Download 2011-09-16-CINFINAL-AAG-APP-A

Interagency policy for children in need under the Children Act 1989 APPENDIX A
At a glance guide to
CHILDREN IN NEED POLICY AND PRACTICE IN SUFFOLK
This is quick reference for staff from any agency who work with children in need (CIN) in Suffolk. It
should be used together with the full Interagency policy and procedure for children in need under
the Children Act 1989 2011
Which children are ‘in need’ (CIN)? Children with high, multiple and complex needs who, unless
co-ordinated services are provided, are likely to be at risk of significant harm and poor outcomes.
(Defined in Children Act 1989 Section 17) CIN have needs at level 3 as defined in Meeting the
needs of children and families in Suffolk.
Children with disabilities are designated children in need under Children Act 1989 if their
disabilities are substantial and permanent and/or they have other complex needs due to family
circumstances and/or if they receive overnight short breaks. Children with disabilities who are not
in need are likely to receive a service from Activities Unlimited
The decision that a child is in need is made following referral to and assessment by children’s
social care OR by a review CP conference or LAC review when a CP or LAC plan ends.
The aim of work with children in need is to promote changes which will improve outcomes for
them now and in the future.
Work with children in need must:
o be multi-agency and aim to be in partnership with the child (according to age and
understanding), parents and carers and partner agencies
o ensure that risk and need are identified and responded to appropriately at all stages. This
includes recognising and reporting to the case responsible worker when inability,
reluctance or resistance by family members is impeding the progress of the plan and
preventing good outcomes being achieved.
o be defined in a current written Child in Need (CIN) Plan
The CIN Plan must be:
o based on need following initial assessment or the end of a CP or LAC plan
o focused on achieving the best outcomes for the child
o specify the work, changes required and intended outcomes and is in ‘SMART’ format
o is developed by the CIN planning group* at a planning meeting
o encompasses all interventions for the child and family
o is regularly reviewed
*The CIN planning group consists of the relevant family members, child if appropriate,
professionals directly providing services and the Chair of the planning meeting
CIN initial and review meetings must be:
o inclusive and enable all views to be expressed
o chaired by a manager or experienced practitioner from children’s social care
o held in a venue and time suitable for participants
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Records of meeting must be:
o include who was present, changes agreed and differences of opinion
o distributed to the CIN planning group by children’s social care, with the CIN Plan within 15
working days of the meeting
The role of children’s social care with CIN is to:
o lead and co-ordinate the plan
o arrange, chair and contribute to planning meetings
o receive information about and respond to changes in the child’s circumstances between
planning meetings
o distribute plans, arrangements for and records of meetings in a timely way.
The role of all agencies working with CIN is to:
o attend and participate in planning meetings to develop and review the CIN plan
o carry out aspects of the plan as agreed
o be aware of and report changes which could indicate escalating risk or need
o prioritise work with CIN wherever possible
o provide written reports of progress for review planning meetings, on agreed format
o share information according to the Suffolk information –sharing charter
Work with children in need: FLOWCHART
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