Care Planning for Looked After Children

The Importance of Care Planning

Every looked after child must have a care plan that sets out their needs, how they will be met, and the plan for their future. Good care planning ensures children receive consistent, coordinated support and that everyone knows what's expected.

The care plan is a living document that should be updated as the child's circumstances change and as plans develop.

Components of the Care Plan

The Overall Care Plan

• Summary of child's needs
• Long-term plan (permanence)
• Placement details
• Arrangements for health, education, contact
• Contingency arrangements

The Placement Plan

• Day-to-day arrangements
• Who can make what decisions
• Contact arrangements
• Education provision
• Health arrangements
• Delegated authority

Other Plans

• Personal Education Plan (PEP)
• Health plan
• Pathway plan (for 16+)
• Placement with Parents regulations plan (if applicable)

Developing the Care Plan

Information Gathering

• Assessment findings
• Child's wishes and feelings
• Family's views
• Professional input (health, education, etc.)
• Previous history

Involving the Child

• Age-appropriate discussions
• Use of direct work tools
• Advocacy support if needed
• Ensure views are recorded
• Explain what will happen

Involving Parents and Family

• Share and discuss plans
• Consider their views
• Be clear about expectations
• Identify what support they need

Permanence Planning

Permanence Options

The care plan must address permanence—where the child will live long-term:

• Return home - rehabilitation to parents
• Family and friends care - placement with relatives/connected persons
• Long-term foster care - matched long-term placement
• Adoption - legal transfer of parental responsibility
• Special Guardianship - legal order to carer

Twin-Track Planning

Often, two options are pursued simultaneously:

• Working toward family reunification
• While also planning for alternative permanence
• Ensures no delay if reunification not possible
• Requires clear decision points

Timescales

Initial Care Plan

• Before child becomes looked after (if planned)
• Within 10 working days if emergency
• Before first review (within 20 working days)

Reviews

• First review: within 20 working days
• Second review: within 3 months
• Subsequent reviews: every 6 months
• Care plan updated at each review

Key Areas to Address

Health

• Initial health assessment within 20 days
• Review health assessment annually (6-monthly under 5)
• Dental, optician, immunisations
• Mental health needs
• SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire)

Education

• Personal Education Plan within 20 days
• Reviewed termly
• Virtual School Head involvement
• Pupil Premium Plus funding
• SEND provision if needed

Contact

• Who the child will have contact with
• Frequency and arrangements
• Supervision requirements
• Review of contact arrangements

Identity

• Cultural, religious, linguistic needs
• Life story work
• Maintaining connections
• Identity development support

Quality Care Plans

Good Practice

• Specific, measurable outcomes
• Clear timescales
• Named responsibilities
• Child's voice evident
• Regularly updated
• Shared with relevant people

Common Weaknesses

• Generic, not individualised
• Not updated regularly
• Child's views not included
• Permanence not addressed
• Actions not specific enough

The Role of the IRO

The Independent Reviewing Officer:

• Chairs LAC reviews
• Monitors the care plan
• Ensures child's views are heard
• Can raise concerns through dispute resolution
• Provides independent oversight

Conclusion

Care planning is at the heart of good practice with looked after children. A well-developed, regularly reviewed care plan ensures children's needs are met, progress is tracked, and everyone knows the plan for the child's future. Invest time in getting care planning right—it makes a real difference to outcomes.