Main Purpose of the Role
To Chair statutory reviews for Children in Care, Child protection Conferences and Child in Need meetings. To monitor, rigorously assess and scrutinise the quality and effectiveness of the local authority's planning and support for children in care, those children subject to child protection plans and children in need on an ongoing basis. To challenge Local Authority if the planning for children does not appear to appropriately meet their needs. To Chair strategy meetings in relation to Allegations Against Adults Who Work With Children.
Key Duties
1
To rigorously monitor, assess, review and challenge, where necessary, the quality and effectiveness of the local authority's assessments, planning and support for children in care, including pathway plans, those children subject to child protection plans and children in need on an ongoing basis.
2
To act as an independent chair for child protection conferences, children in care statutory reviews, child in need reviews, and any other meeting as requested by the head of service.
3
To consult with children in care and decide what actions are necessary to meet the child's needs. Ensure that the child's views are clearly understood and taken in to account. Make recommendations towards achievement and endorse the care plan.
4
To act as a responsible adult for identified children and young people who is able to challenge and question on their behalf, the decisions and actions the Local Authority may take with regard to care planning and support arrangements.
Ensure a child Understands how an advocate could help and his /her entitlement to one
To ensure the child where appropriate has the right, with leave to apply for various legal orders
At any time in the dispute resolution process refer to CAFCASS for resolution within the Family Court.
5
To monitor, review and report best practice and poor practice within Children's Services to the Lead Member for Children and Young People and the Strategic Director for Children's Services and use formal or informal channels for resolution of complaints
6
To report concerns to senior managers, the Strategic Director for Children's Services or the Chief Executive for the Council should disputes remain unresolved.
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