Review Meetings

• The reviewing process is scheduled during the Placement Plan Meeting at the time of admission, and requires meetings to be held at least every 4 weeks. This timeframe should accommodate Child Protection Conferences and Statutory Reviews and it is acceptable for Centre Reviews to be incorporated within these.
• Parents are invited to be present throughout such meetings, except on the rare occasion when legal advice is sought.
• Where the child's age/stage of development is such that an understanding of the purpose and content of meetings is indicated he/she is encouraged to attend (Looked After Review) and/or have someone express their views on their behalf.
• Reviews will usually take place at Dudley Lodge, with the exception of cases where the recommendation is for the removal of children from their parent(s). On such occasions, the potential for disruption in the Centre is seen as sufficient reason for an alternative venue to be identified, where appropriate.
• Team Managers provide verbal feedback at each meeting, in conjunction with written reports/summarising information. This is usually circulated in advance to all parties including parents.
• The parent(s) and Social Worker should be aware of all main areas of feedback prior to Review.
• Parents are given the opportunity and time to read any Centre report prior to any meeting. They are also given the opportunity to record their own comments, which can then, with their permission, be circulated to all parties in attendance.
• Advocates are given clear advance notice of meeting dates/times in order to facilitate their attendance.
• If the assessment Review is a stand-alone meeting (i.e. if it is not part of a Child Protection Conference or Statutory Review), it will be chaired/facilitated by the Team Manager and will be attended by the Social Worker, Parents/Carers, appropriate Centre Staff, and if appointed possibly the Children's Guardian. It may be appropriate to invite other involved professionals and family members (e.g. Health Visitor, Drug Support Team worker).
• Each Review will discuss the findings of the assessment so far and make decisions about future work with the family. Objectives and goals will be revised accordingly if the placement is to continue.