1. Keyworker Pack - Glossary of Terms
This glossary of terms is adapted from the more wide-ranging one
which you received before you came to work at SOLUTIONS. It may
help you more easily understand the terms you find in your keyworker
pack.
Assessment
Is the process of gathering together and evaluating information about a child, his/her family,
and their circumstances. Its purpose is to determine children’s needs, in order to plan for
their immediate and long term care, and decide what services and resources must be
provided. Child care assessments are usually coordinated by the Social Services
Department, but depend upon team work with other agencies (such as Education and Health)
as well as SOLUTIONS.
Care Order
An order made by the court under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Act placing the child in the care of
the designated Local Authority. A care order includes an interim care order, except where
expressed provision to the contrary is made (Section 31[11]).
Case Conference
The term ‘case conference’ usually describes child protection meetings attended by
representatives from all agencies concerned with a child’s welfare to share information and to
formulate an agreed plan of management and treatment with the child’s safety and welfare as
its paramount aim. There are a number of tasks which are undertaken during such a
meeting which includes a decision about registration, formulation of an agreed inter-agency
plan, and identification of the core group of people responsible for reviewing the plan as
necessary.
Child
A person under the age of 18. There is an important exception to this the case of an
application for financial relief by a ‘child’ who has reached 18 and is, or will be, receiving
education or training (Schedule 1, paragraphs 2, 6 and 16).
Child Abuse
Child Abuse is normally defined in the following broad categories:-
neglect
physical abuse
sexual abuse
emotional abuse
Development
‘Physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development’ (Section 18 [4[ of the
Children Act).
Guardian Ad Litem
In Care
A person appointed by the Court to investigate a child’s circumstances and to report to the
Court. The GAL does not represent the child, but seeks to present a non-partisan view of
the child’s welfare. The GAL can appoint a solicitor for the child. In some cases the official
solicitorCare as the GAL.
In acts
Refers to a child in the care of the Local Authority (council) by virtue of an order under
Section 31 (2) (a) or an interim order under Section 38 of the Children Act. Such a child may
be placed at SOLUTIONS by a local authority
2. Keyworker Pack - Glossary of Terms
Key Worker
Under normal circumstances, children in receipt of significant services will be allocated a
social worker and that person will usually hold case responsibility and will be nominated as
the ‘Keyworker’. The Keyworker is the named worker with responsibility for coordinating and
overseeing all the activities relating to the child’s plan. However, for the purposes of
SOLUTIONS the Keyworker is the member of the Residential Staff who has specific
responsibility for ensuring that plans relating to individual children are carried out.
Placement Plan
Under the ‘Arrangements for Placement of Children’s Regulations’, local authorities, voluntary
organisations and registered children’s homes are required to draw up and record in writing
an individual plan for each child placed in residential or foster care. This ‘Placement Plan’
must set out how best the child’s day to day needs can be met during the placement.
Plan
Each child, in receipt of services will be provided with an individual plan outlining the service
aims and objectives and any Agreements or requirements relating to them. Such plans will
normally be set out in writing using language which is likely to be understood by all.
However, steps must always be taken to utilise other methods where, for example, a
participant has learning or other difficulties.
Review
Whilst Section 26 of the Children Act requires Local Authorities to conduct regular reviews in
order to monitor the progress of children they are looking after, it is the policy of this
Department that plans relating to all children in receipt of ‘significant services’ will be reviewed
at regular intervals. Reviews are opportunities to consider progress and any problems and
changes in circumstances, and to resolve difficulties, set new goals and plan for the future.
They are usually attended by all those with significant responsibilities for the child. The child
and his/her parents will usually attend, and be given help and support to participate in the
decision-making and to make sure their views and wishes are known.