Welfare Checklist (PLO) 2008 introduced to ensure children are placed with relatives rather than in care
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
Your reference:
Our reference: 1625
Please ask for: Sarah Brien
Tel: 0161 770 1619
e-mail: [1][email address]
Date: 16.10.2009
Dear Mrs L Taylor,
RE: - REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000.
I acknowledge with thanks your requests for information held by Oldham
Council.
I write to advise to you that your request is being considered.
Please be advised that a charge may be applicable for your requests. We
will advise you of this in due course.
Should you have any queries, please contact me on the number above.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Brien
Information Governance Officer
People, Communities and Society
Data and Information
Oldham Council
Civic Centre
West Street
Oldham
OL1 1UG
T: 0161 770 1619
E: [email address]
Dear Mrs L. Taylor
RE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
In response to your request for information, Oldham Council can confirm
that all our cases involve the welfare checklist as this is something that
we address on the initial statement to court and our final statement. As a
pre-exquisite to undertaking PLO we undertake Family Group Conferences to
involve all family members to look at how family can support the children
to include offering alternative placements. This may be without the Local
Authority's intervention i.e. private proceedings or subject to PLO. The
applications for care proceedings are completed by our legal team but all
statements, care plans are checked by the team manager and the
Safeguarding Vulnerable Children and Young People Head of Service prior.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Regards
Sarah
Sarah Brien
Information Governance Officer
People, Communities and Society
Data and Information
Oldham Council
Civic Centre
West Street
Oldham
OL1 1UG
T: 0161 770 1619
E: [1][email address]
References
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