Consultation paper
for a child or young person looked after by a local authority.

Name:

Date:

A review is an opportunity to make plans and decisions which will be very important to you over the next few months. It is a good idea to spend time working out how you think things are going, and what changes you would like to see. Most people find it difficult to say what they think in front of other people, so you might find it helpful to write down what you want to say before the meeting.

Come to your review if you possibly can. You have a right to be consulted about the time and place and you also have a right to say if there is anyone whom you do not want to be present. You may bring an adult friend to the meeting for support.

You can use this form to help you decide what you want to say. You might want to ask someone to help you fill it in. Bring the form to the meeting or give it to your social worker beforehand.

If you are unable to come to the meeting make sure your social worker or carer has a completed copy of the form or a tape recording of your answers to the questions.

1. What has gone well for you since your last review/in the last six months?

2. What has gone badly for you since your last reviews/in the last six months?

3. Has anyone talked to you about the reasons why you are being looked after, and the long-term plans for your care?
 
 
Is there anything you would like to see changed?
 
 
4. Has anyone discussed with you the day-to-day arrangements (Placement Plan) for your care?
 
 
Is there anything you would like to see changed?
 
 
5. Have you helped to fill in an Assessment and Action Record since the last review?

6. Has anyone discussed with you the arrangements for contact?
 
 
Are you happy with them?
 
 
If not, what would you like to see changed?
 
 
7. Is there anybody who doesn't visit you whom you would like to see?

8. Has anyone discussed with you the decisions from the last review?
 
 
Did you understand and agree with them?
 
 
9. What decisions would you like to see made at this review?

10. Please say who would like to invite to this review?
 
 
Is there anybody you think should not be there?
 
 
11. If you are not coming to your review, please explain why.

12. Please add any other comments you would like to make.
 
 
Do you know that under the Children Act 1989 you have the following rights?

You can apply for a court order to formalise arrangements for seeing your parents and other important relatives.

You can apply for a discharge of your care order (if you have one).

There is an official procedure for making complaints about the way a local authority carries out its parental duties. Ask your social worker or residential home staff for the complaints leaflet.  Or check out the complaints section.