Independent Reviewing Officers - A note for Local Family Justice Councils

Wednesday, 07 October 2009 00:00

The Children in Safeguarding Proceedings Committee has, since its inception, been concerned as to the effectiveness of the current arrangements for the independent review of looked after children's cases.

As long ago as 2005, in response to the “Care Matters” consultation they commented upon the obvious failings of the existing system. They note the significant reforms introduced by the Children and Young Persons Act 2008. They continue to hope that improvements in the present system may preclude the necessity of active consideration being given to the option of locating IRO services outside Local Authorities (as envisaged by s11 of the Act).

More recently, they have had very encouraging discussions with Mark Burrows and Paul Denis who are responsible within the DCSF for this area of policy. The committee was also assisted by Amanda Checkley (IRO) and Noel Arnold (Solicitor) who each have specialist knowledge of the issues.

In summary, the DCSF is currently devising a new regulatory framework prescribing the manner in which the IRO functions are to be performed, which will be supported by statutory guidance to Local Authorities. The Department is also liaising closely with Cafcass in relation to IRO referrals. It is intended that draft Regulations and Guidance will be available by the end of October 09 and that consultation will take place over the following 12 weeks concluding on 22nd January 2010. 4 major conferences have been arranged to inform and seek the views of IROs, their managers and other interested parties. The first conference will take place in London on 7th December 09 and the second in Manchester on 11th December 09. In January 2010 there will be events in Bristol and Cambridge.

The full report from Independent Reviewing Officers for Local Family Justice Councils can be found here.