Contents

1.All Children

1.1Introduction, Policy, Values and Principles

1. 1.1.1What We Want to Achieve for Our Children and FamiliesMarch 17, 2025
2. 1.1.2Knowsley Corporate Parenting Board - Terms of Reference
   New
   March 17, 2025
3. 1.1.3Knowsley Information Sharing Charter
   New
   March 17, 2025
4. 1.1.4Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Procedure
   New
   March 17, 2025
5. 1.1.5Emergency Duty Team Practice Guidance
   New
   March 17, 2025
6. 1.1.6Young CarersMarch 20, 2025
7. 1.1.7Case Summaries Guidance
   New
   March 17, 2025
8. 1.1.8Case Summary Guidance - Fostering
   New
   March 17, 2025
9. 1.1.9What Impact do we have on the Lives of Children, Young People and their Families?
   New
   March 17, 2025
10. 1.1.10Police and Social Care Joint Working Protocol
    New
    March 17, 2025
11. 1.1.11Protocol Between Knowsley Youth Offending Service and Knowsley Children's Social Care
    New
    March 17, 2025
12. 1.1.12Joint Merseyside Protocol for the Provision of Local Authority Accommodation
    New
    March 17, 2025
13. 1.1.13Lone Working Guidance
    New
    March 17, 2025
14. 1.1.14Children's Safeguarding Services: Team SHIELD - Operational Procedures
    New
    To Follow
15. 1.1.15Signs of Safety Practice Guidance
    New
    March 17, 2025
16. 1.1.16Rapid Review Process Guidance
    New
    March 17, 2025
17. 1.1.17Contextual Safeguarding Guidance
    New
    March 17, 2025
18. 1.1.18Equality, Diversity and InclusionMarch 17, 2025
19. 1.1.19Capacity and ConsentMay 21, 2024
20. 1.1.20Children's Social Care Induction Pack
    New
    March 17, 2025

1.2Assessment and Planning

1. 1.2.1Child & Family Assessment FrameworkMarch 20, 2025
2. 1.2.2Pre-Birth Assessment
   New
   March 17, 2025
3. 1.2.3Early Help Process FlowchartMarch 17, 2025
4. 1.2.4Step Up / Step Down Procedure
   New
   March 17, 2025
5. 1.2.5Transfer Policy
   New
   March 17, 2025
6. 1.2.6Disclosure and Barring Service Check or Direct Police Check
   New
   March 17, 2025
7. 1.2.7Practice Standards for Child and Family (C&F) Assessments and Child in Need Planning
   New
   March 17, 2025
8. 1.2.8Risk Assessment and PlanningMarch 23, 2022
9. 1.2.9Group Supervision Guidance
   New
   March 17, 2025
10. 1.2.10No Access Visit Guidance
    New
    March 17, 2025
11. 1.2.11Private Law - Section 7 / 37 Reports
    New
    March 17, 2025

1.3Legal Framework and North West Regional Protocols

1. 1.3.1Protocol Between Independent Reviewing Officer and Children's Guardians
   New
   March 17, 2025
2. 1.3.2Legal Framework for Child ProtectionMarch 20, 2025
3. 1.3.3Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law OutlineJune 3, 2025
4. 1.3.4Discharge of Care Orders (Accelerated Process)
   New
   March 17, 2025
5. 1.3.5Change of Name of a Cared for ChildMarch 17, 2025
6. 1.3.6Marriage/Civil Partnership of Cared for ChildrenMarch 17, 2025
7. 1.3.7North West ADCS Notification and Transfer across Local Authority Boundaries Procedures
8. 1.3.8North West Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure (North West Resource)
9. 1.3.9North West Pre-Care and Care Proceedings Notification and Transfer across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure (North West Resource)
10. 1.3.10Seven-minute Briefing: North West Inter-authority Procedures for Children and Young People Moving Across Local Authority Boundaries (North West Resource)
11. 1.3.11Safeguarding Children and Young People Placed Across Local Authority Boundaries (North West Resource)
12. 1.3.12Protocol for Cross-Border Local Authority Communication in Children's Services - North Wales Children's Services and North West Local Authorities Children' Services (North West Resource)
13. 1.3.13Knowsley's Internal Procedures for information in relation to case records and retention, access to records etc.
14. 1.3.14Family Justice Resource Hub (ADCS) - This hosts a series of practical resources, such as templates, tools and practice guidance, which will be of interest to those working in the family justice system.

1.4Staffing

1. 1.4.1Knowsley Joint Children and Adults Services: Social Worker's Supervision Policy
   New
   March 17, 2025
2. 1.4.2Equality Impact Assessment – Supervision Policy
   New
   March 17, 2025
3. 1.4.3Allegations Against Staff, Carers and Volunteers
   New
   March 17, 2025
4. 1.4.4Whistleblowing
   New
   March 17, 2025

2.Child Protection

1. 2.0.1Contacts and ReferralsJune 3, 2025
2. 2.0.2Child Protection Enquiries (Section 47)June 3, 2025
3. 2.0.3Practice Standards
   New
   March 17, 2025
4. 2.0.4Strategy Discussion/Meeting Protocol
   New
   March 17, 2025
5. 2.0.5Child Protection Review Process
   New
   March 17, 2025
6. 2.0.6Cancellation of Conferences and CfC Reviews
   New
   March 17, 2025
7. 2.0.7Policy for Children's Participation in the Child Protection Conference Process
   New
   March 17, 2025
8. 2.0.8Children Who Run Away or Go Missing From Home or Care Policy
   New
   March 17, 2025
9. 2.0.9Outcome Resolution Process for the IROs/CP Chairs
   New
   March 17, 2025
10. 2.0.10Domestic Abuse
    New
    March 17, 2025
11. 2.0.11Children Affected by Gang Activity and Youth Violence
    New
    March 17, 2025
12. 2.0.12Pan Merseyside Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Protocol
    New
    March 17, 2025
13. 2.0.13Knowsley Safeguarding Children Partnership Multi-Agency Neglect Strategy
    New
    March 17, 2025

3.Preventive and Support Services

1. 3.0.1Child in Need Planning and ReviewMarch 20, 2025
2. 3.0.2Children with Disabilities Referral Assessment and Planning
   New
   March 17, 2025
3. 3.0.3Short BreaksUnder Review
4. 3.0.4Fullerton Eligibility Criteria
   New
   March 17, 2025
5. 3.0.5Knowsley Complex Care and Resource Panel
   New
   March 17, 2025
6. 3.0.6Direct Payments PolicyMay 21, 2024
7. 3.0.7Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
8. 3.0.8Receiving Payments Under Section 17 Policy and Procedure
   New
   March 17, 2025
9. 3.0.9Supervision Orders
   New
   March 17, 2025
10. 3.0.10Circle of Support Group Terms of Reference
    New
    March 17, 2025
11. 3.0.11Circle of Support Agenda
    New
    March 17, 2025
12. 3.0.12Knowsley Resource and Allocation Forum
    New
    March 17, 2025
13. 3.0.13Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983June 3, 2025
14. 3.0.14Family Group Conferencing Procedure
    New
    June 3, 2025

3.1Young Persons Housing and Homeless Prevention

1. 3.1.1Young Persons Housing and Homeless Prevention Protocol for 16 and 17 Year OldsMarch 17, 2025

4.Specific Circumstances

1. 4.0.1Services to Parents with Disabilities (Substance Misuse, Physical, Learning Disabilities or Domestic Abuse) and their Children
   New
   March 17, 2025
2. 4.0.2Cross Border Child Protection Cases under the Hague Convention
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 4.0.3Use of Interpreters, Signers or Others with Communication Skills
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 4.0.4Working with Unaccompanied Asylum SeekersJune 3, 2025
5. 4.0.5Families with No Recourse to Public FundsMarch 18, 2025
6. 4.0.6Preventing Homelessness: Protocol between Knowsley Housing Trust, Family First and CSC
   New
   Under Review
7. 4.0.7Private FosteringMarch 20, 2025

4.1Transport

1. 4.1.1Transporting Children
   New
   March 17, 2025
2. 4.1.2Travel Assistance Policy (Children's Social Care Users)
   New
   March 17, 2025
3. 4.1.3Travel Support Policy
   New
   March 17, 2025
4. 4.1.4Guidance for Taxi/Transport Requests
   New
   March 17, 2025

5.Services to Cared For Children

5.1Planning for Cared For Children

1. 5.1.1Cared for Children Strategy
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.1.2Sufficiency Needs Assessment for ChildrenMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.1.3Decision for a Child to Become a Cared For ChildJune 3, 2025
4. 5.1.4Care PlanningMarch 18, 2025
5. 5.1.5Family and Friends Care PolicyJanuary 17, 2025
6. 5.1.6Contract Monitoring Process
   New
   March 18, 2025
7. 5.1.7Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement ProvidersMarch 20, 2025
8. 5.1.8Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention AccommodationJune 3, 2025
9. 5.1.9Permanency Policy and Care Planning ProcedureMarch 18, 2025
10. 5.1.10Delegated AuthorityMarch 18, 2025
11. 5.1.11Agreement to Accommodate a Child
    New
    March 18, 2025
12. 5.1.12Knowsley Multi-Agency Permanency Panel - Terms of Reference
    New
    March 18, 2025
13. 5.1.13Joint Housing Protocol for Care Leavers
    New
    March 18, 2025
14. 5.1.14Child Trust Funds and Junior ISAs for Cared for Children
    New
    March 18, 2025
15. 5.1.15Practice Standards for Children Who Become Cared For
    New
    March 18, 2025
16. 5.1.16Providing Personalised CareMarch 23, 2022
17. 5.1.17Leisure ActivitiesMarch 18, 2025
18. 5.1.18YJB and Probation Joint National Protocol for Transitions in England - This Protocol is designed to support the planned and safe movement of young people from youth offending teams (YOTs) to the Probation Service when they turn 18.
19. 5.1.19Promoting Wellbeing and Positive Identity for a Child or Young Person Who is Looked After: A Quick Guide for Social Workers and Social Care Practitioners

5.2Placements

1. 5.2.1Children Subject to Care Orders Who are Placed at HomeSeptember 19, 2023
2. 5.2.2Placement with Friends and Family CarersMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.2.3Placements in Foster CareMarch 18, 2025
4. 5.2.4Placements in Secure AccommodationSeptember 19, 2023
5. 5.2.5Placements Outside England and WalesMarch 18, 2025
6. 5.2.6Placement Plans
   New
   March 18, 2025
7. 5.2.7Access to Resources (ART) Placement Process
   New
   March 18, 2025
8. 5.2.8Deprivations of Liberty
   New
   Under Review
9. 5.2.9Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
10. 5.2.10Disruption MeetingsMarch 18, 2025
11. 5.2.11Placement Stability Meetings
    New
    March 18, 2025
12. 5.2.12Health and Safety
    Updated
    June 3, 2025
13. 5.2.13Placements in Other ArrangementsJune 3, 2025
14. 5.2.14Healthcare Standards for Children and Young People in Secure Settings (RCPCH)

5.3Reviews

1. 5.3.1Cared for Children (CfC) ReviewsJanuary 17, 2025
2. 5.3.2Cared for Children Review Process
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 5.3.3Process for Informal Challenge & Dispute Resolution for the IROs/CP Chairs
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.3.4Secure Accommodation (Criteria) ReviewsMarch 18, 2025
5. 5.3.5Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing OfficersMarch 18, 2025
6. 5.3.6Cancellation of Conferences and CfC Reviews
   New
   March 17, 2025

5.4Education of Children Looked After

1. 5.4.1Duty to Promote the Educational Attainment of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.4.2Virtual School
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 5.4.3When a Child first becomes Looked After
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.4.4The Personal Education Plan (PEP)
   New
   March 18, 2025
5. 5.4.5Reviewing and Updating the Personal Education Plan (PEP)
   New
   March 18, 2025
6. 5.4.6Pupil Premium Plus
   New
   March 18, 2025
7. 5.4.7Avoidance of Disruption in Education
   New
   March 18, 2025
8. 5.4.8When a Child Needs or Joins a New School
   New
   March 18, 2025
9. 5.4.9When a Child has No School / Education Setting
   New
   March 18, 2025
10. 5.4.10When a Child is Absent from School and School Exclusions
    New
    March 18, 2025
11. 5.4.11Alternative and Independent Education Provision
    New
    March 18, 2025
12. 5.4.12Training for those Involved in the Care and Education of Looked After Children
    New
    March 18, 2025
13. 5.4.13Celebrating a Child's Achievements
    New
    March 18, 2025
14. 5.4.14Information Sharing
    New
    March 18, 2025
15. 5.4.15The Role of Designated Teachers and Schools
    New
    March 18, 2025
16. 5.4.16Responsibilities of Social Workers Concerning the Promotion of Education
    New
    March 18, 2025
17. 5.4.17Responsibilities of Carers Concerning the Promotion of Education
    New
    March 18, 2025
18. 5.4.18Knowsley Early Years Service
    New
    March 18, 2025
19. 5.4.19Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After ChildrenJuly 25, 2023

5.5Health and Well-being

1. 5.5.1First Aid and Medication
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.5.2Health Care Assessments and PlansMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.5.3HIV and AIDS
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.5.4Death or Serious Injury of a Care Experienced Child or Care Experienced Person Up to and Including the Age of 24March 20, 2025
5. 5.5.5Drugs and Substance Misuse
   New
   March 18, 2025

5.6Family Contacts, Visitors and Friends

1. 5.6.1Family Time With Parents, Siblings and Other Significant Family & FriendsMarch 18, 2025
2. 5.6.2Overnight Stays Away from the Placement or Other Care ArrangementsMarch 18, 2025

5.7Foster Carers

1. 5.7.1Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
2. 5.7.2Fostering PanelMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.7.3Limit on the Number of Children in Foster Homes
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.7.4Supervision of Foster CarersMarch 20, 2025
5. 5.7.5Knowsley Foster Carer Review Policy
   New
   March 18, 2025
6. 5.7.6Allegations Against Foster Carers
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
7. 5.7.7Persons Disqualified from FosteringMarch 18, 2025
8. 5.7.8CoramBAAF Guidance on Reducing the Risks of Environmental Tobacco Smoke for Looked After Children and their Carers
   New
   March 18, 2025
9. 5.7.9Smoking Policy
   New
   March 18, 2025
10. 5.7.10References and Checks
    New
    March 18, 2025
11. 5.7.11Health and Safety Check for Knowsley Foster Carers
    New
    March 18, 2025
12. 5.7.12Placement with Dog-owning Families who Wish to be Approved as Foster Carers
    New
    March 18, 2025
13. 5.7.13Foster Carers and Child Care
    New
    March 18, 2025
14. 5.7.14Foster Carers Record Keeping and Retention Policy
    New
    March 18, 2025
15. 5.7.15Foster Carers who wish to Adopt a Child who they are Currently Fostering
    New
    March 18, 2025
16. 5.7.16Fostering for Adoption and Concurrent Planning Placements in Knowsley
    New
    March 18, 2025
17. 5.7.17For Safe and Proper Use of Internet and Computers for Cared for Children
    New
    March 18, 2025
18. 5.7.18Safer Caring Guidelines for Foster Carers
    New
    March 18, 2025
19. 5.7.19Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol
    New
    March 18, 2025
20. 5.7.20Practice Standards for Foster Carer Reviews and Timescale Flowchart
    New
    March 18, 2025
21. 5.7.21Bedroom Sharing Policy
    New
    March 18, 2025
22. 5.7.22Fostering Service Quality Assurance Framework
    New
    March 18, 2025
23. 5.7.23Training and Development of Foster CarersMarch 23, 2022

5.8Adoption and Permanence

1. 5.8.1Adoption Policy
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.8.2Adoption PanelMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.8.3Assessment and Approval of Prospective AdoptersMarch 18, 2025
4. 5.8.4Placement for Adoption
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
5. 5.8.5Adoption SupportMarch 18, 2025
6. 5.8.6Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 18, 2025
7. 5.8.7Adoption ReviewsMarch 18, 2025
8. 5.8.8Disruption of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 18, 2025
9. 5.8.9Allegations Against an AdopterMarch 18, 2025
10. 5.8.10Non Agency AdoptionMay 21, 2024
11. 5.8.11Adoption Case FilesMarch 18, 2025
12. 5.8.12Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case RecordsMarch 18, 2025
13. 5.8.13Intermediary ServicesMarch 18, 2025
14. 5.8.14Smoking Policy
    New
    March 18, 2025
15. 5.8.15Concurrent Planning: Providing Permanent Placements at the Earliest OpportunityMarch 18, 2025
16. 5.8.16Relinquished ChildrenMarch 18, 2025
17. 5.8.17Moving to Adoption
    New
    March 18, 2025
18. 5.8.18Safeguarding Policy
    New
    March 18, 2025

5.9Leaving Care

1. 5.9.1Care Experienced People Strategy
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.9.2Financial Policy
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 5.9.3Staying PutMarch 18, 2025
4. 5.9.4Personal Advisers
   New
   March 18, 2025
5. 5.9.5Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Cared For Children and Young People in CustodyMarch 18, 2025
6. 5.9.6Care Leavers Released from Custody Protocol - Joint Working Arrangements between Children's Social Care (CSC), Youth Offending Service (YOS) and Probation Service
   New
   March 18, 2025
7. 5.9.7Leaving Care and Transition
   Updated
   Under Review
8. 5.9.8The Local Offer
   New
   March 18, 2025
9. 5.9.9Care Experienced People's Health History
   New
   March 18, 2025
10. 5.9.10Practice Guidance: Undertaking Independent Reviewing of Pathway Plans of Relevant and Former Relevant Young People
    New
    March 18, 2025
11. 5.9.11Standard Operational Procedure for the Provision of Care Leavers Health History
    New
    March 18, 2025

5.10Behaviour Management

1. 5.10.1Positive Relationships and Behaviour ManagementMarch 18, 2025
2. 5.10.2Practice Standards for Care Experienced People
   New
   March 18, 2025

5.11Incidents

1. 5.11.1Bullying
   New
   March 18, 2025
2. 5.11.2Notifiable Incidents Process
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 5.11.3Notifications of Significant EventsMarch 18, 2025
4. 5.11.4Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews Notifiable Incidents Process Guidance
   New
   March 18, 2025
5. 5.11.5Senior Leadership Notifications
   New
   March 18, 2025

5.12Monitoring Quality

1. 5.12.1Social Worker Visits to Cared For ChildrenMarch 18, 2025
2. 5.12.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.12.3Regulation 44 Visits
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.12.4Child and Family Feedback
   New
   March 18, 2025
5. 5.12.5Quality Assurance and Learning Framework
   New
   March 18, 2025
6. 5.12.6Role of the Supervising Social Worker
   New
   March 18, 2025

5.13Privacy and Personal Care

1. 5.13.1Personal Care and RelationshipsMarch 20, 2025
2. 5.13.2Intimate and Personal Care Policy
   New
   March 18, 2025
3. 5.13.3Touch Guidance
   New
   March 18, 2025
4. 5.13.4Use of Photography or Videos with Children Looked After
   New
   March 18, 2025

5.14Children Involved in the Youth Justice System

1. 5.14.1Children Looked After and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice ServicesJune 3, 2025
2. 5.14.2Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance
   Updated
   June 3, 2025

5.15Other Permanence Options

1. 5.15.1Special Guardianship Policy and ProceduresMarch 18, 2025
2. 5.15.2Court Reports in Adoption and Special GuardianshipMarch 18, 2025
3. 5.15.3Child Arrangements Order/Residence Order Allowances
   New
   March 18, 2025

6.Appendices

1. 6.0.1Local Contacts
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
2. 6.0.2Designated Managers
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
3. 6.0.3Local Keywords
   New
   March 17, 2025
4. 6.0.4Ofsted Inspection Framework
   Updated
   June 3, 2025
5. 6.0.5Working Together to Safeguard Children
6. 6.0.6Amendments