Contents

1.All Children

1.1Policy, Values and Principles

1. 1.1.1Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles March 10, 2025
2. 1.1.2Children & Young People's Consultation and ParticipationAugust 14, 2025
3. 1.1.3Priorities on a PageMarch 10, 2025
4. 1.1.4Confidentiality PolicyMay 21, 2024
5. 1.1.5Equality and DiversityJuly 25, 2022
6. 1.1.6Capacity and ConsentAugust 14, 2025

1.2Early Help and Thresholds for Children's Social Care Services

1. 1.2.1Safeguarding Children principlesAugust 14, 2025
2. 1.2.2Child and Family Assessment/CAFMarch 10, 2025
3. 1.2.3Early Help and Support Supervision GuidanceMarch 10, 2025
4. 1.2.4Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal ExploitationAugust 14, 2025
5. 1.2.5Early Intervention: Policy and Provision (House of Commons Library)

1.3Children's Social Care - Assessment and Planning

1. 1.3.1Blackburn with Darwen MASH Practice GuidanceAugust 14, 2025
2. 1.3.2AssessmentsAugust 14, 2025
3. 1.3.3Child Protection Enquiries (Section 47)August 14, 2025
4. 1.3.4Pre-Birth ProtocolFebruary 5, 2026
5. 1.3.5Step Up and Step Down ProcessAugust 14, 2025
6. 1.3.6Co-Working Protocol for Cases where there are Concerns Regarding Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)March 10, 2025
7. 1.3.7Child Transfer PolicyAugust 14, 2025
8. 1.3.8Case Closure Managerial Practice NoteAugust 14, 2025
9. 1.3.9Child Protection ConferencesAugust 14, 2025
10. 1.3.10Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire Children's Safeguarding Assurance Procedures
11. 1.3.11NW Procedure: Safeguarding Children and Young People Placed across Local Authority Boundaries
12. 1.3.12NW Children in Need Moving across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure
13. 1.3.13NW Notification and Transfer of Children Subject of Child Protection Plans across Local Authority Boundaries Procedure

1.4Child in Need

1. 1.4.1Child in Need Plans and ReviewsAugust 14, 2025

1.5Legal Proceedings

1. 1.5.1Applications for Emergency Protection OrdersAugust 14, 2025
2. 1.5.2Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law OutlineAugust 14, 2025
3. 1.5.3Legal Gateway/Planning MeetingsAugust 19, 2024
4. 1.5.4Issuing ProceedingsMarch 10, 2025
5. 1.5.5Escalation ProcessMarch 10, 2025
6. 1.5.6Disclosure of Information between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol
7. 1.5.7Cross-border child protection cases: the 1996 Hague Convention (DfE)
8. 1.5.8Family 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.

1.6Complaints and Whistleblowing

1. 1.6.1Complaints and Representations
   Updated
   April 20, 2026
2. 1.6.2WhistleblowingMarch 10, 2025

1.7Notifications

1. 1.7.1Death or Serious Injury to a Child Looked After, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24February 5, 2026

2.Case Management and Recording

1. 2.0.1Recording Policy and GuidelinesSeptember 19, 2023
2. 2.0.2Case Records and RetentionJanuary 16, 2025
3. 2.0.3Access to Records/Subject Access RequestsAugust 14, 2025
4. 2.0.4Electronic Recording of Meetings and ConversationsDecember 18, 2024
5. 2.0.5Storage of Data on Mobile DevicesAugust 14, 2025
6. 2.0.6Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding StaffMarch 10, 2025

3.Children in Particular Circumstances

3.1Children with Disabilities and Complex Health Needs

1. 3.1.1Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesAugust 14, 2025
2. 3.1.2Personal Budgets and Direct PaymentsFebruary 5, 2026
3. 3.1.3Short BreaksAugust 14, 2025
4. 3.1.4Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National FrameworkAugust 14, 2025

3.2Deprivation of Liberty and Mental Capacity

1. 3.2.1Deprivation of Liberty
2. 3.2.2Mental Capacity

3.3Children from Abroad

1. 3.3.1Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern SlaveryAugust 14, 2025
2. 3.3.2Families with No Recourse to Public FundsFebruary 5, 2026

3.4Homelessness

1. 3.4.1Prevention of Homelessness and Provision of Accommodation for 16 and 17 Year Olds who may be Homeless and/or Require Accommodation; and Duty to ReferAugust 14, 2025

3.5Young Carers

1. 3.5.1Young Carers Support (CANW)March 10, 2025

3.6Relinquished Children

1. 3.6.1Relinquished ChildrenMarch 10, 2025

3.7Mental Health

1. 3.7.1Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983August 14, 2025

4.Looked After Children

4.1Decision to Look After and Care Planning

1. 4.1.1Sufficiency Strategy: Securing Sufficient Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers 2024-2027August 14, 2025
2. 4.1.2Decision to Look AfterAugust 14, 2025
3. 4.1.3Care PlanningAugust 19, 2024
4. 4.1.4Ceasing to Look After a ChildAugust 14, 2025
5. 4.1.5Permanence Planning GuidanceAugust 14, 2025
6. 4.1.6Placement Planning and Disruption MeetingsMarch 10, 2025
7. 4.1.7Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After ChildrenFebruary 5, 2026
8. 4.1.8NICE Guideline: Looked After Children and Young People

4.2Placements

1. 4.2.1Placements with ParentsAugust 14, 2025
2. 4.2.2Placements with Kinship Carers (also known as Connected Persons and Family and Friends) - Emergency and Non-Emergency Placements: Procedure and Practice GuidanceAugust 14, 2025
3. 4.2.3Kinship CareAugust 14, 2025
4. 4.2.4Placements in Foster CareAugust 14, 2025
5. 4.2.5Private FosteringAugust 14, 2025
6. 4.2.6Placements in Residential CareMarch 10, 2025
7. 4.2.7Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare GroundsAugust 14, 2025
8. 4.2.8Out of Area PlacementsAugust 14, 2025
9. 4.2.9Placements Outside England and WalesMarch 10, 2025
10. 4.2.10Placements in Other ArrangementsAugust 14, 2025
11. 4.2.11Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention AccommodationFebruary 5, 2026
12. 4.2.12Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement ProvidersSeptember 23, 2024
13. 4.2.13Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential WorkersAugust 14, 2025
14. 4.2.14Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential SettingsAugust 14, 2025

4.3Monitoring and Reviews

1. 4.3.1Social Worker Visits to Looked After ChildrenAugust 14, 2025
2. 4.3.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsMarch 10, 2025
3. 4.3.3Looked After ReviewsAugust 14, 2025
4. 4.3.4Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing OfficersAugust 14, 2025
5. 4.3.5Secure Accommodation (Criteria) ReviewsMarch 10, 2025
6. 4.3.6Notifications of Significant EventsFebruary 5, 2026

4.4Contact and Overnight Stays

1. 4.4.1Family Time with Parents/Adults and SiblingsMarch 10, 2025
2. 4.4.2Guiding Principles for the Planning, Facilitation and Review of Family TimeMarch 10, 2025
3. 4.4.3Family Networks and Family Group Decision MakingMarch 18, 2024
4. 4.4.4Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)August 14, 2025

4.5Education, School Trips and Holidays

1. 4.5.1Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After ChildrenAugust 14, 2025
2. 4.5.2Education process for Suspensions, Exclusions and Part Time timetables for Children in Our CareAugust 14, 2025
3. 4.5.3Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UKFebruary 5, 2026

4.6Health and Wellbeing

1. 4.6.1Health Care Assessments and PlansAugust 14, 2025
2. 4.6.2Providing Personalised CareMarch 10, 2025
3. 4.6.3Positive Relationships and Behaviour SupportFebruary 5, 2026
4. 4.6.4Restrictive Physical Intervention and RestraintFebruary 5, 2026
5. 4.6.5Risk Assessment and PlanningFebruary 5, 2026
6. 4.6.6Health and SafetyAugust 14, 2025
7. 4.6.7Leisure ActivitiesAugust 14, 2025
8. 4.6.8Female Genital MutilationFebruary 5, 2026
9. 4.6.9Promoting Wellbeing and Positive Identity for a Child or Young Person Who is Looked After: A Quick Guide for Social Workers and Social Care Practitioners

4.7Change of Name and Marriage/Civil Partnership

1. 4.7.1Change of Name of a Looked After ChildFebruary 7, 2024
2. 4.7.2Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After ChildNovember 28, 2023

4.8Leaving Care and Transition

1. 4.8.1Leaving Care and TransitionFebruary 5, 2026
2. 4.8.2Staying PutFebruary 5, 2026
3. 4.8.3Information for Care LeaversMarch 10, 2025
4. 4.8.4Transitions Policy Children to Adult ServicesMarch 10, 2025

4.9Children Involved in the Youth Justice System

1. 4.9.1Youth Justice Supervision PolicyAugust 14, 2025
2. 4.9.2Youth Justice Service Equality and Diversity PolicyMarch 10, 2025
3. 4.9.3Youth Justice Service Policy on Working with Girls and Young WomenMarch 10, 2025
4. 4.9.4Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in CustodyMarch 10, 2025
5. 4.9.5Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice ServicesFebruary 5, 2026
6. 4.9.6Operational Protocol Between Children's Services (Social Care, Leaving Care) and the Youth Justice ServiceAugust 14, 2025
7. 4.9.7Operational Protocol Between Youth Justice Service, Children's Services and Housing in respect of Young People in Need of Accommodation upon ReleaseMarch 10, 2025
8. 4.9.8Supporting Young People with Special Educational Needs in Youth Detention AccommodationMarch 10, 2025
9. 4.9.9Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National GuidanceFebruary 5, 2026
10. 4.9.10Youth Justice Board Case Management Guidance

5.Fostering and Adoption

5.1Fostering Services

1. 5.1.1Fostering Statement of PurposeMarch 10, 2025
2. 5.1.2Fostering PanelJuly 26, 2022
3. 5.1.3Persons Disqualified from FosteringJuly 26, 2022
4. 5.1.4Assessment and Approvals of Foster CarersAugust 14, 2025
5. 5.1.5Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Carer ApprovalSeptember 23, 2024
6. 5.1.6Supervision and Support of Foster CarersMarch 10, 2025
7. 5.1.7Training and Development of Foster CarersAugust 14, 2025
8. 5.1.8Review and Termination of Approval of Foster CarersAugust 14, 2025
9. 5.1.9Allegations Against Foster CarersAugust 14, 2025

5.2Adoption and Permanence Services

1. 5.2.1Adoption Now Statement of PurposeMarch 10, 2025
2. 5.2.2Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective AdoptersMarch 10, 2025
3. 5.2.3Adoption PanelMarch 10, 2025
4. 5.2.4Placement for AdoptionMarch 10, 2025
5. 5.2.5Relinquished Babies for AdoptionMarch 10, 2025
6. 5.2.6Adoption SupportMarch 10, 2025
7. 5.2.7Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 10, 2025
8. 5.2.8Adoption ReviewsMarch 10, 2025
9. 5.2.9Disruption of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 10, 2025
10. 5.2.10Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already AdoptedMarch 10, 2025
11. 5.2.11Inter Country AdoptionMarch 10, 2025
12. 5.2.12Non Agency AdoptionMarch 10, 2025
13. 5.2.13Adoption Case RecordsMarch 10, 2025
14. 5.2.14Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case RecordsMarch 10, 2025
15. 5.2.15Intermediary ServicesMarch 10, 2025
16. 5.2.16Life Story Work GuidanceMay 21, 2024
17. 5.2.17Later Life LettersMay 21, 2024
18. 5.2.18Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective AdoptersAugust 25, 2023
19. 5.2.19Adoption Now (North West Regional Adoption Agency)
20. 5.2.20Adoption Strategy: Achieving Excellence Everywhere

5.3Special Guardianship

1. 5.3.1Blackburn with Darwen Special Guardianship Order PolicyFebruary 5, 2026
2. 5.3.2Court Reports in Placement Order Applications and Adoption/Special Guardianship GuidanceSeptember 23, 2024

6.Contacts, List of Agency Decision Makers and Appendices

1. 6.0.1Contact Details for Safeguarding and Child Protection Concerns and ReferralsMarch 10, 2025
2. 6.0.2List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated OfficersFebruary 5, 2026
3. 6.0.3Scheme of DelegationMarch 10, 2025
4. 6.0.4Ofsted Inspection FrameworkAugust 20, 2024
5. 6.0.5Working Together to Safeguard Children
6. 6.0.6Amendments