Tuning-in to young person C for a LAC review. Looked after Children (LAC) review Under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 it is a legal requirement that children looked after by Trusts must be reviewed. The first LAC review takes place four w

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Tuning-In to young person (C) for LAC Review

Looked after Children (LAC) review – Under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 it is a legal requirement that children looked after by Trusts must be reviewed. The first LAC review takes place four weeks after a child is taken into care. The next review takes place takes place three months later and then every six months thereafter (Reviews of Children’s Cases Regulations (NI) 1996 (Article 45(1) and (2)). A LAC review is a meeting which is held to get relevant professionals and family members together to share information and discuss plans about a child's placement. The purpose of the LAC review is to make sure that the care plan for each child continues to be appropriate and that the child's needs are being met. The LAC review can change the care plan for the child or young person.

LAC reviews discuss a child's placement, education, health and family contact. It will also be necessary to discuss any matters related to the plans for the child’s future. Those attending the review can also ask for other issues to be discussed. The social worker will be responsible for producing a written report for the LAC review and this report will contain information about the child and the progress with the care plan.

Young people should be given support to feel comfortable to participate at their review. However, research indicates that young people often feel disempowered when attending their LAC review. Reasons for this include:

  • Too many people attending the review
  • Difficult to understand what is being discussed
  • Feeling ignored or not listened to (NISSY, 2006)

Therefore, it is the responsibility of Social worker’s to consult with young people about decisions and plans being made about them. Prior to the LAC review young people should be provided with forms to give them the opportunity to contribute and record the things that are important to them so they can be involved in decisions and plans.

Tuning-in to the generally category of the client:

A child who is looked after is a reference to a child who is

  1. in the care of a Trust; or
  2. provided with accommodation by a Trust.  (The Children (NI) Order 1995)

Looked after children can be placed in a range of settings, these include a residential home, residential school, foster placement or placed with a family member. Additionally, a child who is ‘looked after’ can be the subject of an interim Care Order, a full Care Order, a Residence Order or Voluntarily Accommodated.  

In September 2009 there were 1,635 children and young people being looked after continuously for at least 12 months in Northern Ireland, 52% of which were male and 48% were female. Compared with 2008, the numbers of children looked after for at least 12 months increased, from 1,626 in 2008 to 1,653 in 2009 (DHSSP 2009). ‘Looked after’ children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. In many cases, they have suffered sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Children who are looked after have all got distinct identities and come from different backgrounds with their own particular needs.

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Legislation

The Children’s (N.I) Order 1995 is the main legislation which will guide my practice.  The Children’s (N.I) Order 1995 is to ensure the care and protection of children.  One of the main principles of this order is that the child’s welfare is paramount (Article 3).  This principle will guide all my work with young person (C).  Young person (C) is not subject of a Care Order as he was voluntarily accommodated by the trust following agreement from his mother.  While he is in the home myself and all staff have a duty to ensure young person (C)’s welfare is safeguarded ...

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