1. How to audit and spot Good
Paul Brightwell

3. Seeing the child Visits must meet minimum intervals
CIN – minimum monthly and no less than 6 weekly
CP – minimum fortnightly
CIC – 6 weeks – but other rules apply
What are the child’s / parents views about the frequency of visits – has this been taken into account when determining the level of visiting
Is there evidence that visiting pattern has been considered in supervision
How are visits being undertaken – are they child focussed?
What are visits being used for – does the summary of the visit on the case file give a good picture of how the visit was used to promote good working relationships, understand the child and family circumstances and progress the plan

4. Child Focussed Practice
Is there evidence that the child / young person’s views have been actively sought in assessments, plans and visits
Does the case file record views in the child’s own words?
Is the file recording written in a way that shows that the child is at the centre? – with sibling groups does one sibling dominate the focus in the other siblings files?
Has the child been informed of their right to complain and have an advocate – how has this been acted upon where necessary
Has the child / young person been given an age appropriate explanation of decisions made about them
What direct work has been done with the child / young person to help them understand their circumstances?

5. The Plan
Is the plan outcome focussed – do actions follow from the desired outcomes
Is the plan clear on timeframes for when actions will be done (and by whom)?
Does the plan set out how we will know that outcomes have been achieved?
Is there a contingency plan for all areas where a significant issue of change in circumstances is probable?
Is the plan being implemented in the child’s timeframe
Have the child / young person’s views been sought and reflected in the plan – is the plan owned by the child and their family?
How are reviews ensuring that the plan is on track and drift being avoided
If someone new to the child’s case read the plan – would they have a good understanding of what was being done, why, by whom and in what timeframe – and be able to make appropriate decisions in an emergency?

6. Supervision / management oversight
Minimum frequency for formal discussion of case is 3 months
Correct frequency in any given case will also depend on complexity and levels of risk
Is there evidence of ad-hoc supervision between formal supervision?
Is their management sign-off
Does supervision provide appropriate guidance and direction
Is it reflective – does it explore different issues / options, methodology of intervention and demonstrate use of professional judgement based on the evidence?

7. Case file recording Does it tell the child’s story and their journey?
Is the case file focussed on the right child?
Does it do justice to the amount of work being undertaken