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Contents

1.	Child Care Policy and Strategy
	1.1	Introduction
	1.2	Policy Statement
	1.3	Recording and Confidentiality
2.	Consultation Values and Principles

1. Child Care Policy and Strategy

1.1 Introduction

This policy sets out the framework within which Children's Services work with children, young people and their families. It is underpinned by a range of legislation including, but not limited to:

• Children Acts 1989 and 2004
• Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000
• Care Standards Act 2000
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Adoption and Children Act 2002

The policy framework also has regard to and is consistent with a range of government guidance, and the principles set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children.

It is largely directed towards the work that Children's Services undertakes with Children in Need; which is carried out in partnership with all sectors of the Council and with other statutory, independent and voluntary sector services.

Waltham Forest works in partnership with other London Local Authorities and works to the London Child Protection Procedures, which are integrated into this manual and they can be accessed from any page using the button on the left of the screen.

There are separate procedures for Looked After Children which are not a part of this manual.

1.2 Policy Statement

In Children's Services, we will work to ensure that all children have the best chances in life to achieve their full potential.

Key Outcomes

It has been recognised that the sooner a child and their family receive help once issues have been identified the most likely it is that there will be better outcomes for the child.

This is captured in the concept of "Early Help". This form of intervention usually starts before the threshold for Children's Social Care is met and is undertaken through a CAF and Team Around the Child arrangements by agencies already involved with a child (i.e. Children's Centre etc.).

It is the responsibility of all professionals involved with a child to ensure that children are safeguarded and Children's Social Care is the lead agency for implementing child protection procedures, working in close and active partnership with other agencies.

Key Principles

Consideration of children's welfare and best interests will always be at the centre of our work.

Children's Services will work to ensure the above outcomes by working to maintain children within their own families, and facilitating services to support these arrangements, wherever this is possible and consistent with the child's safety and well being. Therefore, it is crucial that a child's wishes and feelings are captured in all our assessments and work with children and their families.

Where a child cannot be cared for within his or her immediate family, we will make strenuous efforts to identify potential carers within the wider kinship network of the child who are able and willing to care for the child.

1.3 Recording and Confidentiality

Full compliance with the use of ICS workflows and templates is expected. A review is about to start in regards to our electronic record keeping system, and staff will be a crucial part of this process. All client records are maintained electronically, with any paper records or communications downloaded into the child's electronic file. Staff are expected to differentiate between fact and opinion in all reports, case notes and assessments etc. In all cases (regardless of their status) they must be mindful of, and fully consider, safeguarding issues throughout their assessment and contact with children and their families/carers. All recording must be child-focused with all visits and other contact recorded promptly on the electronic system, with assessments/reviews undertaken within correct timescales.

Client confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Unless there are child protection issues, any sharing of information can only be done with the agreement of the parent/carer and the child (if they are of an age/understanding to consent). Where this agreement is in place, information should not be shared with any individual or agency not already known to the member of staff before confirming the status and credentials of the person/organisation.

On no account are staff to discuss clients outside of the work context.

2. Consultation Values and Principles

2.1 General Principles of Consultation

Everyone involved in the receipt and delivery of services should be consulted about decisions, which may affect them.

This includes children, their advocates, their parents, other significant family members and those charged with providing the service; including managers, staff, carers and professionals or colleagues from other agencies.

This means that people's views should be sought and taken into account in relation to all decisions, which are likely to affect their daily life and their future.

The older and more mature the child is, the more weight can and should be given to their wishes and feelings.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, reasonable steps must be taken in all cases to consult the parents. Exceptions will include where a child is placed for adoption and where older children with an appropriate level of maturity specifically request that their parents are not consulted and a decision is made to respect their wishes.

Consultation should take place on a regular and frequent basis with those who need to be consulted and assumptions should not be made about the inability or lack of interest of those who should be consulted.

Where people have communication difficulties of any sort, suitable means must be provided to enable them to be consulted, including arranging access to advocates or representatives who may speak on their behalf.

Consultation should be undertaken in a creative manner.

If consultation is not possible or is restricted for whatever reason, steps should be taken to ensure those affected are informed of decisions as soon as practicable after they are made, and an explanation for the decision given, together with the opportunity to make a comment and express their views.

If it is then felt that a different decision may have been appropriate, steps should be taken to reconsider the decision.

If decisions are made against people's wishes, they should be informed of the decision and the reasons for the decision should be explained. In these circumstances, the person should be informed of any rights they have to formally challenge the decision, and of the availability of the Complaints or Grievance Procedure.

Children should also be informed of their right to appoint an advocate, and if an advocate is appointed, he or she must be consulted in accordance with the principles set out in this section.

End