreinformationcanbefoundintheChildren and Families – Single Assessment Protocol and Guidance.

Boltonwillcontinuetoprovideeffectivetargetedservicesforchildrenontheedgeofcarewiththeaimofreducingriskandwherepossiblepreventingtheneedforchildrentobecomethesubjectofcareproceedingsand/orbecomelookedafter.

Fromourfirstinvolvementwithchildren,youngpeopleandtheirfamilies,theywillbeconsultedwithsensitivityandinwaysthatareappropriatetotheirageandunderstandingtoinformourinvolvementwiththemandthedecisionsthatmayaffectthem.

2.2A‘Strengths-BasedApproach’withfamilies

Boltoniscommittedtoa‘strengths-based approach’whenworkingwithchildren,youngpeople,theirparentsandfamilies.Thisapproachinpracticevaluesthecapacity,skills,knowledge,connectionsandpotentialintheindividuals,theirfamiliesandcommunities.Focusingonstrengthsdoesnotmeanignoringchallengesorspinningstrugglesintostrengths.Practitionerswillworkincollaborationwithfamiliestoempowerthemtosupporteachother.

Itisvitalthatinformationonwhothechild’sextendedfamilyandconnectedpersonsisgainedattheearliestopportunity.Everychildshouldhavea‘genogram’whichdetailsthisinformation.Thiswillinformproactiveplanningforchildrenandenablethesocialworkertoexploreoptionsofsupportwithinthefamily.Intheeventalternativecareoptionsforthechildarerequiredthereisafullunderstandingofthefamilymembers,theirrelationshipsanddynamics.

BoltoniscommittedtoimplementingtheFamilyGroupConferencemodel(FGC).FamilyGroupConferencesarevoluntarydecision-makingmeetingstohelpfamiliesfindtheirownsolutionstoproblems.Thesearesometimesreferredtoasfamilymeetings.TheFGCprocessempowersafamilyandtheirnetworktodrawontheirstrengthsandresourcestomakeasafeplanfortheirchildren.FGC’sensurethefamilynetworkhaveachancetohearanddiscusstheconcerns.Theyalsogiveanopportunityforeveryonetobelistenedtoincludingthechildandyoungperson(s).Itcanbeanopportunitytobeinformedofanyresourcesthatcouldhelpthemimprovefamilylifeandfullyexploretheoptionsforthechildtoremainsafelywiththeextendedfamilyandconnectedpersonnetwork.The’FamilyGroupConferencePolicy’forBoltonwillbecomeavailableintheBoltonChildren’sSocialCareProceduresManual.

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/early_help.pdf?zoom_highlight=early+help+guidance%23search=%22early%20help%20guidance%22https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/early_help.pdf?zoom_highlight=early+help+guidance%23search=%22early%20help%20guidance%22https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_ch_single_assess.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_ch_single_assess.htmlhttps://www.scie.org.uk/strengths-based-approaches/young-people/

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2.3Effectivepre-proceedingsinterventionandthePublicLawOutline(PLO)

BoltonChildrenServicesarecommittedtotheeffectiveuseofthe‘PublicLawOutline’tohelpfamiliesunderstandwhattheyneedtodoandpreventdriftinthedecisionmakingforchildrenandtheirfamilies.Whereitisnecessarytoconsiderpossiblelegalactiontosafeguardachildoryoungpersonandplanfortheirpermanence,thereisa‘pre-proceedingsprocess’inplacewhichmustbeadheredtowhichidentifiestimescales,documentationrequiredandtheneedtokeepthefamilyfullyinformed.Theeffectiveimplementationofthisprocesswhenrequiredcansupportchildrentoremainwiththeirbirthfamilies.MoreinformationcanbefoundinthePLO Flow chartandBolton’s PLO policy.

Intheeventthepre-proceedingsprocessisrequired‘PLOreviewmeetings’shouldbeheldtoreachagreementwithparentsaboutwhatneedstohappentoprotectthechildfromharmsothatCourtproceedingsareavoidedwherepossible.Iftherecanbenoprotectiveplanputinplaceforthechild,theCourtproceedingswillbestartedandthe‘PLOReviewMeeting’willbeusedtoadvisetheparentsofwhatisproposed.TherewillbesomecaseswherethemeetingsdonottakeplacebecausetheriskofharmtothechildissogreatorissourgentthatthereisnoopportunityforaPLOMeeting.

WherethelegalplanninginrespectofachildoryoungpersoninBoltonisnecessary,‘Bolton’s Court Proceedings Policy’setsouttheprocedurestobefollowed.

DecisionstoinitiatethePLOorcourtproceedingsprocessesaremadewiththerelevantHeadofServiceduringlegalplanningmeetings.

2.4GatewayandPermanencePanel

The‘GatewayandPermanencePanel’scrutinisesthedecisionmakingwhenachildoryoungpersonisbecominglookedafter;thisistoensurewearedoingeverythingpossibletopreventthisandwhenitisnecessaryforachildoryoungpersontobecomelookedafter,toensureearlypermanenceplanningiseffective,inlinewiththeprioritiesassetbythisPermanenceStrategyandtheproposedoptionofpermanenceisinthebestinterestsofthechildoryoungpersonconcerned.

From1stApril2019Childrenwhoareidentifiedunderthefollowingcriteriawillberequiredtobepresentedtothe‘Gateway’elementofthe‘GatewayandPermanencePanel’;

a)atriskofbecominglookedafter(EdgeofCare)

b)thereisaplanforachildtobecomelookedafter(HeadofServicehasagreedsocialworkertoissuecareproceedingsorhasagreedtoaccommodateunderSection20oftheChildrenAct1989)

c)achildhasbecomelookedafterinanemergency

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/plo_flowchart.pdfhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/pdfs/plo_flowchart.pdfhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_public_law.html?zoom_highlight=plohttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_court_procs.html?zoom_highlight=proceedingshttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_court_procs.html?zoom_highlight=proceedings

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Objective 2 3.When children must become looked after they will have a clear pathway that identifies and secures a positive permanence solution for them in a timely way.

3.1Principlesforeffective‘PermanencePlanning’forLookedAfterChildren

For Bolton Looked After Children and Care Leavers there are principles that must direct effective Permanence Planning, these are:

» Achildoryoungperson’sPermanencePlanwillalwaysbebasedonahigh-qualityassessmentoftheirneedsandtheirwishesandfeelings

» Childrenwillbesupportedtostaywiththeirfamilieswhereitissafetodoso

» Childrenshouldonlyentercareiftherearenootherviableoptionsandremainlookedafterbythelocalauthorityforshortestpossibletime

» Shouldtheneedforalternativeaccommodationbeidentifiedtheprioritywillbeforchildrentoremainclosetotheirlocalconnections,theirfamily,schoolandfriends

» Childrenandyoungpeoplewillhaveaclearplanforpermanencebytheir2ndstatutoryreviewinordertohaveasecurefuture

» SiblingrelationshipswillbeassessedattheearliestopportunitytoensurefullconsiderationoftheirrelationshipswitheachotherandthatthisinformstheirPermanencePlanandplacementchoice.Siblingswillbekepttogetherwherepossiblewhenthisisassessedasappropriateandinthebestinterestsofeachchild

»Whenachildoryoungpersonfacesacrisisandtheyarelivingathomeorwithfamily,therewillbeanofferofshort-termsupporttopreventbreakdownandpromoteplacementstability

» Thechosencarersforchildrenandyoungpeopleshouldalsomeettheireducationandhealthneeds

»Wherechildrenandyoungpeoplearealreadyengagingineducationand/orreceivingsupportaroundtheirmentalhealthlocallythisshouldbeconsideredintheirchosenplanforpermanence

» Childrenwithdisabilitieswillhavethesameaccessandopportunityforplacementsastheirnon-disabledpeers

» Childrenandyoungpeople’saspirationsforthefuturewillbemaximisedandskillstheyneedtoliveindependentlywillbedevelopedwiththembytheircarersonanongoingbasisastheygrowup

» Careleaverswillbeabletoaccess‘stayingput’fostercare,or‘stayingclose’optionswithinsupportedlodgingsandsupportedaccommodation

3.2EffectiveplanningincludingMulti-trackPlanning

Themainprincipleof‘Multi-trackPlanning’istheavoidanceofdelay,assuchitisimperativeallassessmentsrunalongsideoneanother(asopposedtosequentially).Birthparentswillalwaysbeconsultedinregardstotheoptionsunderconsiderationsotheirviewsinformthepermanenceplanningforthechildoryoungperson.The main effort is on returning children where appropriate, to the care of their parents whilst at the same time developing an alternative Permanence Plan within strictly limited timescales.

Wherelegalplanningisnecessaryforchildrenandyoungpeople,theCourtrequiremulti-trackplanningtobereflectedinthechild’splanattheearliestopportunity,duringpre-proceedingsandduringcourtproceedings-seeCare Proceedings PolicyandthePublic Law Outline (PLO) Procedure.

TheCarePlanningRegulations(2015)andtheAdoptionAct(2002),requiretheretobeawrittenPermanencePlanpresentedatthechild’ssecondstatutoryreviewforscrutinybythechildoryoungperson’sIndependentReviewingOfficer(IRO).A‘PermanencePlanningMeeting’willbeconvenedandchairedbytheallocatedTeamManagerpriortothechild’ssecondreview.TheSocialWorkerandotherkeyprofessionalswillattendthismeeting.Thepermanenceplanningprocess,

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_court_procs.html?zoom_highlight=proceedingshttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_public_law.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_public_law.html

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informedbymulti-agencycontributions,willidentifywhichpermanenceoptionismostlikelytomeettheneedsoftheindividualchild,takingaccountofhis/herwishesandfeelings(CarePlanningandFosteringRegulations,2015).ThePermanencePlanproducedfromthismeetingwillidentifytheappropriateoptionforthechildalongwithanycontingencyoptionsandwillbeformallyendorsedatthisreview.

PermanencePlansarerequiredforallchildrenwhoarelookedafter(exceptthosewhoare16+yearswheretheneedsassessmentandthepathwayplanformthePermanencePlanfortheyoungperson)

3.3Highqualityassessmentofachild’sneeds

Assessments of children’s needs in relation to his or her Permanence Plan must:

» Focusonoutcomes

» Considerstabilityissues,includingthechild’s/family’sneedsforlongtermsupportandthechild’sneedsforlinks,includingcontactwithhisorherparents,siblingsandwiderfamilynetwork

» SocialWorkersmustensurethechild’sPermanencyPlanisclearlylinkedtopreviousassessmentsofthechild’sneeds

Childrenshouldhavegoodaccesstoprimaryhealthservicesandtheireducationalattainmentmonitoredbythevirtualschool,andifrequiredchildrenandyoungpeoplewillhaveaccesstocommissionedtherapeuticandspecialistservicestosupporttheirmentalhealthandwellbeing.Astrengthsanddifficultiesquestionnairemustbecompletedregularlytoensureagoodunderstandingofthechild’semotionalwellbeingneedssotheyarefullyunderstoodandinformhealthassessments.Itmaybenecessaryforthechild’scasetobepresentedtothe‘GatewayandPermanencePanel’ifjointortripartitefundingisneededforthechildfromHealth,EducationandSocialCare.

3.4Attachmenttheoryandstability

AknowledgeofattachmenttheorycanbeinvaluableinsupportingSocialWorker’stoassessthechildoryoungperson’srelationshipwiththeircaregiverand/ortheirproposedcaregiver.Havinganunderstandingofthechildoryoungperson’sattachmentsandanyissuestheyfacemustinformthePermanencePlanningforthem.

Whenworkingwithfamilies,attachmenttheorycanhelpinformsocialworkersofthelikelyimpactonindividualsoftheirexperienceoftheirparenting,especiallytheimpactofabuse,neglect,separationandloss.Thiscanalsobeusedtosupportparentsorcarerstocareforchildreninawaythatpromotesasecurebaseandinturnassistchildrentodevelophealthyinternalworkingmodelsandcompensateforperviousnegativeexperiences.Attachmenttheoryhasimplicationsforsupportingparentstoimprovetheirparentingskillsinordertopreventchildrenbecominglookedafter,andforchildrenwhohavetoberemovedfromtheirfamilies,itcaninformthedecisionmakingabouttheirfuture.

Whenachildoryoungperson’sPermanencePlanisforthemtobeplacedwithanewprimarycarer,whetherthisiswithaconnectedperson,adoption,fostering,orresidential;AttachmenttheoryisimportanttoinformtheSocialWorkersassessmentofthecarersabilitytoprovideasecureattachment,consistentcareandemotionalwarmthforthechildoryoungpersonasperpolicyguidancecontainedintheFrameworkfortheAssessmentofChildreninNeedandtheirFamilies(DepartmentofHealth,2000).

Attachmenttheoryshouldalsobeusedtounderstandandmanagebehaviouralproblems,assistchildren’sSocialWorkersinassessing,matchingandworkingwithchildren,themanagementofbirthfamilycontactandsupportingsocialworkersinassessingpotentialfostercarersandadoptersandsupportingplacements.

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Options of Permanence 4.There are various options to consider in the planning for permanence for a child or young person.

Thefirstpriorityandcommitmentisforchildrentoremainwithparentsorreturntoparentswheresafetodoso,permanenceforchildrenwithotherfamilymembersoraconnectedpersonisthesecondconsideration,ifthesearenotrealisticoptionsforthechild,thenthealternativepermanenceoptionsshouldbeconsidered.Whenitisnotpossibleforachildtoremainwithfamilyoraconnectedperson,adoptionshouldbeconsideredasarealisticoptionpriortotheotheralternativeplans.

ToensurethatthechosenPermanencePlanforthechildisachievedwithnodelaytoaffordthechildthebestoutcomes,therelevantpolicyandguidanceinregardtothatpermanenceoptionistobefollowed,andconsiderationgiventothelegalorderthatismostappropriatetosupportthatpermanenceoption.

4.1Reunification

Wherechildrenhavehadtomoveawayfromtheirparent’scare,theprimaryaimwillbetorehabilitatechildrenbacktotheirparentsattheearliestopportunitywhereitisappropriatetodoso.Intensiveworkwillneedtotakeplacewithinthefirstfewweeksofthechildbecominglookedafterormovingtoothercarerstoachievethis.Allreasonableeffortswillbemadetorehabilitatethechildwithhis/herfamily,unlessthereissufficientevidencethatfurtherattemptsatrehabilitationareunlikelytosucceedorwillbeharmfultothechild.

Afamilygroupmeetingorfamilygroupconferenceshouldbeconvenedtodeterminewhathelpandsupportisavailablefromextendedfamilymembersthatmayenablethechildtoreturnhomeandremaininthecareoftheirparents.

Whenchildrendoreturnhomearobustassessmentofneed,evidencingthechangesparentshavemadeintheareaofdifficultythatledtothechildbecominglookedafter,isrequiredalongsidearobusttransitionandsupportplantoensureasharpfocusonthesafeandsuccessfulreunificationofachild.Childrenreturninghomearea

vulnerablegroupandthe‘WorkingTogethertoSafeguardChildren’(2018)governmentguidancemakesitclearthatlocalauthoritieshaveadutytoensurearrangementsaresafeandsupportedbyeffectiveinterventionsandservicesfromarangeofprofessionals.Thisgivesthefamilythebestchanceforsuccessandpositiveoutcomefortheindividualchild.

Ifthechildissubjecttocareproceedingsandtheproposedplanforpermanenceisforthechildtoremainlivingwithparents,thenproportionateuseofthecourtordersavailableshouldbeused;includinguseofsupervisionorders,ornoorderifitissafetodoso.

WhererehabilitationofachildwhoissubjecttoaFullCareOrderisbeingconsidered,theNSPCC‘ReunificationAssessmentModel’willbeutilisedbytheSocialWorkertoconductthisassessment.MoreinformationcanbefoundinthePlacements with Parents Policy.

4.2Placementwithfamilyorconnectedpersons

Ifitisnotpossibleforchildrentoremaininthecareoftheirparents,familiesmaymaketheirownarrangementsforchildrentobecaredforwithintheirownfamilynetwork.Ifthechildneedstobecomelookedafter,Bolton’sStayingSafeDivisionhasaresponsibilitywherepossibletoplacechildrenwithconnectedpersons.ThismaybeaplannedarrangementorinanemergencyunderSchedule4oftheCarePlanning,PlacementandCaseReview(England)Regulations2015.

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https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_with_parents.html

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Where there has been a thorough assessment process which clearly demonstrates that the proposed carer is able to care for the child until they are at least 18, placement for children with connected persons could be under the following routes:

» Legallysecuredbya‘ChildArrangementOrder’or‘SpecialGuardianshipOrder’(Special Guardianship Orders Policy)

» Legallysecuredbya‘FullCareOrder’andundera‘KinshipFosteringArrangement’,(Looked After Children Living with Connected People Policy)

4.3Adoption

Inmanycaseswhereachildcannotsafelybecaredforbytheirbirthparentsthepermanenceoptionisthatofadoption.BoltonChildrenServicesiscommittedtoadoptionasalegalandemotionalpermanenceoptionwhichcanbeconsideredforallchildren.Researchstronglysupportsadoptionasaprimaryconsiderationasamainfactorcontributingtothestabilityofchildrenandhasgoodoutcomes.

MoreinformationcanbefoundinthePlacement for Adoption Policy.

4.4FosteringforAdoption/Concurrency

TheChildrenandFamiliesAct(2014)imposesadutyonlocalauthoritiestoconsiderfosteringforadoptionplacementsinallcaseswhereadoptionmaybetheplan.Theadvantageisthatthechildcanbeplacedrightfromthebeginningoftheirtimeincare,andevenfrombirth,withafamilywhohavethepotentialtobecometheiradopters.

MoreinformationcanbefoundintheFostering for Adoption/Concurrency Policy.

4.5Longtermfostering

Thisisanoptionforchildrenwheretherearenosuitablefamilyorconnectedpersonsavailabletocareforthechildlongterm.Thechildmayhavesignificantattachmentstotheirbirthfamilyhoweverarenotabletolivewiththem.

Forthosechildrenwhoremainlooked-after,longtermfosteringisanimportantroutetopermanence.

WherethePermanencePlanforthechildislong-termfostercarethecurrentshort-termplacementisassessedtomeetthelongtermneedsofthechildforpermanence,orwhereanewplacementisidentifiedforthechildasaresultofanassessmentandmatchingprocess.

BoltonChildrenServicesarecommittedtomatchingchildreninfostercaretolongtermplacementswhichsupportsthechild’ssenseofbelongingandsecurityforthesechildren.

MoreinformationcanbefoundinthePlacements in Foster Care Policy,including‘MatchingandApproval’

4.6SpecialGuardianshipOrder

Thisiswherea‘SpecialGuardian’undertakestocareforachilduntiltheyreachtheageof18andbeyond.Thesearrangementsshouldhaveasupportplan.The‘SpecialGuardian’sharesparentalresponsibilityforthechildandisentitledtoexerciseparentalresponsibilitytotheexclusionofparents.Moreinformationcanbefoundinthe Special Guardianship Orders Policy.

4.7ResidentialCare

Residentialcareoffersstabilityforaminorityofolderyoungpeoplewhostruggle(ordonotwish)toliveinafamilysetting,thesesettingsprovidetherightenvironmenttomeettheirneedsanddevelopthenecessaryskillsforsemi-independent/independentliving.Somechildrenwithsignificanthealthneedsandchildrenwithdisabilitiesrequireresidentialcaretomeettheirneeds.

Itisalsoimportanttothinkabouttheneedsofolderchildrenandyoungpeopleinrelationtoachievingpermanenceintheirlives.Theymaynotbeabletolivewithbirthparentsforavarietyofreasonsnorwishtobeinafosterhomeandthismaynotmeettheirneeds.Livinginresidentialcarecanbesomewhereforsomechildrentoachieveasenseofsecurityandbelonging.Thecareplanningprocessmustalsoidentifyadultssuchaswiderfamilyandfriendsorotherconnectedpeoplewhocanprovideemotionalsupportandalong-termtrustingrelationshipwhichwillprovidecontinuingsupport,particularlyduringperiodsoftransition.Goodqualityworkwithfamiliescanhelptheyoungpersonbuildbridgesbacktohis/herparentsorotherfamilymemberswhomaybeabletoprovidethatsupporteventhoughitisnotpossiblefortheyoungpersontolivewiththem.

MoreinformationcanbefoundinthePlacement in Residential Care Policy.

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_special_guard_order.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_special_guard_order.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_connected_pers.html?zoom_highlight=connectedhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_connected_pers.html?zoom_highlight=connectedhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_adop.html?zoom_highlight=adoptionhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_adop.html?zoom_highlight=adoptionhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_fost_for_adopt.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_fost_for_adopt.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_fost_care.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_fost_care.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_special_guard_order.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_resi_care.htmlhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_place_resi_care.html

13

When there is delay to Permanence being achieved5.

When there is delay to permanence being achieved for a child or young person the Social Worker is to convene a ‘Care Planning Meeting’ to coordinate with the multiagency and family what actions are required under the child or young person’s care plan towards achieving permanence.

ThePlanshouldbeSMART(Specific,Measurable,Achievable,RelevantandTimely)andincludetheviewsofthechildoryoungpersonconcerned.

Whenachild’scasemeetsthefollowingcriteria,theircasewillberequiredtobepresentedtothepermanenceelementofthe‘GatewayandPermanencyPanel’.

TheGatewayandPermanencePanelGuidancewillbeavailableontheBoltonChildren’sSocialCareProceduresManual.

This criterion is:

a. Thechildissubjecttocourtproceedingsandpermanenceisnotexpectedtobeachievedwithinthe26-weekcourttimescale.

b. Thechildhashadmorethanthreemovesin12months

c. Therearedifficultiessecuringasuitablepermanenceplanforthechild

d. Thechildisinresidentialcare

e. JointortripartitefundingfromHealth,EducationandSocialCaremayberequiredifthechildhascomplexneeds

f. Thechild’scasewaspreviouslypresented totheGatewayandPermanencePanelandis

returningforreview

The role of the IRO6.The role of the IRO will be to consider, monitor, and review each individual child’s care planning including:

» Thelegalstatusandappropriatenessofthis» Childrenwhohavehadmorethanthreeplacement

moveswithinayear» PermanencePlansareinplacebythesecond

statutoryreview» TheappropriatenessoftheoverallCarePlan» Placementdisruption

Whereconcernsariseintermsofdriftinpermanenceplanningforthechild,theIROwillraisethisthroughtheescalationprocess.

The ‘Child’s Life Story’ 7.All children looked after by Bolton Staying Safe Division should benefit from good quality ‘Life Story Work’ (LSW).

Childrenrequireaccurateknowledgeabouttheirpastandtheirbirthfamilytodevelopasecureunderstandingofwhotheyareinordertoinformasecureidentityandsenseofself.LSWcantakeanumberofdifferentformsrangingfromapractitionerpreparinga‘LifeStoryBook’forachild,to‘LifeStoryWork’whereapractitionerworksalongsidethechildtohelpthemunderstandtheirlifeexperiences.

EachapproachhasavalidapplicationandpractitionerswillestablishwhichapproachismostappropriatefortheindividualchildoryoungpersongiventheircircumstancesandfollowingBolton’s Life Story Work and Life Story Book Policy.Childrenhavetherighttobewellpreparedforanypermanentchangeintheirlife.Directworktailoredtotheirspecificneedsshouldbeundertakenbeforejoininganewfamily.Transitionwork,appropriatetothechild’sdevelopmentalstage,shouldbeundertakenandrecorded.

Foradoptionplacementseverychildshouldhavea‘LifeStoryBook’includingclearinformationabouttheirbirthandlifebeforetheywereadoptedinaccordancetothispolicy.

14

https://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/g_life_story_book.html?zoom_highlight=life+storyhttps://boltonchildcare.proceduresonline.com/chapters/g_life_story_book.html?zoom_highlight=life+story

Bolton’s pledge to children and young people who are looked after 8.

The pledge is a set of promises made by Bolton Council and partners to all children in care and care leavers.

ThepledgehasbeenwrittenwithBolton’sVoice4UChildreninCareCouncil.Thepledgeensuresthatthecouncilandpartnerswilldotheirbesttosupportchildrenandyoungpeople.Thepledgeincludesanumberofactionsthatwewilldotoensurethatallchildrenandyoungpeople’stimeincareinBoltonisapositiveexperience.

Advocacy services for children and young people in Bolton 9.

Action for Children, Children’s Rights and Advocacy Service is commissioned by Bolton Council to provide independent support for children and young people aged 7 to 18 years, to ensure their voice is heard in decision making processes which affect their lives.

Theserviceworkswithchildrenandyoungpeoplewholivein,orareplacedoutof,Bolton.ItisimportantthatchildrenandyoungpeopleinBoltonaresupportedtoaccessadvocacyservicesifthiswillbebeneficialforthem. Guidance of how to refer a child or young person to Action for Children for this servicecanbefoundontheBoltonCouncilwebsite.

Securing enough accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers in Bolton10.

ForchildrenandyoungpeoplewhosePermanencePlanisforthemtoremainlookedafter,Bolton’sLACSufficiencyStatement2018-2020setsouthowBoltonCouncilarecommittedtoachievingplacementsufficiencyforourchildrenwhorequireprovisionsuchasfostercare,residentialandsupportedaccommodation.

BoltonCounciliscommittedtocommissioninghighqualityserviceswhichareoutcomefocused,delivervalueformoneyandprepareyoungpeopleforadulthood.

15

https://www.bolton.gov.uk/community-advice-grants/advocacy-services?documentId=139&categoryId=20044https://www.bolton.gov.uk/community-advice-grants/advocacy-services?documentId=139&categoryId=20044

How will we measure the impact of Permanence Planning in Bolton?11.

Bolton has a continuous commitment to achieving permanence for every child, through tracking permanence, measuring impact for the child and this informing Service and Resource development.

11.1The‘TrackingPermanenceModel’representsthisprocess:

11.2TrackingPermanence(forallLookedAfterChildrenlinkedtolifetimecosting)

The‘PermanenceTracker’isanexcelspreadsheetwhichcontainsthedetailsofeverylookedafterchild,theirPermanencePlanandthecosttotheLocalAuthorityoftheircare.

Thepurposeofthetrackeristomonitorwhetherpermanenceisachievedinatimelywayforeverychild,andsothatthefinancialimplicationtotheLocalAuthorityofthechild’splanisunderstoodandinformsresourceallocationanddevelopmentbasedontheneedsofBolton’schildrenandyoungpeople.

Thetrackersupportsthecollaborationbetweenprofessionalstowardstheaimofachievingpermanencewithafocusondevelopmentofpracticeforchildrenwherepermanencehasnotyetbeenachieved.

400

500

600

700

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End Year End

436

481

521 517539 530

572 561579

615647

Practice and Resource Development

Measuring impact for a

child

TrackingPermanence

16

11.3Measuringimpactforthechild

Annual Report - In order to measure the impact of Permanence Planning in Bolton, the following indicators will be used to report annually and will be linked to the other annual reports produced by Bolton:

» Anincreaseinthenumberofchildrensupportedtostayathomeorwithfamilyandconnectedcarers

» Numberofchildrenrehabilitatedtothecareoftheirparents

» Numberofchildrenwhosecareordersaredischargedduetolivingwithparentsortransfertoalesserordersuchassupervisionorderand/orspecialguardianshiporder

» Numberofchildrenmatchedinlongtermfostercarer

» Anincreaseinplacementstability–decreaseinthenumberofchildrenchangingplacementsthreeormoretimeseachyear(fewerplacementdisruptions)

» Anincreaseinthenumberofsiblingsplacedtogether

» Reductionincasessteppinguptochildrensocialcare

Quarterly report - will be provided in respect of the Children Looked After population in Bolton:

» ThenumberofChildrenLookedAfterinBolton

» Thenumberofchildrencurrentlyresidingineachplacementtype

» TheidentifiedPermanencePlanforeachchild

» TheprogressbeingmadetowardsthePermanencePlanforeachchild

11.4Practiceandresourcedevelopment

Theinformationgatheredfromthesereportswillthenbeanalysed;thiswillindicatewheredevelopmentisrequiredinordertoachievepermanenceforeverychild.Thisanalysiswillfocusonchildren’scircumstancesandwillinformthedevelopmentofpractice,servicedeliveryandresourceallocationtowardsachievingpermanenceforeverychild:

The analysis of the impact of permanence planning in Bolton in March 2019 identified key areas for priority:

1. Developmentofservicesforfamilieswhereistheplanforchildrentoberehabilitatedbacktothecareofparents

2.DevelopmentofresourceallocationforchildrenwhocontinuetorequiresupportregardingcontactwithfamilymembershowevertheplanisfortheCareOrdertobedischarged(asthresholdforthislevelorderisnolongermet)

3. DevelopmentofthesupportofferforchildrensubjecttoSpecialGuardianshipOrderwhorequirethis

4. Developmentofinternalcareplanningprocessestostrengthenthemulti-agencySMARTapproachtopermanenceplanning

17

Appendix A- Achieving PermanenceEarly Help, targeted support, Children in Need and Children subject of Child Protection Plans - support and intervention towards permanence being achieved at home. Genogram to be completed

to understand family relationships and dynamics

LegalPlanningCommenceswhentherelevantHeadofServicedeterminesthatthethresholdofsignificantharmismetand

protectionisrequiredbylegalinterventionoftheLocalAuthority

CareProceedingsinitiated

Child is due to or has become looked after:PlanforchildtobecomeCLAissueforproceedingshasbeenagreed

IdentifiedasatriskofCLAduringPLOprocessRequestforaccommodationundersection20TCA1989

Childisedgeofcareandatriskofbecominglookedafterorhasbecomelookedafterinanemergancy

Gateway and Permanence PanelCasesmayreturntoPanelifthereisdelaytoPermanencebeingachieved

Childs first Statutory review Within20workingdaysofbecominglookedafter

Permanence Planning Meeting(seeguidance)ConfirmPermanencyPlanpriortochild’s2ndStatutoryreview

Childremains/returnshome–stepdownfromPLO,

progressmadeasCiN/CP

Family Group Conference at the earliest

opportunity when it is identified a child is at

risk of becoming looked afterMulti-track

planning to take place for the child from the earliest opportunity until the permanence

plan is clear

Return to parentsFamilyGroup

ConferencetotakeplacepriortoreturnAssessmentunder

reunificationguidance,identifyappropriatelevelofsupport

Placement with connected persons

Undersuitablearrangement:ChildarrangementsorderSpecialGuardianship

OrderLongtermfosteringwithaviewtoSGOSupportunder

supervisionorderalongsideSGOmay

berequiredSeerelevantpolicy

Familygroupconferencetotakeplace

AdoptionFollowadoption

process/flowchartMulti-trackplanning

requiredwhenadoptionidentifiedascontingencyplan

forchildChildmaybeplacedinaFostertoadopt

orconcurrentplacement

Long term Foster Care

Priortoplacement,duringplacement

planningmeetingandcareplanningmeetingstodiscusspossibilityofmatchinglongtermandactionrequired

towardsthis.CarePlanningMeetingpriorto3rdstatutoryreviewtoconfirmplacementtobe

matchedlongtermFollowmatchinglong-termpolicyforfoster

placementsPlacementmay

progresstoSGO–seepolicy

Residential Childscasetobe

reviewedbyGatewayandPermanencePanel

C&Frequiredtodetermineifresidential

isthelong-termpermanenceplanforthechild–tobeendorsedbyADatGatewayandPermanencePanel

Rehabilitation home to parents or family may be assessed at any point if deemed

appropriate (seereunification

guidance)

PLOPre-proceedingscommences

18

References» HMGovernment(2018)‘Working together to Safeguard Children’ » HMGovernment(2014)‘The Children and Families Act’» DepartmentforEducation(2015)‘The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement

and Case Review Care Planning, (England) Regulations’» DepartmentofHealth(2000)‘Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families’» SchofieldG,BeekMandWardE(2012)‘PartoftheFamily:Planningforpermanenceinlong-termfamilyfostercare’,Childrenand

YouthServicesReview,34(1)244-253» SinclairI,BakerC,LeeJandGibbsI(2007)‘ThePursuitofPermanence:AstudyoftheEnglishchildcaresystem’JessicaKingsley

Publishers

Appendix B - Permanence options for children of different ages ThetablebelowistounderstandPermanencePlanningfordifferentagesofchildrenandyoungpeoplewhenrelativesareandarenotavailable.Intheeventthechildcannotremainorreturntobirthparents.

This guidance should be used as a guide only to support your judgment, decision and planning. Thetablebelowmaybeofusetounderstandpermanenceplanningfordifferentagesofchildrenandyoungpeoplewhenrelativesareandarenotavailable.

Age under 7 years Age 7 to 10 years Age 11 to 15 years Age 16+

Kinshipcarearrangementsareavailable

NoKinshipcarearrangementsavailable

Kinshipcarearrangementsareavailable

NoKinshipcarearrangementsavailable

Kinshipcarearrangementsareavailable

NoKinshipcarearrangementsavailable

PermanencePlandeterminedwithyoungpersonthroughAssessmentofneedandPathwayPlan

PermanencePlanincludesMulti-trackplanninguntilitisclearthatareturntobirthfamilyisnotpossibleandaclearplanofpermanenceisidentifiedasachievable

Family Group Conference to be offered

SpecialGuardianshipOrder

ChildArrangementOrder

CareOrder–possibilityofmovetoSGO/RO

FormalApprovedKinshipFosterCare

Wherethechildis0-3years,ifattheendofthelegalprocessthecarerisnotabletoconsiderSGO/ROthentheadoptionroutemustbefollowed

Family Group Conference to be offered

SpecialGuardianshipOrder

ChildArrangementOrder

CareOrder–possibilityofmovetoSGO/RO

FormalApprovedKinshipFosterCare

Family Group Conference to be offered

SpecialGuardianshipOrder

ChildArrangementOrder

CareOrder–possibilityofmovetoSGO/RO

FormalApprovedKinshipFosterCare

Adoption

LongTermFostering(needsHeadofServiceapprovalifchildisunderfive)

Adoption

LongTermFostering

SpecialGuardianship(withexistingfostercarer)

LongTermFostering

SpecialGuardianshipwithexistingfostercarer

Returntobirthfamily

Kinshipplacement

LongtermFostering(stayingput)

Semi-independentprovision

19

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/779401/Working_Together_to_Safeguard-Children.pdfhttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents/enactedhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441643/Children_Act_Guidance_2015.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441643/Children_Act_Guidance_2015.pdfhttps://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130404002518/https:/www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Framework for the assessment of children in need and their families.pdf

» Find Children’s Social Care Procedures in the Manual www.bolton.gov.uk/cscpp

http://www.bolton.gov.uk/cscpp