Welfare Checklist (PLO) 2008 introduced to ensure children are placed with relatives rather than in care

Mrs L Taylor (Account suspended) made this Freedom of Information request to Mendip District Council

Mendip District Council did not have the information requested.

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

Link to this

From: Lyons, Fiona
Mendip District Council

15 October 2009

Link: [1]File-List

My Ref FOI/2009/740 Direct Line: 01749 341XXX
Please Reply to: Fiona Lyons Ext: XXX
e-mail [email address] Fax: 01749 341542

15 October 2009

Dear Ms Taylor

Re: Freedom of Information Act 2000

Request for access to information - FOI/2009/740

Placing of children in care

With reference to your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 I
confirm that the Council does not hold the information you have requested
for the following reasons.

Mendip District Council does not have responsibility for Children's
Services as this is dealt with by Somerset County Council.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further assistance
in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Fiona Lyons

Data Protection Officer

Mendip District Council,

Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet,

Somerset BA4 5BT

( Direct Telephone: 01749 648999

* E-mail: [2][email address]

The contents of this e-mail are intended for the named addressee only.
This email may contain information which is confidential or privileged.
Unless you are the named addressee you may not copy or use it, act in
reliance on it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you have received this
email in error please notify Mendips Strategic ICT Dept on 01749 341270 or
by email at [email address] and then destroy it.

The Council reserves the right to monitor, record and retain any incoming
and outgoing emails for security reasons and for monitoring internal
compliance with the Council*s policies including the policy relating to
email use. Email monitoring and / or blocking software may be used, emails
may also be disclosed to other people under legislation, particularly the
Freedom of Information Act 2000

Unless this email relates to Mendip District Council business it will be
regarded by the Council as personal and will not be authorized or sent on
behalf of the Council. The sender will have sole responsibility for any
legal actions or disputes that may arise.

Mendip District Council makes every effort to keep its network secure and
free from viruses. However you do need to check this email and any
attachments to it for viruses and accuracy as the Council can take no
responsibility for any viruses, errors or omissions which are transferred
or arise as a result of the transmission of this email.

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: customerservices
Mendip District Council

15 October 2009

Dear Mrs Taylor

Thank you for your enquiry, this has been passed to the following
Service Area: Freedom of Information

If you have any queries relating to your enquiry please contact the
Customer Services team quoting case number: 165478

A Hamblin
Customer Services, Advice and Information
Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset,
BA4 5BT
Tel. 01749 648999
e-mail [email address]

show quoted sections

Link to this

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Mendip District Council only: