Quick Guide

February 2012

Contents

1. Display and Browser Options
2. About this Manual
3. Amendments
4. Keywords and Search
5. Compliance
6. Printing and Retaining Copies
7. Copyright
8. Adding the Manual to your favourites

1. Display and Browser Options

People with a visual impairment may have difficulty accessing this Manual.

To change the size of the text/layout - please use these accessibility buttons

which are on menu bar on the left side of every screen. Click a larger button to increase your text size, the very largest being high visibility mode.

If you have a colleague who may benefit from this function, please ask them whether this would help them gain access to the manual.

2. About this Manual

2.1 Status of the Manual

This is the fifth operational version of the electronic procedures manual. This manual originally came into force in May 2010 and it replaces all previous procedures, policies and guidance.

This manual is a collaboration between Devon County Council Children's Services and Tri.X Childcare.

There are in excess of a hundred files in this manual so it is inevitable that there will be errors and omissions. If this is the case, please bring anything you notice to Maria Kasprzyk (maria .kasprzyk@devon.gov.uk) or Andrea Morris andrea.morris@devon.gov.uk who are the Lead people in Devon for the development of the manual. Alternatively you can use the contact us button on the left of the screen. This will also enable us to automatically inform you of manual developments.

There is a new feature accessible from the Devon E.point called “New Things” which is continually updated.

The E.point includes the latest “News Matrix”, “Way We Do Guides” and “Tri.x Policy Briefs & Practice Guides” as well as links to external websites, such as Devon SCB website.

However edited and new chapters which are included in this version of the Manual can be seen in the table below. The Manual will be fully updated on a sixth monthly basis.

2.2 What is included

The manual is designed to contain all your policies, procedures and guidance.

• Policies and Values: Our intention is to create a 'one stop shop' for all your Policies, Values and Principles. They will be located in one Chapter: see 'Values' (on the menu bar on the left hand side of the screen). This Chapter is intended to summarise the key policies, values and principles for Children's Social Care. All procedures in this manual should be read in the context of this Chapter;
• Procedures and Guidance: In an attempt to keep procedures succinct, procedures and more detailed guidance are separated, with links provided as appropriate:
  • 'Procedures' summarise how Managers and Staff must act in given circumstances;
  • 'Guidance' provides direction or advice to assist with making a decision or taking a course of action.

Procedures and Guidance are located in individual 'Chapters', which are available from a 'traditional' Contents List - available on the menu bar on the left hand side of each screen.

There are links in relevant places to the South West Safeguarding and Child Protection Group Child Protection Procedures which are provided by a different company called Reconstruct.

2.3 Using the Contents List

Chapters are categorised or grouped together as follows:

• Parts: The Manual contains procedures categorised under a number of Service Sectors, e.g. 'Looked After Services';
• Sections: Within each Service Sector e.g. 'Looked After Services', you will find a Section (group of procedures) e.g. 'Adoption';
• Chapters: Under each Section, you will find individual Chapters/Procedures e.g. 'Adoption Case Records'.

3. Amendments

Please contact to Maria Kasprzyk (maria .kasprzyk@devon.gov.uk) or Andrea Morris (andrea .morris@devon.gov.uk) if you require further information.

This manual has been edited to be compliant with the Care Planning and associated Regulations and National Minimum Standards. The work was completed in three phases which are all described in the chart below.

July 2011

Here is a list of the changes that are included in the June 2011 mini- update:

New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Private Fostering Processes (Flowchart)	This flowchart provides a visual aid to the Private Fostering chapter.
Family Finding Policy and Procedures: Permanency in Fostering	This chapter explains the process and reasoning in finding permanent fostering placements.
Professional and Carer Relationships with Former Children in Care - Keeping everyone Safe	This chapter provides guidance to those who are or have worked with young people who have left the care system.
Quality Protects Research Briefing note 7- Leaving Care	This guidance, which is Appendix 2 Professional and Carer Relationships with Former Children in Care - Keeping everyone Safe explains the obstacles that Care Leavers face and the type of practice that can help them to a more settled adult life.
Making the Difference, Putting the Care back into Corporate Parenting	This guidance booklet (2008) has been added to the appendices for reference purposes. It aims to give a taste of the experience of care from a young person's perspective.
Who Has Responsibility in Devon to Work with Care Leavers Procedure	This brief chapter clarifies the role of the Permanence and Transition Service.
Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Change
Activities	This chapter was amended to include recommended staffing ratios.
South West Peninsular Child Protection Procedures	Interactive links to these procedures have been updated throughout the manual.

August 2011

The Case Planning and associated regulations, guidance and National Minimum Standards have been included in the chapters listed below. Unfortunately there are a number of chapters that require approval and editing from Devon managers and they are listed at the bottom of the table.

New Chapters and Features
Chapter Name	Details
Notifications from Other Authorities Procedure	This chapter addresses the action to be taken on receipt of a notification from another local authority that a Looked After child has been placed at an address in this authority.
Respite Arrangements for Young Carers Procedure	This brief chapter explains the arrangements that need to be in place when a young carer receives respite.
Protocol between Devon Care Leavers Service and the Colleges of Further Education to Support Young People Leaving Care	This protocol is agreed between Devon Care Leavers Service and local colleges of Further Education attended by Devon Care Leavers. This protocol is appended to Devon policy for young people leaving care.
Care Leavers and Higher Education	This protocol describes the issues fro care leavers and Higher Education.
Regular Payments to Prospective Adopters, Adoptive Parents and Special Guardians, and Holders of Residence Orders	This chapter explains the arrangements for regular payments to carers in permanence.
Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Change
Summary of Types of Legal and Placement Status	This was mainly to take account of the new arrangements for placements with Family Friends and Connected Persons.
Access to Records	This chapter was amended in August 2011 to clarify the arrangements for access to adoption records.
Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters	Section 10 of this chapter was amended in August 2011 to include guidance on written reports to panel.
Activities	This chapter was edited with additional information about Adventurous Activities.
Adoption Case Records	This chapter was amended in August 2011 to clarify issues around the archiving and retention of records.
Procedure in Relation to Children Brought to the UK from Overseas for Adoption	Section 1 of this procedure was amended in terms of preparation of the prospective adopters.
Adoption Panel	This chapter was revised to remove the guidance regarding reports to panel which now appears in Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters. It also includes the arrangements for Adoption Panel, in particular the establishment of a Central List.
Planning for Adoption and Placement	The main change relates to the status of the prospective adopters including their ethnicity.
Adoption Reviews	This chapter was reviewed in August 2011 to clarify the duties of the Independent reviewing Officer.
Planning for Adoption and Placement	The main change relates to the ethnicity of the prospective Adopters.
Placements with Parents Policy	This chapter has been substantially revised and should be read in full. There is a helpful flowchart attached.
Placements in Residential Care	This chapter was amended in to take account of the changes to the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (Regulations) 2010. The main changes relate to reference to the Head of Service and Placement Plans
Child in Care Reviews	This chapter was substantially revised to take account of the Case Planning Regulations and should be read in its entirety. The main changes relate to the duties of the Independent Reviewing Officer.
Child in Need Plans and Reviews	This chapter was revised to include the responsibilities of the Lead Professional and the arrangements for ongoing services from agencies other than Children’s Social Care.
Contact with Parents and Siblings	The main changes in this chapter relate to: contact with Connected Persons and Grandparents; Children’s reactions to contact and Emergency arrangements.
Court Proceedings	This chapter was amended in August 2011in relation to Legal Planning Meetings (To Follow).
Education of Looked After Children - Including Exclusion Protocol	This chapter was amended to take account of the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance. The main changes relate to the avoidance of disruption in education and the changes to PEPs and Care Plans.
Leaving Care	This chapter was substantially amended in to include changes to Pathway Plans and Staying Put.
Placement Planning and Disruption Meetings	This chapter was amended to include new arrangements for children’s plans and to reflect arrangements in foster care.
Private Fostering	A number of minor amendments were made to this chapter including arrangements for the MASH.
Social Worker Visits	The main changes relate to the frequency of visits.
Fostering Exemptions and Extensions	This chapter explains the circumstances in which exemptions and extensions can be made when children are placed with foster carers.

November 2011

New Chapters and features
Chapter Name	Details
Adopted Adults and Access to Adoption Information	This chapter was introduced to the manual in October 2011. It is the former F05. 2.3 Access and Disclosure was revised to include access to information and the Independent Review Mechanism.
Updated Chapters
Chapter Name	Change
Fostering Panel	The main changes relates to the Central List of people from which the Fostering Panel is taken; and the membership of the panel.
Managing Allegations Against Foster Carers (and Prospective Adopters with Children Placed)	This chapter has been amended to include the role of the designated manager to liaise with the LADO. It now appears on the contents list of both the fostering and adoption sections of the contents list.
Social Worker Visits	There are updated intervals for social work visits.
Placements in Foster Care	The main changes relates to the matching of children to placements and the arrangements for the placement planning.
Policy and Guidance Family and Friends Foster Care	This chapter has been amended to include the duties in relation to placements with connected persons.
Planning for Adoption and Placement	This chapter has been updated in relation to the National Minimum Standards for Adoption, including the ethnicity of the prospective adopters in relation to the assessed needs of the child, new arrangements for adoption support and the preparation of the child for the placement.
Fostering Exemptions and Extensions	This chapter explains the circumstances in which exemptions and extensions can be made when children are placed with foster carers in an emergency. It was amended in November 2011 in line with the Care Planning Regulations 2010.
Decision to Accommodate a Child and Care Planning	This chapter was amended to take account of the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance The main changes relate to the arrangements for placements with Family, Friends and Connected Persons, The new requirements of Placement Plans and Care Plans and the authorisation of the financial implications for care Plans.
Procedure in Relation to Children Brought to the UK from Overseas for Adoption	This chapter applies to Devon County Council's responsibilities under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and The Adoptions with a Foreign Element Regulations 2005 in relation to children brought to the UK from overseas for the purpose of adoption. It was updated to include changes from the National Minimum Standards for Adoption 2011.

January 2012

New Chapters
Chapter Name	Change
Devon Electronic Information Point	Manual has been integrated with all the other information that you will need via the Devon E.point.
Family and Friends Fostering Business Process Procedure	This chapter explains the business processes for family and friends placements.
Guidance on Thresholds for Intervention	This guidance will support staff in identifying the most appropriate pathway to address concerns about a child.
Chronology Policy	This chapter informs how a chronology provides a mechanism through which information can be systematically shared and merged regarding a child and their family.
Amended Chapters
Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers Procedure	This chapter was amended in relation to the National Minimum Standards for Foster Care 2011, Standard 13. The main changes are: That Panel must make its recommendation within 8 months; That the applicant’s right to work in the UK must be verified; That the carers must demonstrate their ability to understand and deal with young people’s behaviour including encouraging children to take responsibility for their behaviour and helping them to learn how to resolve conflict; That the carer should be able to provide all children over 3 with their own bedroom. In Addition, applications from employees (or direct family members) of the Fostering Service and Devon Young People’s accommodation service will not be considered.
Fostering Service Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedure	This chapter was amended to exclude from any employee (or their immediate family members) of the Fostering Service or Devon Young People’s Accommodation Service.
Initial Assessments Procedure	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.
Core Assessments (Including Section 47 Enquiries) Procedure	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.
Death of, or Serious Injury to, Child in Community or Child in Care Procedure	Link to Peninsula Child Death Review Protocol.
Children's Resource Panel	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.
Process for One Stop Shop	This chapter was slightly updated in regard to the term Children’s Panel Administrator.
Child in Care Reviews Procedure (previously called Looked After Reviews)	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.
Education of Looked After Children - Including Exclusion Protocol	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.
Planning for Adoption and Placement Procedure	This chapter links to Way We Do Guides.

April 2012

New Chapter
Chapter Name	Details
Missing Children Policy	This policy applies to Devon and Cornwall Police, CYPS staff and foster carers caring for children on behalf of Devon County Council. It is important that everyone uses their judgement when taking any action it is deemed necessary, to protect the safety and wellbeing of the children. All actions should be taken following an assessment of risk.

4. Keywords and Search

4.1 Keywords

The manual is accessed by practitioners from varying agencies, who may find terms that they are not familiar with. Therefore, a large glossary (Keywords) of terms such as Significant Harm (Try it: click on the highlighted text). We call them 'Keywords'. Once clicked, the definitions will appear in a new window or tab, depending on your browser. You can leave it open for reference, or close it using the "close" button at the bottom.

4.2 Search

We have provided a Search function, available from the relevant button on the left hand menu bar. This will enable you to search for Chapter/Procedure titles and sub-sections within Chapters.

It will provide the best results if you know the title of the chapter or sub section, or if you have a good idea what the title is.

You may have to try different or alternative spellings/terms before you get the result you are looking for.

5. Compliance

5.1 Regulatory Compliance

Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or mistakes, please alert your manager.

5.2 W3C Compliance

This manual meets the double A Standards of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), for example, it can be accessed by people with high levels of visual impairment. To find out more, click on 'Display Options' on the left hand side of the screen.

6. Printing and Retaining Copies

The Manual should normally be viewed on line but can be printed, for reference only.

To print a chapter, click on the icon which is in the top right hand corner of the relevant procedure

Please note, copies may be printed for reference only, they may NOT be retained for more than 3 working days or used for any other purpose (See Section 7, Copyright).

7. Copyright

The content of this manual can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. However any content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of Tri-X-Childcare Ltd.

8. Adding the Manual to your 'Favourites'

On the first screen of the manual, there is 'favourites' icon in the top right hand corner of the screen:

If you click on this, the manual will be added to your list of favourite website's in your browser. When you open your browser, you can then access the manual by clicking on 'Favourites' on the menu, then choosing the manual.

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