Reviewing Officers

The Reviewing Officers Team carries out reviews on children and young people who are accommodated away from home (usually with foster carers or in residential units and schools).  These reviews take place as per Government regulations at 6 week, 3 monthly and 6 monthly intervals after a child is accommodated. 193 children and young people were being looked after in March 2009.  The child or young person, their parent(s), the care provider and associated professionals are invited to attend the review. These meetings are minuted and a Care Plan is agreed. In addition, young people who have been accommodated and have a right to an aftercare service are also reviewed (60 people in March 2009).  The Reviewing Officers Team also chair all Initial and Review Child Protection Case Conferences held in West Lothian. Last year (2008) 169 case conferences took place.

Service Standards:
· Meet with parents/carers prior to every Child Protection Case Conference to ensure they understand the process and report content
· Ensure that parents/carers are facilitated and encouraged to participate during Reviews/Case Conferences
· Ensure that actions on Care Plans have been met and seek explanations if this is not the case
· Agree modification of Care Plans
· Contribute to quality assurance process by monitoring standards in respect of both the quality and effectiveness of the review/case conference process for children and families
· Contribute to quality assurance by monitoring and maintaining standards in respect of both quality and effectiveness of the reviewing service

There is no charge to customers using this service.

Further information on the work of the Reviewing Officers can be obtained from the Service Development Officer, John Howe on 01506 771799 or by e-mailing john.howe@westlothian.gov.uk

Alternatively, contact the jan.gollan@westlothian.gov.uk who is the LAC Administrator