Re: worried / scared
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 11:01 am
Hi Sante Fe
The role of the Children's Guardian is to speak up and represent the views and interests of children in care proceedings. You can obtain more information on the Cafcass website at http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/.
The Guardian may sometimes be in agreement with the Local Authority, but not always. However, as already stated here, the Guardian's view is integral so it is always good to know what their thinking is in the court decision making process. Either by speaking to them directly, by phone, when they visit from discussions with your solicitor.
A guardian is usually an experienced social work professional, but there are clear rules about them being a Children's Guardian or social worker, simultaneously within the same Local Authority, or for some time having worked within a specific one.
"Cafcass is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies......it is intended to ......within the law set by Parliament and under the rules and directions of the family courts..... in order to
•safeguard and promote the welfare of children
•give advice to the family courts
•make provision for children to be represented
•provide information, advice and support to children and their families".
The role of the Independent Reviewing Officer, on the other hand, is to monitor the progress of Looked After Children, and to ensure that the corporate parenting functions of the Local Authority are carried out.
They are normally employed by the Local Authority, but within the line management of the safeguarding team, and under a separate line management structure than the referral and assessment, family support and child protection or Children Looked After teams, one where the allocated social worker for the child is likely to be based, for instance. They are responsible for chairing the Looked After Review meeting, and would usually ensure that minutes of this meeting are circulated within seven working days.
In addition the Independent Review Officer will monitor and ensure the care plan is progressed in a timely fashion, to ensure the views of the child, parents, connected persons and relevant professionals are incorporated. Furthermore, they have the power to challenge poor practice and decision making processes, are addressed at a higher level within the Local Authority, if necessary.
I hope this answers a few of your questions.
Best Wishes
Suzie
The role of the Children's Guardian is to speak up and represent the views and interests of children in care proceedings. You can obtain more information on the Cafcass website at http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/.
The Guardian may sometimes be in agreement with the Local Authority, but not always. However, as already stated here, the Guardian's view is integral so it is always good to know what their thinking is in the court decision making process. Either by speaking to them directly, by phone, when they visit from discussions with your solicitor.
A guardian is usually an experienced social work professional, but there are clear rules about them being a Children's Guardian or social worker, simultaneously within the same Local Authority, or for some time having worked within a specific one.
"Cafcass is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies......it is intended to ......within the law set by Parliament and under the rules and directions of the family courts..... in order to
•safeguard and promote the welfare of children
•give advice to the family courts
•make provision for children to be represented
•provide information, advice and support to children and their families".
The role of the Independent Reviewing Officer, on the other hand, is to monitor the progress of Looked After Children, and to ensure that the corporate parenting functions of the Local Authority are carried out.
They are normally employed by the Local Authority, but within the line management of the safeguarding team, and under a separate line management structure than the referral and assessment, family support and child protection or Children Looked After teams, one where the allocated social worker for the child is likely to be based, for instance. They are responsible for chairing the Looked After Review meeting, and would usually ensure that minutes of this meeting are circulated within seven working days.
In addition the Independent Review Officer will monitor and ensure the care plan is progressed in a timely fashion, to ensure the views of the child, parents, connected persons and relevant professionals are incorporated. Furthermore, they have the power to challenge poor practice and decision making processes, are addressed at a higher level within the Local Authority, if necessary.
I hope this answers a few of your questions.
Best Wishes
Suzie