Independent Reviewing Officer
What is an Independent Reviewing Officer?
An Independent Reviewing Officer is the person who ensures that children looked after by the Local Authority have regular reviews to consider the care plan and placement. It is the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer to ensure that a child’s views are taken into consideration and that the Local Authority is fulfilling its duties and functions.
When is an Independent Reviewing Officer required?
In accordance with The Adoption and Children Act 2002 section 118 an Independent Reviewing officer must be appointed to participate in statutory reviews to consider the care plan of children looked after by the Local Authority.
What is the process?
An Avocet Independent Social Worker will take on the role of Independent Reviewing Officer, chairing and minuting a Child Looked After Review meeting, making decisions and recommendations and monitoring the effectiveness of the Local Authority’s plan. The Independent Social Worker will, where appropriate, meet with the child before the review to ascertain their wishes and feelings and will assist the child to take part in the review.
Time-scale
Avocet Independent Reviewing Officers chairing one off statutory Child Looked After Review meetings, aim to have completed minutes in their required format within 7 working days of chairing the meeting.
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