Written question WQ98558
- Asked by
- Sarah Cooper-LesaddReform
- To be answered by
- First Minister
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What guidance does the Welsh Government issue to local authorities on how children in care should be informed about permanency decisions, including adoption, long-term foster care and family reunification?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health (Delyth Jewell)
The Welsh Government, through the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (Wales) Regulations 2015 and the Part 6 Code of Practice (Looked After and Accommodated Children), requires local authorities to ensure that children in care are appropriately informed and involved in decisions about their permanence.
The Code of Practice makes clear that children must be provided with information about their care plans and future options throughout the care planning process, in a manner that is appropriate to their age, understanding and communication needs. Local authorities must support children to understand what permanence options mean for them, enable them to express their views, wishes and feelings, and ensure access to advocacy where needed to support their participation. These views must be given due weight in decision-making about their long-term care arrangements.
The Regulations require the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to be informed of placement decisions, with the Code of Practice setting out their role in providing independent oversight of the care planning process and helping to ensure that the child’s rights and participation remain central to decision-making.