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Welfare Checklist (PLO) 2008 introduced to ensure children are placed with relatives rather than in care
To Southampton City Council by Mrs L Taylor (Account suspended) 14 October 2009
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Mrs L Taylor (Account suspended) made this Freedom of Information request to Shropshire Council
The request was successful.
From: Mrs L Taylor (Account suspended)
14 October 2009
Dear Sir or Madam,
http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk...
December 2006 - Evidence shows children in care are being let down
and suffer more than those placed with relatives.
We are interested to see how the introduction of the PLO (Public
Law Outline) Welfare Checklist 2008 has altered the outcomes for
children.
I would be grateful if under the FOIA you could advise how many
times your Local Authority has applied for care orders via the
Family Courts WITHOUT the Welfare checklist set out in section 1 of
the Children Act 1989 being completed. The completion of the
Welfare Checklist would confirm that extended family members had in
fact been contacted prior to any application for a care order.
Whoever signs the application for a care order is responsible for
ensuring that the Welfare checklist has been fully completed,
please state who within your authority holds this position.
‘The Government recognises the importance of family members taking
care of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. We know
that a child brought up by a family member benefits from living
with someone they already know and trust rather than a stranger.
The Children Act 1989 placed a duty on local authorities to support
the upbringing of children by their families wherever possible, and
that services should be provided to children in need and their
families to enable this to happen.
There is now an increased focus on the steps that must be taken
prior to any court proceedings. Unless it is necessary to take
emergency action to protect a child from immediate harm, the local
authority must undertake various steps before initiating care
proceedings. Welfare checklist set out in section 1 of the Children
Act 1989’
Yours faithfully,
Mrs L Taylor
Shropshire Council
15 October 2009
Dear Mrs Taylor
Re: Information Request - Reference Number: 2009100038
Thank you for your request for information received on 15 October 2009. We
are currently processing your request in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000, and will respond to you within 20 working days.
For clarification we are using the following information for the purpose of
processing your request.
Details illustrating the effect of the PLO Welfare Checklist 2008 and how
it has altered the outcomes for children, as outlined in the letter of
request.
If you feel the information is inaccurate or requires amendment, please
notify us as soon as possible using the contact details provided above.
Yours sincerely
Heather Jones
Assistant Information Governance Officer
show quoted sections
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Shropshire Council
4 November 2009
Dear Mrs Taylor
Further to your recent Freedom of Information request which we received on
15 October 2009, please find below the information you require.
How many times your Local Authority has applied for care orders via the
Family Courts WITHOUT the Welfare checklist set out in section 1 of the
Children Act 1989 being completed. The completion of the Welfare Checklist
would confirm that extended family members had in fact been contacted
prior to any application for a care order.
Whoever signs the application for a care order is responsible for ensuring
that the Welfare checklist has been fully completed, please state who
within your authority holds this position.
The Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) is
authorised under the Council's Constitution to commence care proceedings
following instruction by the Assistant Director (Social Care and
Safeguards) within the Children and Young People's Directorate. Such
proceedings will, unless there is an emergency, be proceeded by a Legal
Planning Meeting in which all options, including extended family members,
will be considered.
Normally there will then be a meeting with the parents and their legal
advisor where the Council's concerns are outlined and the steps necessary
to allay those concerns explained. If satisfactory progress is not made
within a reasonable timescale, proceedings are commenced involving
detailed PLO paperwork. The welfare checklist is not "completed" as such
but rather must be considered by the Court and parties at all stages in
the process.
We trust that this answers your request satisfactorily. However, if you
should require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Yours sincerely
Heather Jones
Assistant Information Governance Officer
show quoted sections
Help prevent the spread of swine flu. CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT.
******************************************************************************
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