Social workers have a key role in working alongside other professionals to ensure that a looked after young person receives appropriate care, education and health services.
Their responsibilities include:
- responding to children and families in need of support and help
- undertaking enquiries following allegations or suspicion of abuse
- carrying out initial and core assessments as part of the assessment framework
- convening strategy meetings and initial and subsequent child protection conferences
- taking action to safeguard and protect children
- co-ordinating the implementation of a child protection plan for those on the Child Protection Register
- looking after and planning for children in the care of the local authority
- ensuring that looked after children are safeguarded in a foster family, children’s home or other placement
- acting as a ‘corporate parent’ and supporting the education of children in care.
Further information
Social Workers and Designated Teachers User Guide to ePEP Online
Ofsted Social Care Annual Report 2016