Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care Service Procedures Manual

Amendments

2024

July 2024

Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National Framework	This chapter was added in July 2024. A Continuing Care package funded by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) is required when a child or young person has needs arising from a disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing universal or specialist NHS services alone.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	In July 2024, in Section 4.7, Age Assessment Process a link was added to the BASW Age Assessment Practice Guidance.
Assessment of a New Partner of Existing/Approved Foster Carers	In July 2024, this procedure was revised throughout and must be reread.
Notifications of Significant Events	In July 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children, to note that notifications should also be made of the death of a care leaver up to and including the age of 24.
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	In July 2024, Section 2, Ordinary Residence was updated in line with case law.
Private Fostering	In July 2024, Section 10, Reviews of Private Fostering Arrangements was revised and should be reread.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	In July 2024, Section 15, Resolving Disagreements was updated to include information on Guidance: Carry Out an Order in Special Educational Needs Cases. And to include information from Special Educational Needs and Disability: Improving Local Authority Decision Making - Report of the Administrative Justice Council's Working Group on Special Educational Needs and Disability.
Guidance for Staff: Reporting Serious Incidents and/or Child Deaths	In July 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. In Section 3, information was added on Death of a Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24
Family Networks and Family Group Decision Making	This chapter was added in July 2024. The Children's Social Care National Framework and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 both highlight the expectation for family networks to be engaged and empowered from an early point in a referral.
Young Carers	This chapter was updated in July 2024.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	In July 2024, information was added in relation to family group decision-making in Sections 1, Introduction and Time Limits and Section 5, Pre-Proceedings, and a link was added to chapter Family Networks and Family Group Decision Making.
Child Protection Conference	In July 2024, a new Section, 15.7 Decision making for children moving into a household where there are children on a Child Protection Plan was added to the chapter and Appendix 13, The Independent Chair Service Dissent Process was added
Children Involved in the Youth Justice System Additional National Guidance	In July 2024, additional links were added; Care Experience Matters (GOV.UK), Children as Suspects and Defendants (CPS), Guidance: Use of Force, Restraint and Restrictive Practices in the Children and Young People Secure Estate and A Joint Thematic Inspection of Work with Children Subject to Remand in Youth Detention.
Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	In July 2024, this chapter was revised in response to Working Together to Safeguard Children (December 2023), and includes the ongoing development of the strategic leadership roles of Virtual School Heads (VSH) in promoting educational outcomes for children aged 0 to 18 who have, or previously had a social worker, and children in kinship care arrangements.

January 2024

Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	This chapter was updated in January 2024. Information in relation to legal aid for foster carers and prospective adoptive parents in First Tier Tribunal appeals was added into Section 15, Resolving Disagreements.
Placements in Other Arrangements	This chapter was refreshed in January 2024.
Capacity and Consent	In January 2024, amendments were made to reflect case-law in relation to assessing legal capacity.
Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	This chapter was refreshed in January 2024.
Health and Safety	In January 2024, additional information was added about online safety.
Foster Carer Recording Policy	This chapter was updated in January 2024 and should be re-read throughout.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	In January 2024, information was added into Section 4, Care Orders and Supervisions Orders on a Care Plan of the Child Remaining at Home in relation to Supervision Orders, in line with Public Law Working Group (PLWG) Recommendations to Achieve Best Practice in the Child Protection and Family Justice Systems: Supervision Orders.
Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters	In January 2024, this chapter was refreshed and a link was added to the National Early Permanence Practice Standards (Coram Centre for Early Permanence).

2023

July 2023

Guidance for Foster Carers on Personal Safety and Incident Reporting
Behaviour Management	In July 2023, this chapter has been updated to incorporate Ofsted feedback.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	In July 2023, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Children Involved in the Youth Justice System Additional National Guidance	In July 2023, links were added to "A Guide to Child First - Youth Justice Board" and "Matters of Concern, Safeguarding Concerns, Allegations and Complaints for Children in Custody".
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter was amended in July 2023 to note that with effect from 1 April 2023, the leaving care allowance increased from £2,000 to £3,000 and to include information from the revised Ofsted inspection framework.
Supervision of Foster Carers	In July 2023, this chapter was reviewed and updated.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Operational Guidance
Written Records (Including Retention)	This chapter was updated in July 2023 in relation to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Decision to Look After	Section 3, Section 20 Accommodation was updated in line with case-law in July 2023.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	In July 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 4, Health Plans.
Children and Young People who Sexually Harm	In July 2023, this chapter was updated and replaced the previous guidance issued in November 2018. This guidance should be re-read throughout.
Nottinghamshire's Youth Justice Service Policies, Procedure and Guidance	A number of policies were updated in July 2023.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	Section 8, Court Hearings was updated in July 2023 in line with A View From the President's Chambers: Relaunching the PLO (November 2022) and that section should be re-read. In Relevant Guidance, a link was added to Pre-proceedings and Family Justice Hub (Research in Practice).
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	In July 2023, this chapter was amended to include information from Annex to MOJ Circular 2022/03: Additional Information on Remand to Local Authority Accommodation (RLAA).
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	In July 2023, this chapter was updated to include information from Guidance: Area SEND Inspections Framework and Handbook (November 2022).
Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After Child	This chapter was amended in July 2023 to reflect that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 26 February 2023.
Health and Safety	In July 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies.
Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings	This chapter was added in July 2023.
Looked After Children Placed Out of Area - Nottinghamshire (including City) Joint Health and Local Authority Pathway	This chapter was added in July 2023.

January 2023

Children Involved in the Youth Justice System Additional National Guidance	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2023.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	In January 2023 this chapter was rewritten and must be reread.
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	In January 2023 this chapter was amended to refer to Guidance issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	In January 2023 this chapter was amended throughout in line with Management Guidance in Public Law Children Cases: March 2022.
Supervision of Foster Carers	This chapter was updated throughout in January 2023 and should be re-read. Section 1, Introduction should be reread
Placement for Adoption	In January 2023 this chapter was refreshed and should be reread.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Guidance for Recommending Minor and Major Adaptations	In January 2023, Section 4,6, Ceiling track hoists was updated and should be reread.
Nottinghamshire's Youth Justice Service Policies, Procedure and Guidance	A number of policies were updated in January 2023 and new policies Constructive Resettlement Practice Guidance, Principles for Working with Children Where a Knife/Weapon is Indicated, Public Protection Notification Practice Guidance, the Protocol and Practice Guidelines regarding the transfer of Cases, Communication Plan, YJS and MASH ‘new referral’ Liaison Protocol and YJS Prevention and Diversion Policies, Processes and Interventions.
Short Breaks (Away from Home)	In January 2023, information was added to this chapter and it should be reread.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	In January 2023 this chapter was rewritten and needs to be reread
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings	This chapter was updated in January 2023
Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Policy for Receiving Referrals and Undertaking Assessment	In January 2023 this chapter was reviewed and should be reread.
Financial Arrangements for Care Leavers	In January 2023, this chapter was updated and should be re-read throughout.
Independent Birth Family Counselling Service	This chapter was updated in January 2023 and should be re-read throughout.
Placements Outside England and Wales	In January 2023, Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey was updated in line with the Cross-border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 and Cross-Border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022: Practice Guidance, Notice and Undertaking Template.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy Guidance for the Loan of Equipment	In January 2023, Section 1.3, Exclusions was updated and should be reread
Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy - Legal Framework	In January 2023 this chapter was reviewed and should be reread.
Prospective Adopters Attending Panel	This chapter was significantly updated in January 2023, and should be reread.
Adoption Panel	In January 2023 this chapter was refreshed and should be reread.
Data Sharing Between the UK Visas and Immigration and the Local Authority	In January 2023 this chapter was updated and a new section was added on NRPF Connect.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	In January 2023 this chapter was amended in line with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters	In January 2023, this chapter was refreshed and should be reread
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)	In January 2023, this policy was rewritten and should be re-read.
Nottinghamshire Fostering Scheme - Payment For Skills	This chapter was updated in January 2023 and should be re-read throughout.
Children's Disability Service - Threshold Criteria for Children's Social Care	Section 2, The Children's Disability Service (CDS) Social Work Team was updated in January 2023 and sets out the work of the team and criteria for their involvement.
Fostering Support Care	In January 2023, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Step Down/Step Up of Cases Between CDS Social Work Team and Short Break Assessment & Review Team	In January 2023, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Adoption Support	This chapter was updated in January 2023.

2022

December 2022

Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services	This chapter was reviewed and updated in January 2023.

November 2022

Foster Carer Recording Policy	This chapter was updated in November 2022 and should be re-read throughout.

July 2022

Care Planning
Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children	In July 2022 this chapter was updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021). Schools should have policies and processes in place to ensure all concerns about all adults working in or on behalf of the school or college (including supply teachers, volunteers and contractors) are dealt with promptly and appropriately. See Section 8.3, Protecting Children with a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children from Adults Who May Pose a Risk to Them and/or Other Children in the School.
Child Protection Conference	In July 2022, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline	This chapter was updated in July 2022.
Legal Gateway/Planning Meetings	This chapter was updated in July 2022.
Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding Staff	In July 2022 this chapter was given a general refresh.
Training and Development of Foster Carers	This chapter was added in July 2022.
Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers	In July 2022, the chapter was updated throughout and should be reread.
Supervision of Foster Carers	This chapter was updated in July 2022 and should be re-read. The Supervision Agenda for each meeting should follow the NCC Supervising Social Worker Formal Supervision with Foster Carers Template.
Bedroom Sharing in Fostering Households	This chapter was updated in July 2022 and should be reread.
Leaving Care and Transition	This chapter was amended in July 2022 to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. (See Scope Box above.)
Looked After Reviews	In July 2022 this chapter was extensively updated and should be read. Information was also added on Post 18 Reviews in Section 1, The Purpose of Looked After Reviews and in Section 4.3, Post 18 Reviews. In Section 4, Convening Looked After Reviews information was added on a strength-based approach to Looked After Reviews. In section 5 information was added on Good Practice Guidance for our Looked After Meetings.
The Independent Chair’s Service Concerns Resolution Process	In July 2022 this chapter was rewritten and need to be reread.
Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation	In July 2022, the chapter was refreshed and should be read. Additional Information has been added to the Appendices: Looked After Children and Youth Justice.
Placements in Foster Care	This chapter was amended in July 2022 to add a link to the NYAS ‘My Things Matter’ Report – support and respect care-experienced children and their belongings when they move. (See Section 4, Placement Planning).
Ceasing to Look After a Child	This chapter was updated in July 2022 to add a note regarding transferring a child’s belongings in appropriate luggage and includes a link to a link to NYAS, My Things Matter Report. (See Section 5, Administration / Process Issues).
Health and Safety	This chapter was added in July 2022.
Providing Personalised Care
Risk Assessment and Planning
Leisure Activities
Decision to Look After	This chapter was updated in July 2022.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	In July 2022 Section 15, Resolving Disagreements was updated in line with the First Tier Tribunal’s extended powers to hear appeals and make non-binding recommendations about health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, provided those appeals also include education elements.
Participation of Children and Young People, Parents and Carers in the Child Protection Process	In July 2022 this chapter was refreshed. A new Section 8, Presenting the Lived Experience of the Child to Conference was added to this chapter.
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	This chapter was updated in July 2022 to reflect recent case-law.
Private Fostering	In July 2022 this policy was updated throughout and should be reread. There are also updates to a number of forms in the Private Fostering section in the Documents Library.

January 2022

Special Guardianship	In January 2022, this chapter was revised. Information on the School Admission Code was added in Section 8, Special Guardianship Support Services.
Placing Relinquished Babies for Adoption	In January 2022, this chapter was updated to reflect case-law setting out lessons for the future in non-notification cases.
Investigating Concerns and Allegations Against Foster Carers Including Historical Issues	In January 2022, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Short Breaks (Away from Home)	In January 2022, information was added in to Section 4, Short Break Settings, in relation to the prohibition on looked after children under the age of 16 being placed in 'other arrangements' placements for the purposes of a short break.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Operational Guidance	In January 2022, this chapter was updated.
Placements in Other Arrangements	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2022.
Placements with Parents	This chapter was updated In January 2022 a note was added to Section 3, Assessment of Checks before Placement to add information on placements in 'other arrangements.
Placements Outside England and Wales	In January 2022, Section 3, Placements in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Guernsey was updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review. Additional information was also added in relation to placements in Scotland, in line with a High Court case.
Secure Accommodation - Application, Admission & Reviews	In January 2022, Section 4, Procedure for an Initial Secure Placement was rewritten and needs to be reread.
Kinship Care Policy and Guidance	In January 2022, this chapter was revised. In Section 5, Arrangements Made where there has been Involvement of the Local Authority information was added on the School Admission Code. which provides that children being raised by family and friends carers under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order, who struggle to get a school place during the year, will be supported in finding one.
Out of Area Placements	In January 2022, Section 6, Placements in Wales was updated in line with updated Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review.
Provision for Mothers and Babies in Order To Assess Parenting Capacity and/or Provide Accommodation	In January 2022, in Section 4, Authorising and Financing Other Arrangements for a Mother and Baby a note was added that this type of placement requires Group Manager approval.
Placements in Residential Care	In January 2022, this chapter was updated to note that, from September 2021, looked after children under 16 years of age cannot be accommodated in unregulated independent or semi-independent placements.
Nottinghamshire's Youth Justice Service Policies, Procedure and Guidance	A number of policies were updated in January 2022 and a new policy Youth Justice and Police Liaison was also added.
Capacity and Consent	In January 2022, Section 4.3, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty was updated and new Section 5.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support was added, to reflect High Court judgments. Section 2.1, Consent to Information was updated to reflect revisions contained in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Cross-Border Child Protection Cases Under the 1996 Hague Convention	In January 2022, this chapter was updated to take account of the UK's exit from the EEA.
Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service Users	In January 2022, information was added on recording by employees in a professional capacity, and links added to relevant guidance.

2021

November 2021

Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential Workers	In November 2021, a new Section 7.4, Consent to Life-ending Withdrawal of Medical Support was added, to reflect a High Court judgment.

July 2021

Assessments and Approvals of Foster Carers	In July 2021, a revised link was added to Prepare for a review panel: adopters and foster carers.
Managing Allegations/Concerns in Relation to Adults who work with Children	In July 2021, this chapter was updated extensively and should be read throughout.
Protecting Children from the Harmful Effects of Second-hand Smoke (Prospective Adopters)	In July 2021, the leaflets and guidance were updated and should be reread
Non Recent Cases of Abuse by Adults who are or have Worked or Volunteered with Children	This chapter was extensively updated in July 2021 and should be read throughout.
Homeless 16/17 Year Olds	This chapter was added to the manual in July 2021.
Drug Testing in Children's Social Care (Oral Fluid Sampling)	This chapter was updated in July 2021.

January 2021

Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective Adopters	In January 2021, a link was added to Prepare for a Review Panel: Adopters and Foster Carers in Section 12, Representations / Independent Review Procedure. The DfE has withdrawn the Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Policy for Receiving Referrals and Undertaking Assessment	In January 2021, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Guidance for Recommending Minor and Major Adaptations	In January 2021, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy - Legal Framework	In January 2021, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read
Staying Put	This chapter was updated in January 2021 in Section 6, Funding information was added on salaried foster carers.
Notifications of Significant Events	In January 2021, this procedure was updated to reflect the latest Ofsted guidance for social care providers on the types of incident which they consider to be serious and which will therefore require notification to the regulatory authority.
Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy Guidance for the Loan of Equipment	In January 2021, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Children's Disability Service - Threshold Criteria for Children's Social Care	Section 2, The Children's Disability Service (CDS) Social Work Team was updated in January 2021 and sets out the work of the team and criteria for their involvement.
Storage of Data on Mobile Devices	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2021.

2020

July 2020

Assessments	In July 2020 this chapter was updated and should be re-read.
Transfer Policy	In July 2020, this chapter was extensively updated and should be read throughout.
Step Down/Step Up of Cases Between CDS Social Work Team and Short Break Assessment & Review Team	In July 2020, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Child Criminal Exploitation	This chapter was added to the manual in July 2020.
Child in Need Plans and Reviews (including Detention under the Mental Health Act (1983))	In July 2020 in Section 4, Reviews of Child in Need Plans the timescales for the review meetings are clarified and in Section 7, Case Closure / Step-Down the timescale for case closure.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children	In July 2020, a link to the Digital Referral System: Report Modern Slavery was added.

January 2020

Foster Carer Recording Policy
Transfer of Foster Carers Policy	This chapter was updated in January 2020 and should be re-read.
Safe Caring	In January 2020, this chapter was updated and should be re-read. Further amendments will be required when Nottinghamshire County Council agree on an alternative to the MAPA model of intervention.
Placement Support and Disruption Meetings (Adoption)	In January 2020, this chapter was updated and should be re-read throughout.
Foster Carer Case Files	This chapter was updated in January 2020 and should be re-read throughout.
Guidance for Foster Carers on Personal Safety and Incident Reporting	In January 2020, this chapter was updated throughout and should be re-read.
Religious Identity and Delegated Authority	In January 2020, the following was added on the duty of the local authority under the Children Act 1989 to consider the wishes and feelings of any child in its care in decisions made about that child. This includes children under the age of 16 years. Consequently should the wishes and feelings of a child be contrary to those of those with parental responsibility with regard to the child’s engagement with religious practices, then these must be duly considered, taking into account the age and level of understanding of the child.
Persons Disqualified from Fostering	This chapter was updated in January 2020 in Section 3, Approved Foster Carers with the process to be followed after the panel's recommendation, that the person is not suitable to act/continue as a foster carer.
Social Worker Visits to Looked After Children	This chapter was amended In January 2020, to include a link to the Leaving Care and Transition Procedure in relation to Personal Adviser visits to ‘Relevant’ or ‘Former Relevant’ young people.
Placements with a Relative or Friend (Connected Persons)	In January 2020, this chapter was completely rewritten and should be re-read.
Permanence Planning Guidance	This chapter was updated in January 2020 in line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and revised statutory guidance. These changes relate to the status of ‘previously looked after children’. A previously Looked After Child is one who is no longer looked after in England and Wales because they are the subject of an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order which includes arrangements relating to with whom the child is to live, or when the child is to live with any person, or has been adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales. Children subject to a Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order are entitled to support from their school, through the designated teacher.
Disability Living Allowance - Fostered Children and Foster Carers	In January 2020, the chapter was updated and should be re-read.
Guidance for Staff: Reporting Serious Incidents and/or Child Deaths	This chapter was substantially updated in January 2020 and should be re-read.
Contacts and Referrals	This chapter was updated in January 2020 and should be re-read.
Access to Birth Information (Post Commencement Adoptions Orders)	In January 2020, a link was added to Attending and IRM Panel: information sheets. See Section 3, Access to Adoption Case Records.

2019

November 2019

Children and Young People who Sexually Harm	In November 2019, this chapter was updated and replaces the previous guidance issued in July 2015. This guidance should be re-read throughout.

July 2019

Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in Custody	In July 2019, this chapter was updated in relation to placing young people in custody, see Section 3.8, How to Request a Transfer or Placement Review.
Placements with Dog-owning Families (for Prospective Adopters)	In July 2019, this chapter was refreshed and should be re-read.

January 2019

Working with and Supporting Birth Families	In January 2019, the following information was added in Section 10, Notifications After Agency Decision - Birth parents will be written to by the permanence team manager when adopters have been identified an notified of this and that a final contact visit is to be arranged. Birth parents will be written to by the permanence team manager to notify them if a decision has been made that adoption is no longer the permanence plan. They will be informed that the Local Authority will be returning the matter to court.
Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK	In January 2019, a new section was added as Section 5, Holidays Where Children may be at Risk.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)	In January 2019, this policy was rewritten and should be re-read.
Support for Disabled Parents and Young Carers - Protocol Between Children’s and Adults Social Care	Section 8, Case Examples was removed in January 2019.
Special Guardianship - Financial Support	In January 2019, the following was added: An Initial Household Income Assessment will then be done by the Family Service workers and sent to the payments team to calculate whether the applicant is eligible for a means tested payment. They will inform the social worker and Service Manager for SGO. The Social Worker can then send an authorisation to the Service Manager for payments to be made once the SGO has been made
Non Agency Adoption	In January 2019, the following details were amended in Section 3, Medical Information: Upon receipt, the completed medical forms should be passed by the social worker to the Medical Adviser for comment.
Adoption Case Records	Section 3, Security Retention and Sharing of Records was updated in January 2019 in line with Adoption and Care Planning (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018, which provides that an adoption agency may disclose an adoption case record to another adoption agency for purposes related to either agency’s functions as an adoption agency. Further information was added in relation to adoption records where an Adoption Order is not made.
Intermediary Services	In January 2019, the following was added in Section 6.1, No Obligation to Proceed if not Appropriate: Where there are safeguarding concerns, Notts CC will consider convening an Intermediary Service Panel where the social worker will submit a report (analysing the risks and issues, reviewing possible mitigating actions and alternatives) to be considered by the Team Manager and in more complex cases, the Service Manager who will sign off the decision whether to offer IS or not. This decision will be conveyed to the Applicant and the report uploaded to Mosaic and in Section 7.5, Confidentiality to an approved agency providing tracing. (The information from the tracing report cannot be shared directly with the applicant but can be used by the Intermediary Agency for tracing purposes).

2018

July 2018

Placement for Adoption	Section 1, Planning for Permanence was updated in July 2018 to reflect the additional consideration (added by s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 amends Section 1(4)(f) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) into the list of considerations that whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant. It has also been amended to emphasise ‘procedural fairness’ as a key aspect of the adoption planning process in respect of ensuring parents are provided with information throughout, including the dates of placement/proposed changes of a child’s Status, etc. This follows the outcome of a judicial review ([2017] EWHC 1041 (Admin)). (See new Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness).
Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective Adopters	Section 4.1, Duty to Consider Fostering for Adoption Placement was updated in July 2018 to reflect the additional consideration (added by s.9 Children and Social Work Act 2017 into the list of considerations whenever a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child), of the relationship which the child has with relatives, with any person who is a prospective adopter with whom the child is placed and with any other person in relation to whom the court or agency considers the relationship to be relevant.
Health Care Assessments and Plans	In July 2018, a new Section 3.4, Consent to Health Care Assessments was added.
Family Arrangements Policy	This chapter was added to the manual in July 2018.
Child Trust Funds and Junior ISA's for Looked After Children	This chapter was updated in July 2018 to reflect the increase in the annual limit on contributions in Section 1.4, Can Additional Payments be Made?

January 2018

Residential Placement Planning	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2018.
Criminal Injuries Compensation	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2018.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	Section 1, Introduction was updated in January 2018 to take account of the change of definition in Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017).
Inter Country Adoption	Section 8, Home Study was updated in July 2018 to include a link to GOV.UK Benefits.

2017

July 2017

Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)	This chapter was extensively updated in July 2017 and should be read throughout.

January 2017

Written Records (Including Retention)	In January 2017, information was added at Section 3.11, Retention.
Children and Young People Subject to Dual Status	In January 2017, a new Section 4, Children Detained under the Mental Health Legislation (MHA 1983) was added.
Consent to Medical Examinations	In January 2017, a link was added in the Related Guidance section to the British Medical Association Consent Toolkit.

2016

July 2016

Adaptations (Guidance and Agreements)	These appendices were added to the manual in July 2016.
Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement Providers	In July 2016, Section 1, Introduction was amended to reflect that the notification must include whether the child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and, if so, details of the Local Authority which maintains the Education, Health and Care Plan.
Direct Payments	In July 2016, a new Section 7, Hospital Stays was added.

January 2016

Placement Planning Meetings and Introduction to Adoptive Parents	In January 2016, information was added in Section 2, The Adoption Placement Plan, a mandatory document and can be accessed in the Mosaic episode ‘intro to order’.
Prospective Adopters Attending Panel	This chapter was significantly updated in January 2016, including the addition of a new Section 12, Information for those Attending Panel.
Adoption Planning for Sibling Groups	This chapter was updated in January 2016 with regards to the consideration of siblings and whether they should remain together or apart, as well as the permanence options for the children.
Adoption Support	This chapter was updated in January 2016.
Nottinghamshire Fostering Scheme - Payment For Skills	This chapter was updated in January 2016 and should be re-read throughout.
Child Placements Preparatory Information	This chapter was updated in January 2016, in particular Section 2.5 was added.
Independent Birth Family Counselling Service	This chapter was updated in January 2016 and should be re-read throughout.
Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to the Foster Carer's Terms of Approval	This chapter was significantly updated in January 2016 and should be re-read throughout.
Carers who wish to Adopt	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Fostering Support Care	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Financial Arrangements for Care Leavers	In January 2016, this chapter was updated and should be re-read throughout.
Holidays and School Trips in the UK	Section 2.2, School / Organisational Trips of up to 4 days Away was updated in January 2016 to reflect in long term placements a Delegated Decision Form should be in place to make it explicit when a carer can or cannot makes these decisions.
Contact with Parents/Adults and Siblings	In January 2016, the Protocol for Contact Support Workers When Children are Not Relinquished Following Supervised Contact, Contact Expenses and Payments and Protocol for Reducing Supervised Contact Arrangements were added.
Child Missing and Recovery Orders	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Section 20 Accommodation Decisions	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Transition Planning for Young People with Disabilities	In January 2016, this chapter was significantly updated, particularly with regards to the Care Act 2014.
Welfare Reports (Section 7) Supervision Order (Section 37) Family Assistance Orders (Section 16)	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Safeguarding Foreign National Children Who Go Missing	Section 2, Children in the Care of the Local Authority was extensively updated in January 2016 including information being added with regards to the NSCP Children Missing from Home and Care Protocol.
Information for General Practitioners/Social Workers Concerning Looked After Children who have a History of Self-Harm	In January 2016, further links including Nottinghamshire SCP – Information for Children and Young People were added to the Relevant Legislation and Guidance section.
Individuals who Present a Risk to Children	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Guidance for Minute Takers of Child Protection Conferences and Complex Multi-Agency Strategy Meetings	In January 2016, this chapter was extensively updated and should be re-read throughout.
Young Carers	This chapter was added to the manual in January 2016.
Life Story Work and Preparation for Adoption	This chapter was updated in January 2016 and should be re-read throughout.
Later Life Letters	This chapter was updated in January 2016. In Section 2, Procedure - Child Placed with Nottinghamshire Adopters information was added with regards to social workers should use the CoramBAAF Good Practice Guide - Writing A Later Life Letter.
Adoption Financial Support	This chapter was updated in January 2016. Section 3, Eligibility Criteria was updated to reflect that children under 4 years who have an identified condition that will make significant extra demands on carers and who must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
Adoption Reviews	This chapter was updated in January 2016 with regard to the timing of the 'Later in Life Letter' from the social worker being given to the adopters for the child within ten working days of the celebration hearing. Also, the case management system (Mosaic) should also record the Adoption Order and the episode, Adoption Order Obtained - End Adoptive Placement is completed, as well as the episodes for Adoption Support to set up post final order contact arrangement.

2014

December 2014

Child Arrangements Orders	This chapter was added in December 2014.

May 2014

Notification of Children - Arrangements for the Placement of Children (General) Regulations 1991	This chapter was added to the manual in May 2014.

2013

January 2013

Child Arrangements Orders - Financial Support	In March 2013, this chapter was extensively amended and should be read in its entirety.