Further to your request regarding the use of the Welfare Checklist when applying for care orders. Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your request.

I can advise that in every case where we apply for a care or supervision order the application form makes reference to the fact that we have applied the welfare checklist in coming to a decision to apply for a care order.

There is a duty on authorities to always consider other family members/other relevant persons as part of the process and this forms part of our procedure.

At the final stage of the proceedings a final statement is prepared where the local authority set out in full the welfare checklist.

When a court determines any question with respect to the upbringing of a child the court must have regard to the welfare checklist.

The Statements are signed by the key social worker, team manager and head of service, they are then forwarded to the legal department. Key staff within this department sign the application for the care order. Therefore all staff involved in the case take responsibility rather than any one individual.

I hope this answers your questions sufficiently, however if you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request or wish to make a complaint or appeal against any decision we have made in response to your request you should write in the first instance to Terry Walsh at the following address:

Head of Management Information & Sharing,

Salford Children's Services,

Minerva House,

Pendlebury Road,

Swinton,

Salford,

M27 4EQ

Guidance on how to make a formal appeal against a decision under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is also available on our web site at www.salford.gov.uk.

Should you continue to disagree with the decision following the appeal you may wish to contact the Office of the Information Commissioner at:-

Wycliffe House,

Water Lane,

Wilmslow,

Cheshire,

SK9 5AF

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Telephone: 08456 30 60 60 or 01625 54 57 45

Fax : 01625 524510