National Transfer Scheme – Local Authority to Local Authority Transfer Process

(Non-Port/Non-Presentation Route; aligned with North West practice expectations)

1. Initial Identification and Agreement in Principle
   • Receiving and sending authorities confirm that the transfer falls within NTS criteria and is appropriate
   • Confirm whether the case involves an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC) or a former UASC accommodated under Children Act duties
   • Establish provisional transfer date and confirm interim responsibility for statutory functions.
2. Case Validation and Eligibility Checks
   • Confirm legal status (e.g., s.20, s.31, s.17, former relevant care leaver)
   • Confirm whether the age assessment is required, is ongoing, or is complete;
     • If complete, ensure a copy of the age assessment is shared
     • If required, establish which authority will lead, timescales, and safeguarding measures during dispute.
   • Confirm immigration status notifications (Home Office correspondence, solicitors, or appeals).
3. North West Transfer Policy Requirements
   (High-level expectations commonly applied across the region)
   • Transfer must be supported by a current assessment and updated care/pathway plan
   • Child’s voice and wishes should be evidenced (VOC)
   • A formal care planning meeting or equivalent multiagency forum identifies the transfer point and pre-transfer actions
   • Transfer should only proceed when a receiving-authority allocated social worker is identified.
4. Evidence of the Voice of the Child (VOC) and Direct Consultation
   • Child’s understanding of the transfer, preferences, concerns, and support needs documented
   • Establish whether the child requires:
     • Interpreter or translation support
     • Advocacy
     • Cultural or faith-specific provision
   • Confirm whether family or community networks exist in the receiving region.
5. Professional Consultations Required Prior to Transfer
   Written or recorded contributions should be obtained from:
   1. Allocated social worker
   2. Proposed receiving-authority social worker
   3. Placement provider / key worker
   4. Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
   5. Virtual School (if applicable)
   6. Health partners (e.g., Initial Health Assessment status, GP registration needs, CAMHS involvement)
   7. Any legal representatives (if litigation is active).
6. Assessments and Planning Documents to Be Shared
   • Updated Child and Family or Single Assessment (reflecting current risks, protective factors, asylum considerations, cultural needs)
   • Care Plan or Pathway Plan, including:
     • Education planning and PEP status
     • Health interventions and immunisation status
     • Emotional wellbeing/trauma support
     • Placement stability profile
     • Asylum/immigration actions
   • Risk assessments (missing episodes, exploitation, trafficking indicators)
   • Chronology and most recent statutory review minutes.
7. Placement-Specific Coordination
   • Obtain written update from the current placement provider, including:
     • Daily functioning
     • Behavioural or safeguarding concerns
     • Integration and routine
     • Placement compatibility in the receiving region.
   • Confirm whether ongoing placement is retained or a new placement will be commissioned by the receiving authority
   • If a move of placement is required, ensure sufficiency planning and risk mitigation.
8. IRO Role and Transfer Review
   • The IRO confirms care-planning readiness, best-interest rationale, and compliance with national guidance
   • A transfer review meeting (care-planning meeting) should be convened, attended by both authorities, ideally before final sign-off
   • Any disputes regarding plan suitability should be escalated.
9. Identity, Ethnicity, Language, and Cultural Information Sharing
   • Provide clarity on:
     • Stated nationality and ethnicity
     • Faith practice
     • Preferred language
     • Literacy proficiency
     • Interpreter/translation needs.
   • Ensure safe sharing of identity documentation, Home Office correspondence, and solicitor details.
10. Pre-Transfer Visit and Direct Engagement
    • Arrange a pre-transfer visit by the receiving-authority social worker (in person where feasible; virtual if necessary).
    • Visit objectives:
      • Relationship building
      • Clarity regarding move and expectations
      • Safety screening and welfare check
      • Assessment confirmation.
11. Transfer Logistics
    • Confirm physical transfer arrangements (travel, supervision, handover location).
    • Ensure continuity for:
      • Education
      • Health access and registration
      • Financial support
      • Interpreter services.
12. Post-Transfer Responsibilities
    • Receiving authority completes an initial statutory visit within required timescales
    • Placement review arrangements initiated in line with local policy
    • Update Home Office, legal representatives, and relevant partners.
13. Records and Data Sharing
    1. Record transfer date in both authority systems
    2. Ensure all files, digital records, and safeguarding documentation are securely transferred
    3. Notify any external agencies operating risk flags (police, MACE, trafficking services).