How should the care plan for a child looked after under a voluntary arrangement be reviewed?

Once a child is looked after in the care system, children’s services must prepare a care plan for them. This is required by Regulation 4 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010.

The care plan must be kept under regular review. These reviews will happen at a looked after child review meeting. Sometimes this is shortened to just ‘LAC’ review. This process should happen for any looked after child. This includes children in the care system under voluntary arrangements. And those who are in care under a court order.

Reviews must take place at regular intervals. These are:

• No later than four weeks after the child becomes looked after
• Then within a further three months
• Then every six months (see section 26 of the Children Act 1989, and regulation 33 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010
• And whenever a substantial change to the plan is needed (see government statutory guidance called The children Act 1989 guidance and regulations: Volume 2: care planning, placement and case review at paragraphs 4.6 to 4.8).

Reviews must be held if it is being suggested that:

• The child should leave care before they reach 18
• The child should to live independently
• If the child is subject to a care order and is going to be discharged from custody
• If the child’s placement is going to change in a way which could disrupt their education. This is particularly if they are in Key Stage 4 or if they have been settled in their placement for a long time.See government statutory guidance called the IRO Handbook, at paragraph 3.77.