The purpose of the case review process is to ensure that adequate plans are in place to safeguard and promote the overall welfare of children in care in the most effective way.
The purpose of the review meeting is to consider the plan for the welfare of the child and achieve permanence for them within a timescale that meets their needs. It is also
- to ensure plans are being progressed effectively
- to ensure appropriate communications take place, to monitor the progress of the plan
- to make decisions to amend the plan as necessary in light of changed knowledge and circumstances
The review process is the young person’s opportunity to ask questions about adult actions in relation to their care plan and for the young person to have their say. The review meeting should not be viewed as a forum for professionals to talk about the child’s behaviour but as a forum to discuss the care arrangements for the child.
It is a legal requirement that an Independent Reviewing Officer or IRO is appointed for each child in care. The main functions of IRO is to manage the case review process including chairing the review meetings, monitoring the case on an ongoing basis and meeting with the child on their own. (see IRO Handbook) They are responsible for making sure that:
- The care plan is right for the child or young person based on good assessments
- That the child or young person’s wishes and feelings are listened to and taken seriously
- That any disagreements are dealt with
- That any complaints are listened to and taken seriously
- That the plan covers all aspects of the child’s care, is relevant, viable and achievable
- A written record is made of what is talked about and an action list is made of the things people have agreed to do to support the child or young person
- Checking between review meetings that people are doing what they agreed to do
The government created the role of the independent reviewing officer (IRO) with the intention of protecting the human rights of children who are in care. To be an IRO the government says you must have qualified as a social worker, be registered with the General Social Care Council and have substantial experience in child care practice.
To ensure the integrity of the IRO role the government also says that you must be independent of the local authorities operational functions for children in care i.e. independent of the management of the child’s case and independent of the resources allocated to that case.
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