Amendments

2025

August 2025

Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation	In August 2025, a link was added to the Exploitation Screening Tool in the Related Information and Guidance section of this chapter.
Pre-Birth Protocol	This chapter was reviewed and updated in line with local procedure in August 2025.
Step Up and Step Down Process	The documents in this chapter were reviewed and updated in August 2025.
Blackburn with Darwen MASH Practice Guidance	This chapter was updated in August 2025.
Child Transfer Policy	In August 2025, this chapter was updated.
Education process for Suspensions, Exclusions and Part Time timetables for Children in Our Care	In August 2025, this chapter was added to the manual.
Sufficiency Strategy: Securing Sufficient Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers 2024-2027	This chapter was updated in August 2025.
Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983	In August 2025, Process Flowchart and Aftercare Plan was added to the Relevant Guidance section of the chapter.
Kinship Care	In August 2025, this chapter was revised in line with updated government guidance.
Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	This chapter was updated in August 2025, to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in the Related Guidance Section.
Allegations Against Foster Carers	This chapter was updated in August 2025, to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. in Section 4.5, Concluding the Investigation.
Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance	In August 2025, links were added to additional sources of guidance.
Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 Year Olds who may be Homeless and/or Require Accommodation; and Duty to Refer	This chapter was updated in August 2025.
Permanence Planning Guidance	In August 2025, this chapter was updated.
Leaving Care and Transition	In August 2025, updates were made to reflect the Homelessness Code of Guidance - Chapter 22: Care Leavers (updated 3 May 2024) which sets out the expectation that authorities should have in place joint protocols which clearly outline jointly held corporate parenting responsibilities for care leavers. See Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers.
Placements with Parents	In August 2025, a link to Reunification Process was added to the Relevant Guidance section of this chapter.
Health and Safety	In August 2025, information was added into Section 9, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.