Placement plan

This is a plan drawn up by children’s services as part of the child’s care plan. It sets out the detailed arrangements for a looked after child’s placement. This includes how the placement will contribute to meeting the child’s needs. It will also set out how day-to-day parenting decisions will be made.

Ideally, the placement plan should be drawn up before the placement begins. If this is not possible, then it must be drawn up within five working days.

The placement plan will set out:

• How the placement will contribute to meeting the child’s needs identified in the care plan. These needs include health, education, social, behavioural and developmental needs.
• The financial arrangements for the child’s upbringing while in the placement.
• How the child will keep in touch with their parents, brothers and sisters, and other family members.
• What decisions the carer can make about the child’s care. For example, in relation to school trips, overnight stays, medical and dental treatment
• How the carer will maintain any important links relating to the child’s religion or culture.

An effective plan should ensure that the carer receives essential information about the child, including how any health, social, emotional or behavioural needs may affect the child day to day and appropriate strategies for responding. The plan should also ensure the carer has a clear understanding of the child’s likes, dislikes and routines.