Quick Guide |
October 2011
AMENDMENTS
This manual was updated in October 2011 in relation to the following:
- The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 (Care Planning Regulations) and Associated Guidance;
- The Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance;
- The Children's Homes (Amendment) Regulations 2011, Associated Guidance (Volume 5) and National Minimum Standards (NMS);
- The Fostering Agencies Regulations 2011, Associated Guidance (Volume 4) and National Minimum Standards (NMS).
All of the above came into effect in April 2011. Please click here for a summary of the changes.
The chapters that have been amended or added to the manual in this update are listed in the Section 3, Amendments.
Changes were made in July 2011 in relation to the Adoption Guidance and National Minimum Standards.
Contents
- Display and Browser Options
- Structure of the Manual
- Amendments
- How to find a Chapter
- Terminology
- Keywords
- Compliance
- Contact us
- Copyright
- Printing and Retaining Copies
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.
2. Structure of the Manual
This manual contains the policies, procedures and guidance for the Oxfordshire Children, Young People and Families Directorate.
In this manual, all our Policies, Values and Principles are located in one Chapter, which users are required to familiarise themselves with before proceeding to the main body of the Manual. The Chapter is accessible via the 'Values' button on the left hand side of the screen.
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 a decision or course of action.
Frameworki and the Integrated Children's System
This manual refers to the ICS forms to be completed on Frameworki where appropriate in procedures chapters.
Detailed guidance in relation to the electronic recording system is not included in this manual but it is available on the intranet. If users need to access this, they can do so directly from this manual via the 'Frameworki' button available on the menu bar on the left hand side of the screen.
Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (SCB) Procedures
A number of the procedures contained in this manual should be followed in conjunction with the Oxfordshire SCB Procedures Manual, which is accessible from this manual via the button at the bottom left hand side of the screen. There are also links to the SCB Procedures directly from relevant chapters.
Research and Additional Practice Guidance
In order to encourage practitioners to access the Research in Practice website to assist them in their work, we have added a button to the menu on the left hand side of the page which will provide access to login information and facilitate access to the website. Access can also be made via this button to the practice guidance available on the HandsOnScotland website.
3. Amendments
October 2011 Manual Amendments
The table below includes a comprehensive list of the updates and the new chapters and amendments.
| New Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Description |
| Family and Friends Care Policy | This chapter was added to take account of the statutory guidance on Family and Friends Care which requires the local authority to have this policy by 30 September 2011. |
| Case Records for Looked After Child | This chapter was added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Sufficiency Duty in Relation to Accommodation for Looked After Children | This chapter was added to take account of the Section 22G Children Act 1989 and the Statutory Guidance on Securing Sufficient Accommodation for Looked After Children (2010), which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements out of Area | This chapter was added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing Officers | This chapter was added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance (Including the IRO Handbook) which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Altering the Approval of a Foster Carer and Exemptions | This chapter was added to incorporate the changes made by the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Relief for Foster Carers | This chapter was added to incorporate this policy into the manual. |
| Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody | This chapter was added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services | This chapter was added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Short Breaks | This chapter has been added to take account of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010; the updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review; and Short Breaks: Statutory Guidance on How to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Disabled Children Using Short Breaks. All of the above are effective from 1 April 2011. |
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Title | Change |
| Behaviour Management and Physical Intervention | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010, Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Route Map for Looked After Children | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Decision to Look After and Care Planning | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Assessing Family and Friends Options for Looked After Children | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements Policy | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Emergency Placements | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements in Foster Care | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements in Residential Care | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, Children's Homes Regulations 2011 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements in Secure Accommodation | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placements with Connected Persons | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. The chapter of the title was changed from Placements with Family and Friends Foster Carers. |
| Placements with Parents | This chapter replaced the previous chapter in October 2011, to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Disruption Meetings (Foster/Residential Placements) | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Looked After Reviews | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance (including the IRO Handbook), which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Independent Reviewing Officer - Dispute Resolution Process and Route for Referring Cases to CAFCASS | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance (including the IRO Handbook), which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Placement Plans and Placement Plan Reviews | This chapter was amended as a result of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, which came into force on 1 April 2011.. |
| Personal Education Plans | This chapter was amended to incorporate the changes made by the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Health Assessments and Health Action Plans | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011 |
| Contact with Parents and Other Relatives/Friends | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Assessment and Approval of Foster Carers | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Fostering Panel | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Persons Disqualified from Fostering | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Support and Supervision of Foster Carers | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Training of Foster Carers | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Review of Foster Carers | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Complaints, Allegations or Serious Concerns about Standards of Care in Relation to Foster Carers or Members of their Household | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Contacting the Police | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Social Worker Visits | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Independent Visitors | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Children's Bedrooms | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Physical Contact and Intimate Care | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Leaving Care | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010, Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 and the Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers Guidance (all of which became effective from 1 April 2011.) |
| Pathway Plans | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010, Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 and the Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers Guidance (all of which became effective from 1 April 2011.) |
| Children's Trust Funds and Looked After Children | This chapter was amended to reflect the changes in arrangements for Child Trust Funds. |
| Unaccompanied Minors Seeking Asylum | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations, 2010 and Associated Guidance, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
| Care Plans | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which became effective from 1 April 2011. |
| Education of Looked After Children | This chapter was amended to reflect the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and Associated Guidance, which became effective from 1 April 2011. |
| Initial Interview/Home Visit for Prospective Foster Carers | This chapter was amended to reflect the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011. |
Manual Updates
The manual will be updated regularly. When the manual is updated, chapters that have been significantly amended or are new will be indicated in the Contents List and at the top of the relevant Chapter.
The top of this chapter also lists the changes that have been made in this edition of the manual.
The next update will be the spring of 2012.
Hannah Farncombe is the lead on collating information for the updates. If you require any other amendments or additions to the manual, please let Hannah know.(Hannah.Farncombe@oxfordshire.gov.uk).
4. How to find a chapter
Procedures and guidance are located in individual 'Chapters' which are available from a 'traditional' Contents List - accessible via the button on the left hand side of the screen.
4.1 Using the Contents List
Chapters are categorised or grouped together as follows:
PARTS: The manual contains procedures categorised under a number of Service Sectors, like 'Looked After Children',
SECTIONS: Within each Service Sector e.g. 'Looked After Services', you will find a Section (group of procedures) like 'Placements'.
CHAPTERS: Under each Section, you'll find individual Chapters/Procedures e.g. 'Placements with Parents'.
4.2 You can search for a Chapter
If you are not sure which service or section to look in, try 'Search' which will help you identify specific Chapters and sub headings within Chapters
5.Terminology
We believe it is crucial to use consistent terminology, which we agree with individual customers, for example:
| 'Child' or 'Young Person' | both these terms are used to mean any child under the age of 18 |
| 'Staff' or 'Carer' | means all Staff and Carers (including) whether employed or not |
| 'Parent' | means a parent or person with Parental Responsibility |
| 'Regulatory Authority' | Regulatory Authority is the generic term used in this manual to describe the independent regulatory body responsible for inspecting and regulating services e.g. Ofsted. |
6. 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.
Many Keywords are highlighted in the body of procedures, but you can search for the Keyword you need: Go to the Keywords Index, on the left hand side of the screen.
7.Compliance
7.1 Regulatory Compliance
Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or mistakes, please alert your manager or contact us.
7.2 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.
8.Contact us
If you have any comments or suggestions to make about this manual please contact us by using the button on the left hand side of the screen, from anywhere within the manual.
9.Copyright
The content of this website 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 and Oxfordshire County Council.
10. 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, the Manual will be updated regularly, so staff should avoid retaining printed versions - hard copies are only valid until the next update of the manual is published. The responsibility is on the practitioner to make sure that any printed copies are destroyed when the next update is published.
End