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

Mrs L Taylor made this Freedom of Information request to Aylesbury Vale District Council This request has been closed to new correspondence. Contact us if you think it should be reopened.

The request was successful.

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

Data_Protection, Aylesbury Vale District Council

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McMahon, Karen, Aylesbury Vale District Council

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Dear Mrs Taylor

Further to your information request, please find attached our official acknowledgement.

Regards

Karen McMahon

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McMahon, Karen, Aylesbury Vale District Council

1 Attachment

Dear Mrs Taylor

Further to your information request, please find attached our official response. Should you require further information please email [Aylesbury Vale District Council request email] or write to the address below.

Regards
Karen McMahon
On behalf of the Head of IT

IT Division
Aylesbury Vale District Council
4 Great Western Street
Aylesbury
Bucks, HP20 2TW

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