Issue - meetings

To consider the findings of a basic checklist audit into  looked after children reviews  undertaken by the Independent Review Officers.

• During October to December 2011, the Independent Review  Officers had  repeated an audit  undertaken in the first quarter of 2011-12  using a basic  checklist to carry out a random sample analysis  of looked after children reviews.  The  audit was designed as   quick process  that could provide some immediate data, identify trends and  areas for further investigation. This  report contained  a feedback on  how the areas identified for improvement, from the  previous audits  had been taken forward and  contained information from the most recent audit of LAC reviews. Actions progressed   included:
• discussion of issues at the LAC multi agency meeting,
• meetings between Social Workers and IRO officers to  improve understanding of IRO role, 
• introduction of Children in care workflow( integrated system of working  which brings together required information about a  LAC case to facilitate  required IRO decisions  being made  within timescale).
• Use of court care  plan,
• re-launch of View point , an online questionnaire for children and young people to  communicate their views about their care(younger children will be assisted by  social workers to use this online questionnaire).

Analysis from the recent audit showed that  there were care plans available  but they required updating. There was an awareness exercise to be undertaken  to re-iterate the importance of this document as a planning tool and the committee were assured that the results in this area   would further improve  in the next audit.

 A shorter template would be issued to Social Workers to enable them to complete a court care plan more speedily.

The  Children’s service were  launching Viewpoint and would be strongly advocating its use  at   reviews as it would  enable children/young people  to participate  in  decisions being made about their care.

RESOLVED

That the report be  noted