Care planning 1

Key research messages Four issues to address in all plans: 1. Providing a sense of permanence for the child 2. Overriding importance of the quality of the child’s relationships 3. Involvement of birth family regardless of whether or not return is planned 4. Inclusion of the child’s perspective

Key questions in making plans: Permanence means: Security, stability, love and a strong sense of identity and belonging (about much more than legal status and placement plan) how have circumstances undermined the child’s sense of identity? how will the plan rebuild this for the child?

Key questions in making plans: Relationships – ‘the golden thread’ in children’s lives how has the child been affected by past relationships? how will the plan ensure positive relationships are maintained or improved – or new ones made?

Key questions in making plans: Inv olving birth families – regardless of whether or not a return home is planned how will the plan address the parental problems that led to separation? how will links to the birth family be nurtured and preserved?

Key questions in making plans: The child’s perspective Who is talking to the child? Who is trying to understand what the child’s behaviour might mean? Who is trying to imagine what the world looks like from the child’s perspective? How is this being addressed in the plan?

Key messages for professionals: What makes a difference? Social worker – good thinking skills, making positive relationships with children and families SW manager – providing good quality supervision IRO – confidence in challenging poor practice Foster Carer – chemistry and fit with the child Supervising SW – providing support that is key to ensuring quality and continuity in placement Adopters – acceptance of child’s membership of more than one family

Framework for Thinking Supports all those involved to work together to develop plans. Based on linked concepts: Need – what do the child’s circumstances tell us about their needs? Outcome – what outcome might we realistically expect to achieve? Plan – what work is needed to achieve the outcome and address the need?