Social Workers report for LAC

[fishwillow]

The Social Worker on our case will not do a report for the LAC review meetings she has emailed us saying she does not need to do one and is working within the guide lines. She also goes onto say that she updates the Chairperson before the meetings and when we asked her what she had discussed she said if we wanted that information we need to apply for it to a certain office and is sending us the information how to do that. At the last LAC meeting we were told the school had decided that our daughter who had turned 16 in January had out-grown their school residence where she is now and is moving to a new site to be more independant. We where a little upset to think this decission had been made without any discussion with us the parents. All we keep being told is that our daughter is now 16 and if she wants to do something and does not want us to know where she is going they do not have to tell us, and that is coming from the school and social worker. We have also found out that the school are taking our daughter on holiday in the summer but they have not informed us of this and do we still need to sign a consent form.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hi Fishwillow

My name is Suzie, an advisor from the Family Rights Group.

I have replied to your other post, similar content, under s20 accommodation, so will not repeat it here. The social worker should complete a report in advance of the Looked After Review meeting, as this informs the Local Authority's care plan. Otherwise, you should take the opportunity to complete the parental evaluation form, so your views can be reflected at the meeting. In addition, the Independent Reviewing Officer should ensure your views are fully reflected.

Best Wishes

Suzie

[braveheart]

Hi Fishwillow

It is necessary for the social worker to do a report for the LAC review so she is telling you a load of porkies, every LAC review the IRO (Independent Review Officer) has to know what the future plans are for the child what they have achieved in care so far any thing that the child needs help with and also what the school and parents and carers also say about the child's development.. They also need to include the child's wishes and feelings and also you should also be given information on your rights of any complaints that you feel that you need to make about the Childrens Services. And of course they need your consent to take your child on holiday especially if she is only under a s20 the only time they may not have to ask for your permission is if they have an Interim Care Order for your child which gives the CS half parental rights over your child and when this happens the majority of the time they make the final decision about your child whether you agree with it or not...but if they don't have that order then they have no parental rights at all and your decision should take presidence.