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 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

The request was partially 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

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From: Lena Murray
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

19 October 2009

Dear Mrs Taylor

I write to acknowledge receipt of your request for information and note
the terms of your request as detailed below. Your request for
information will be processed in accordance with the Act and relevant
guidance. Your request for information will be processed promptly and
in any event within 20 working days from receipt.

Yours sincerely

Lena Morrison
FOI & Equalities Officer
T: 01851 709222
E: [email address]

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From: Lena Murray
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

9 November 2009

Dear Mrs Taylor

I refer to your request for information detailed below. Your request has
been processed in accordance with the Act and guidance issued by the
Scottish Information Commissioner, in addition your request has been
considered with the application of Scots Law rather than the terms used in
your request.

I can confirm that the Comhairle have not applied for any care orders (or
equivalent) via the Family Courts WITHOUT the Welfare checklist set out in
section 1 of the Children Act 1989 being completed.

I trust that this information meets your needs. If you are dissatisfied
with this response you can request the Comhairle to review this response
to your request for information. You have 40 days, from the date of
receipt of this response, in which to lodge this requirement for review.
A request for review must be in writing, describe your original request
and explain why are dissatisfied. An application for review should be
sent to the Chief Executive, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices,
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW ([email address]). A request
for review lodged with the Chief Executive will be processed promptly and
in any event within 20 working days of receipt.

Should you still remain dissatisfied after completion of the review
process you may apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner, 10 Kinburn
Castle, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, K16 9BS, to establish whether
your request for information has been processed in accordance with Part 1
of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

Yours sincerely

Lena Morrison

FOI & Equalities Officer

T: 01851 709222

E: [email address]

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