LAC Reviews and the IRO Role

Purpose of LAC Reviews

LAC reviews are statutory meetings that consider whether the care plan meets the child's needs, monitor progress, and ensure decisions are made in the child's best interests. They provide independent oversight of the local authority's care of looked after children.

Review Timescales

Statutory Requirements

• First review - within 20 working days of becoming looked after
• Second review - within 3 months of first review
• Subsequent reviews - every 6 months
• Additional reviews can be called if circumstances change significantly

Reasons for Additional Reviews

• Placement change
• Significant concerns about child's welfare
• Change in care plan
• Request from child or IRO
• Approaching significant transitions

The IRO Role

Who Are IROs?

Independent Reviewing Officers are experienced social workers who:

• Chair LAC reviews
• Monitor care plans between reviews
• Ensure child's voice is heard
• Provide independent oversight
• Can challenge practice concerns

IRO Responsibilities

• Chair reviews effectively
• Speak with child before each review
• Monitor care plan implementation
• Quality assure care planning
• Raise concerns through dispute resolution
• Refer to Cafcass if concerns unresolved

Preparing for Reviews

Social Worker Responsibilities

• Complete and circulate review report
• Gather reports from other professionals
• Speak with child about their wishes
• Invite relevant people
• Book appropriate venue
• Consider how child will participate

Information to Provide

• Progress since last review
• Current placement situation
• Education update (including PEP)
• Health information
• Contact arrangements and how working
• Child's wishes and feelings
• Permanence progress

Child Participation

Options for Participation

• Attend whole meeting
• Attend part of meeting
• Video or phone participation
• Written views
• Views shared by advocate
• Views shared by social worker

Making Reviews Child-Friendly

• Consider venue and timing
• Limit number of professionals
• Use age-appropriate language
• Allow breaks if needed
• Ensure child understands what's discussed

Who Should Attend

Core Attendees

• Child (if appropriate)
• Social worker
• IRO (Chair)
• Foster carer or residential worker
• Parents (unless exceptional reasons)

Others as Appropriate

• School representative
• Health professional
• Advocate
• Other significant people
• Supervising social worker

During the Review

Standard Agenda

• Introductions and purpose
• Child's wishes and feelings
• Progress on care plan
• Placement
• Education
• Health
• Contact
• Permanence
• Any other issues
• Decisions and actions

Key Decisions

• Is the care plan appropriate?
• Is the placement meeting needs?
• Is contact appropriate?
• Is permanence plan progressing?
• Are there any safeguarding concerns?

After the Review

Record and Actions

• IRO completes review record
• Decisions circulated to all parties
• Care plan updated if needed
• Actions tracked and completed

Monitoring Between Reviews

The IRO should:

• Monitor implementation of decisions
• Maintain relationship with child
• Be available to child between reviews
• Raise concerns promptly

IRO Dispute Resolution

When IROs have concerns about a case:

• Informal resolution with social worker first
• Formal escalation if not resolved
• Can refer to Cafcass in serious cases
• Focus on child's best interests

Conclusion

LAC reviews are a crucial safeguard for looked after children. Good preparation, meaningful child participation, and effective IRO oversight ensure children's needs are met and their voices heard. View reviews as opportunities for positive change, not just box-ticking exercises.