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Please note that Swindon are part of the Adopt Thames Valley RAA and members of the agency will follow the Adoption Procedures in the Oxfordshire Children's Services Procedures Manual.

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1.All Children

1.1Policy, Values and Principles

  1. 1.1.1Confidentiality PolicyMay 21, 2024
  2. 1.1.2Children, Families and Community Health Supervision PolicyApril 1, 2025
  3. 1.1.3Children's Social Care Supervision PolicyApril 1, 2025
  4. 1.1.4Performance Management and Quality Assurance FrameworkApril 1, 2025
  5. 1.1.5Participation and Engagement StrategyUnder Review
  6. 1.1.6Financial ProcedureUnder Review
  7. 1.1.7Practice Standards For Social Workers and Practitioners
    Updated
    Under Review
  8. 1.1.8Management Practice StandardsApril 1, 2025

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

  1. 1.2.1Early Help ServicesApril 1, 2025
  2. 1.2.2Swindon Safeguarding Children's Partnership Multi-Agency Threshold Guidance - The Right Help at the Right TimeApril 1, 2025
  3. 1.2.3Early Help/Mash Step Up ProcessesApril 1, 2025
  4. 1.2.4Elective Home Education (EHE) PolicyApril 1, 2025

1.3Children's Social Care - Assessment and Planning

  1. 1.3.1Contacts and Referrals
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  2. 1.3.2Assessments
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  3. 1.3.3A Model for Risk AssessmentApril 1, 2025
  4. 1.3.4Case Transfer ProtocolApril 1, 2025
  5. 1.3.5Child Protection Enquiries - Section 47 Children Act 1989April 1, 2025
  6. 1.3.6AIM Assessment and Referral Information
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  7. 1.3.7Swindon Borough Council – Pre-Birth Practice GuidanceApril 1, 2025
  8. 1.3.8Multi Agency Pre-birth Protocol to Safeguard Unborn BabiesApril 1, 2025

1.4Legal Proceedings

  1. 1.4.1Applications for Emergency Protection OrdersApril 1, 2025
  2. 1.4.2Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law OutlineJune 23, 2022
  3. 1.4.3Obtaining Childcare Legal AdviceApril 1, 2025
  4. 1.4.4Family 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.

1.5Complaints and Whistleblowing

  1. 1.5.1Complaints and RepresentationsApril 1, 2025
  2. 1.5.2Whistleblowing Policy and Guidance for those wishing to Report ConcernsApril 1, 2025
  3. 1.5.3Allegations Against Staff or VolunteersApril 1, 2025
  4. 1.5.4Escalation PolicyApril 1, 2025
  5. 1.5.5Notifications of Serious Incidents/Need to Know PolicyApril 1, 2025
  6. 1.5.6Death or Serious Injury to a Child (Looked After and Child In Need)
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

2.Case Management and Recording

  1. 2.0.1Recording Policy and GuidelinesSeptember 19, 2023
  2. 2.0.2Case Records for Looked After ChildrenApril 1, 2025
  3. 2.0.3Access to Records/Subject Access RequestsApril 1, 2025
  4. 2.0.4Electronic Recording of Meetings and ConversationsDecember 18, 2024
  5. 2.0.5Swindon Guidance for Children, Families and Community Health Managers for Managing CaseloadsApril 1, 2025
  6. 2.0.6Interpreter and Translation ProcedureApril 1, 2025
  7. 2.0.7Children's Social Worker - Leaving ChecklistApril 1, 2025

3.Children in Particular Circumstances

3.1Prevention and Family Support

  1. 3.1.1Multi-Agency Children in Need Protocol and ProceduresOctober 2, 2025
  2. 3.1.2Section 17 PaymentsUnder Review

3.2Deprivation of Liberty and Mental Capacity

  1. 3.2.1Restricting a Child's LibertyApril 1, 2025
  2. 3.2.2Mental Capacity

3.3Children from Abroad

  1. 3.3.1Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern SlaveryOctober 2, 2025
  2. 3.3.2Families with No Recourse to Public FundsApril 1, 2025
  3. 3.3.3Homes for Ukraine - Guidance for Councils: Children Already Living with Sponsors in the UK without their Parent or Legal GuardianApril 1, 2025

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 Refer
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  2. 3.4.2Joint Protocol for working with 16- and 17-year-old Children Presenting as Homeless or at Risk of HomelessnessOctober 2, 2025

3.5Young Carers

  1. 3.5.1Young Carers
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

3.6Relinquished Children

  1. 3.6.1Relinquished ChildrenApril 2, 2025

3.7Missing Children

  1. 3.7.1Missing Children
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

3.8Children Involved in the Youth Justice System

  1. 3.8.1Swindon Youth Safety StrategyApril 1, 2025
  2. 3.8.2Swindon Youth Justice Strategic PlanOctober 2, 2025
  3. 3.8.3Childen We Care For at Risk of OffendingApril 1, 2025
  4. 3.8.4Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in CustodyApril 1, 2025
  5. 3.8.5Memorandum of understanding for the provision of Local Authority accommodation for Children & Young People (10-17 years) following Police bail or being denied bailApril 1, 2025
  6. 3.8.6Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

4.Children with Disabilities

  1. 4.0.1Disabled Children TeamUnder Review
  2. 4.0.2Practice Standards for Children's Early Help and Social Care ServicesUnder Review
  3. 4.0.3Personal Budgets and Direct PaymentsOctober 2, 2025
  4. 4.0.4Short BreaksUnder Review
  5. 4.0.5Short Breaks Scheme - The Home from Home Respite SchemeApril 1, 2025
  6. 4.0.6Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesUnder Review
  7. 4.0.7Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential SettingsOctober 2, 2025

5.Child Protection

  1. 5.0.1Child Protection ConferencesApril 1, 2025
  2. 5.0.2Implementing the Child Protection PlanApril 1, 2025
  3. 5.0.3Quorate Child Protection ConferencesApril 1, 2025
  4. 5.0.4Notification and Transfer of Children Subject to Child Protection Plans across Swindon Borough Council Boundaries ProcedureApril 1, 2025
  5. 5.0.5Children Subject to Child Protection Plans and a Legal Order (Dual Plans)April 1, 2025
  6. 5.0.6Safeguarding Children to Safeguarding Adults Transition ProtocolOctober 2, 2025
  7. 5.0.7Harm outside the Home Multi-Agency Practice Guidance
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  8. 5.0.8Prevent and ChannelApril 1, 2025
  9. 5.0.9Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) PolicyApril 1, 2025

6.Looked After Children

  1. 6.0.1Swindon Permanence StrategyApril 1, 2025

6.1Decision to Look After and Care Planning

  1. 6.1.1Decision to Look AfterApril 2, 2025
  2. 6.1.2Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  3. 6.1.3Permanence PolicyApril 1, 2025
  4. 6.1.4Guidance on Issues Relating to Section 20 of the Children Act and Placements with RelativesUnder Review
  5. 6.1.5Disruption Meetings (Permanent Placements: Fostering and Residential)April 1, 2025
  6. 6.1.6Placements in Foster Care
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  7. 6.1.7Placements in Residential CareSeptember 19, 2023
  8. 6.1.8Memorandum of understanding for the provision of Local Authority accommodation for Children & Young People (10-17 years) following Police bail or being denied bailApril 1, 2025
  9. 6.1.9Out of Authority Placements for SBC ChildrenApril 1, 2025
  10. 6.1.10Placements with Connected PersonsApril 1, 2025
  11. 6.1.11Placements in Secure AccommodationSeptember 19, 2023
  12. 6.1.12Placements with ParentsApril 1, 2025
  13. 6.1.13Placements Outside England and WalesApril 2, 2025
  14. 6.1.14Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement ProvidersApril 2, 2025
  15. 6.1.15Ceasing to be a Child in our CareSeptember 19, 2023
  16. 6.1.16Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After ChildrenOctober 2, 2025
  17. 6.1.17Placements in Other ArrangementsSeptember 19, 2023
  18. 6.1.18Guidance for Placements in Unregistered SettingsApril 1, 2025
  19. 6.1.19EU Settlement Scheme: Looked-after Children and Care Leavers GuidanceApril 1, 2025
  20. 6.1.20SBC Children's Sufficiency StrategyApril 1, 2025

6.2Monitoring and Reviews

  1. 6.2.1Social Worker Visits to Looked After ChildrenApril 15, 2025
  2. 6.2.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsOctober 2, 2025
  3. 6.2.3Children We Care For ReviewsJanuary 17, 2025
  4. 6.2.4Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing OfficersApril 1, 2025
  5. 6.2.5Secure Accommodation (Criteria) ReviewsApril 1, 2025
  6. 6.2.6Notifications of Significant EventsApril 2, 2025
  7. 6.2.7Local Dispute Resolution Process for Quality Assurance Reviewing OfficersApril 1, 2025
  8. 6.2.8Fostering IRO Dispute Resolution ProcessApril 1, 2025
  9. 6.2.9Lighter Touch Children We Care For ReviewsApril 1, 2025
  10. 6.2.10Stability Meetings Guidance
    New
    October 24, 2025

6.3Contact and Overnight Stays

  1. 6.3.1Contact with Parents/Adults and SiblingsApril 1, 2025
  2. 6.3.2Social (Friendship) Visits (Including Overnight Stays)April 1, 2025
  3. 6.3.3Supervised Contact ProcedureApril 1, 2025

6.4Education, School Trips and Holidays

  1. 6.4.1Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After ChildrenJuly 25, 2023
  2. 6.4.2Holiday Guidance for Foster CarersApril 1, 2025
  3. 6.4.3Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UK
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

6.5Health and Wellbeing

  1. 6.5.1Health Assessments and Health Care PlansApril 1, 2025
  2. 6.5.2Personal Care and Relationships
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  3. 6.5.3Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  4. 6.5.4Sexual Health ProcedureApril 1, 2025
  5. 6.5.5Consent Guidance for Children Looked After Needing Surgery Including Dental ExtractionApril 1, 2025

6.6Change of Name and Marriage/Civil Partnership

  1. 6.6.1Change of Name of a Looked After ChildApril 1, 2025
  2. 6.6.2Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After ChildNovember 28, 2023
  3. 6.6.3Birth Certificate Application Process
    Updated
    October 2, 2025

6.7Leaving Care and Transition

  1. 6.7.1Leaving Care and TransitionApril 15, 2025
  2. 6.7.2Services for Swindon Young People who are Care Experienced - Financial Policy and GuidanceApril 1, 2025
  3. 6.7.3Staying PutApril 1, 2025
  4. 6.7.4Placement in Supported Lodgings PolicyApril 1, 2025
  5. 6.7.5Joint Protocol for Care Experienced Young People and HousingApril 1, 2025

7.Fostering and Adoption

7.1Fostering Services

  1. 7.1.1Foster Carers HandbookApril 1, 2025
  2. 7.1.2Foster Care Approval and Matching PanelOctober 2, 2025
  3. 7.1.3Persons Disqualified from FosteringApril 15, 2025
  4. 7.1.4Assessment and Approvals of Foster CarersMay 21, 2024
  5. 7.1.5Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Carer ApprovalApril 1, 2025
  6. 7.1.6Supervision and Support of Foster CarersApril 15, 2025
  7. 7.1.7Review and Termination of Approval of Foster CarersApril 2, 2025
  8. 7.1.8Managing Concerns, Complaints and Allegations against Foster Carers, including Historical AllegationsApril 1, 2025
  9. 7.1.9Foster Carers Finance HandbookApril 1, 2025
  10. 7.1.10Dangerous Pets PolicyApril 1, 2025
  11. 7.1.11Foster Carers Possessing Guns and WeaponsApril 1, 2025
  12. 7.1.12Children in Foster Care – Delegated Authority PolicyApril 1, 2025
  13. 7.1.13Overpayment of Fostering Allowances and Fees PolicyApril 1, 2025
  14. 7.1.14Transfer of Foster Carers ProtocolApril 1, 2025
  15. 7.1.15Induction of Foster Carers Policy and GuidanceApril 1, 2025
  16. 7.1.16Respite Foster Care Guidance & ProceduresApril 1, 2025
  17. 7.1.17Emergency Foster Placement SchemeApril 1, 2025
  18. 7.1.18Policy and Procedure for Parent and Child Foster PlacementsApril 1, 2025
  19. 7.1.19Family Finding & Matching PolicyApril 1, 2025
  20. 7.1.20Fostering Friendly PolicyApril 1, 2025
  21. 7.1.21Bedroom Sharing PolicyApril 1, 2025
  22. 7.1.22Foster Carers Social Media and Social Networks PolicyApril 1, 2025
  23. 7.1.23Household Safety PolicyApril 1, 2025
  24. 7.1.24Smoking PolicyApril 1, 2025
  25. 7.1.25Foster with Swindon - Refer a Friend Policy for Approved CarersApril 1, 2025

7.2Adoption and Permanence Services

  1. 7.2.1Adopt Thames Valley Statement of PurposeApril 1, 2025

8.Family and Friends Care

  1. 8.0.1Swindon Borough Council Kinship Care PolicyJanuary 17, 2025
  2. 8.0.2Children We Care For & Special Guardianship Order PolicyApril 1, 2025
  3. 8.0.3Private FosteringApril 1, 2025
  4. 8.0.4Applications for Special Guardianship OrdersApril 1, 2025
  5. 8.0.5Court Reports in Placement Order Applications and Adoption/Special Guardianship GuidanceSeptember 23, 2024
  6. 8.0.6SBC Special Guardianship Orders - Our OfferApril 1, 2025
  7. 8.0.7Children's Services Policy for Special Guardianship Order, Adoption and Child Arrangement Order Allowances and the Annual Review of such Allowances and financial supportApril 1, 2025
  8. 8.0.8Swindon Special Guardianship Order ModelApril 1, 2025

9.Child Health Policies

  1. 9.0.1Child Health PoliciesApril 1, 2025

10.Appendices

  1. 10.0.1Local Contacts
    Updated
    October 2, 2025
  2. 10.0.2Scheme of DelegationOctober 2, 2025
  3. 10.0.3Swindon Safeguarding Partnership Neglect StrategyApril 1, 2025
  4. 10.0.4Practice Guidance - Neglect Framework and Practice GuidanceApril 1, 2025
  5. 10.0.5Forced MarriageApril 1, 2025
  6. 10.0.6Ofsted Inspection FrameworkAugust 20, 2024
  7. 10.0.7Working Together to Safeguard Children
  8. 10.0.8Amendments

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

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