J Cassidy

Dear J Cassidy

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST

Your request for information has now been considered and the information requested is enclosed.

You Asked:

1)Age assessments are always conducted by at least two Social Workers?

Answer:

Age assessments for young people who are referred to the Local Authority are undertaken by Social Workers. The Local Authority's procedure provides that wherever possible, two social workers will undertake the assessment interviews together.

In some cases, where a young person has been known to the Local Authority for a period of time and issues have arisen regarding their presentation, assessments have been undertaken by staff other than social workers.

1.1

If they are not always conducted by at least two Social Workers, can you provide information that explains this apparent anomaly and provide details of the job Titles of those who currently conduct age assessments.

See (2.1) below.

2) That since 01 April 2005 you have always used at least two Social Workers?

2.1)If you have not always used two Social Workers, since 01 April 2005, please provide details of the job Titles of those who currently conduct age assessments.

Answer:

The only member of staff other than Social Workers who has participated in age assessments is the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Young People's Support Worker, supervised by a Social Worker.

3)During said Court case a Helen Johnson, Refugee Council's Children's Panel, questioned the assertion by a Ms Janet Patrick, senior manager of the Croydon Council's Unaccompanied Minors' Team, that Council's are routinely advising applicants that they can have an adult present to give support during their age assessment. Therefore can you provide copies of any information you hold, such as policies, memos, notes and guidance, (showing dates issued/written/drafted) as given to Social Workers, the applicants or anyone else, that Confirms or Denies that applicants are routinely advised that they can have an adult present to give support.

Answer:

The Local Authority has no specific documentation in this respect.

4)Please provide copies of any age assessment guidance or training material you hold.

Answer:

A copy of the Age Assessment policy and procedure is enclosed.

If you have any queries or concerns then please contact me.

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request please contact the Information Governance Manager at The London Borough of Merton, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX or e-mail [Merton Borough Council request email] .

You can also complain to the Information Commissioner at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF 
Telephone: 01625 545 700
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Yours sincerely

XXXXXX

Complaints and Customer Service Officer

Business and Communication Team

London Borough of Merton

Merton Civic Centre, London Road

Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX

Direct Line: 020 8545 3086

Fax: 020 8545 3443

Email: [email address]

My Ref :

Please Ask For: XXXXXX

Your Ref:

Date: 15 June 2009

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT