Contents

1.All Children

1.1Introduction and Policy Framework

1. 1.1.1IntroductionFebruary 27, 2025
2. 1.1.2Using this ManualDecember 11, 2025
3. 1.1.3Children's Services Policies, Values and PrinciplesFebruary 26, 2026
4. 1.1.4Lincolnshire County Council Safeguarding Children PolicyFebruary 26, 2026
5. 1.1.5Children's Service Health and Safety PolicyOctober 24, 2025
6. 1.1.6Equality and DiversityJuly 25, 2022
7. 1.1.7Lincolnshire County Council's Information Sharing PolicyFebruary 27, 2025
8. 1.1.8Children in Care and Care Leavers StrategyFebruary 27, 2025
9. 1.1.9Safe Care PolicyFebruary 27, 2025
10. 1.1.10Kinship CareDecember 11, 2025
11. 1.1.11Suicide and Self Harm PolicyFebruary 27, 2025
12. 1.1.12Domestic Abuse PolicyFebruary 26, 2026
13. 1.1.13Capacity and ConsentJune 20, 2025
14. 1.1.14Family Networks and Family Group Decision MakingDecember 11, 2025

1.2Assessment and Planning

1. 1.2.1Initial Contact and ReferralsFebruary 26, 2026
2. 1.2.2Family Help and TAF Process
   Updated
   February 26, 2026
3. 1.2.3Child and Family Assessment ProcessFebruary 26, 2026
4. 1.2.4Extremist Radicalisation PolicyDecember 11, 2025
5. 1.2.5Strategy DiscussionsFebruary 27, 2025
6. 1.2.6Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law OutlineFebruary 26, 2026
7. 1.2.7Legal Gateway/Planning MeetingsDecember 11, 2025
8. 1.2.8Transfer and Allocation ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
9. 1.2.9Post Placement ArrangementsFebruary 27, 2025
10. 1.2.10Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children ProcedureMarch 11, 2025
11. 1.2.11Support Panel ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
12. 1.2.12Working with Foreign Authorities in Child Protection CasesFebruary 27, 2025
13. 1.2.13Families with No Recourse to Public FundsFebruary 27, 2025
14. 1.2.14Supervision OrdersDecember 11, 2025
15. 1.2.15Managing Child Protection Plans in the Context of Interim Supervision Orders (ISO)
    Updated
    February 26, 2026
16. 1.2.16Early Intervention: Policy and Provision (House of Commons Library)
17. 1.2.17Family 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.
18. 1.2.18Pan Sussex Section 7 Template

1.3Case Records

1. 1.3.1New Information on an Open CaseFebruary 27, 2025
2. 1.3.2Case Closure
   Updated
   February 26, 2026
3. 1.3.3Supervision Policy and ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
4. 1.3.4Quality Audit ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
5. 1.3.5Case Review ProtocolDecember 11, 2025
6. 1.3.6Access to Records/Subject Access RequestsMarch 11, 2025
7. 1.3.7Retention of Documentation and Destruction of FilesFebruary 27, 2025
8. 1.3.8Case Management Protocol (Children with Disabilities)December 11, 2025
9. 1.3.9Casework Procedures for Children's Social Care Supervised StudentsDecember 11, 2025
10. 1.3.10Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding StaffMarch 1, 2025
11. 1.3.11Storage of Data on Mobile DevicesJune 20, 2025

1.4Voice of the Child

1. 1.4.1Children's Services ComplaintsFebruary 27, 2025
2. 1.4.2Representation, Advocacy and Children's RightsMarch 1, 2025
3. 1.4.3Children's Consultation and ParticipationMarch 11, 2025

1.5Miscellaneous

1. 1.5.1Child Protection Information Sharing (CP-IS) Guidance for Social CareFebruary 27, 2025
2. 1.5.2Activities and Transporting ChildrenDecember 11, 2025
3. 1.5.3Discontinuation of Child Protection PlanFebruary 27, 2025
4. 1.5.4Insurance Claims and Ex Gratia PaymentsFebruary 27, 2025
5. 1.5.5Children's Services Transport ProcedureFebruary 27, 2025
6. 1.5.6Guidance on Determining Which Local Authority is Responsible for a ChildFebruary 27, 2025
7. 1.5.7Joint Protocol for Missing Children and Young PeopleFebruary 27, 2025

2.Services to Children in Need

2.1Procedures

1. 2.1.1Child and Family Progress Plans and MeetingsDecember 11, 2025
2. 2.1.2Child and Family Progress Meetings for Children with Disability (CWD)December 11, 2025
3. 2.1.3Financial AssistanceJanuary 12, 2026
4. 2.1.4Private FosteringMarch 2, 2025
5. 2.1.5Residence Order/Child Arrangements Order ProcedureFebruary 27, 2025
6. 2.1.6Residence Order/Child Arrangements Order Allowances - Children's Financial ReviewFebruary 27, 2025
7. 2.1.7Short Term Breaks - Care for Disabled ChildrenFebruary 27, 2025
8. 2.1.8Medication Procedure for Short Break HomesDecember 11, 2025
9. 2.1.9Family Group Decision MakingDecember 11, 2025
10. 2.1.10Family Time ServiceDecember 11, 2025

2.2Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

1. 2.2.1Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesDecember 11, 2025
2. 2.2.2Direct PaymentsMay 21, 2024
3. 2.2.3Transitional NeedsFebruary 27, 2025
4. 2.2.4Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Local OfferFebruary 27, 2025
5. 2.2.5Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential SettingsAugust 29, 2025
6. 2.2.6Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National FrameworkMay 21, 2024

2.3Deprivation of Liberty and Mental Capacity

1. 2.3.1DOLS Application Process FlowchartFebruary 27, 2025
2. 2.3.2Deprivation of Liberty
3. 2.3.3Mental Capacity

2.4Young Carers

1. 2.4.1Young CarersDecember 11, 2025

3.Services to Children in Care

3.1Planning for Children in Care

1. 3.1.1Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After ChildrenDecember 11, 2025
2. 3.1.2Ceasing to Look After a ChildDecember 11, 2025
3. 3.1.3Decision to Look After and Care PlanningDecember 11, 2025
4. 3.1.4Permanence Planning StrategyDecember 11, 2025
5. 3.1.5Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential WorkersFebruary 27, 2025
6. 3.1.6Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective AdoptersDecember 11, 2025
7. 3.1.7Risk Assessment and PlanningDecember 11, 2025
8. 3.1.8Providing Personalised CareFebruary 27, 2025
9. 3.1.9NICE Guideline: Looked After Children and Young People

3.2Placements

1. 3.2.1Emergency Foster PlacementFebruary 28, 2025
2. 3.2.2Placement PlansFebruary 27, 2025
3. 3.2.3Placements in Residential CareDecember 11, 2025
4. 3.2.4Placements in the Independent Non-Maintained SectorFebruary 27, 2025
5. 3.2.5Placements in Other ArrangementsSeptember 19, 2023
6. 3.2.6Placements with ParentsDecember 11, 2025
7. 3.2.7Guidance on Directions made under Section 38(6)June 20, 2025
8. 3.2.8Reunification Policy and ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
9. 3.2.9Placements with Connected Person Under Regulation 24March 1, 2025
10. 3.2.10Parent and Child Foster Care PlacementDecember 11, 2025
11. 3.2.11Funding of Kinship Care PlacementsFebruary 27, 2025
12. 3.2.12Notification by Other Local Authorities/Placement Providers of Children Placed within LincolnshireFebruary 28, 2025
13. 3.2.13Notification to Other Authorities of Children Placed Out of CountyFebruary 28, 2025
14. 3.2.14Placements Outside England and WalesMarch 11, 2025
15. 3.2.15Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare GroundsDecember 11, 2025
16. 3.2.16Placement for Permanent FosteringFebruary 27, 2025
17. 3.2.17Support for Permanent/Long Term Fostering PlacementsFebruary 27, 2025
18. 3.2.18Crisis & Unregistered Placement GuidanceFebruary 27, 2025
19. 3.2.19Health and SafetyJune 20, 2025

3.3Reviews and Independent Reviewing Officers

1. 3.3.1The Review of the Child's Plan for Children in CareDecember 11, 2025
2. 3.3.2The Review of the Placement Plan (Child in Care)February 27, 2025
3. 3.3.3Secure Accommodation (Criteria) ReviewsOctober 24, 2025
4. 3.3.4The Role and Expectations of the Independent Reviewing OfficersOctober 24, 2025
5. 3.3.5Quality Assurance Process - Positive Challenge and Formal EscalationDecember 11, 2025

3.4Behaviour Management

1. 3.4.1Joint Protocol for Missing Children and Young PeopleFebruary 27, 2025
2. 3.4.2Behaviour Management PlansFebruary 27, 2025
3. 3.4.3Physical Intervention and RestraintDecember 11, 2025
4. 3.4.4SanctionsDecember 11, 2025

3.5Education and Recreation

1. 3.5.1Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After ChildrenJuly 25, 2023
2. 3.5.2Holidays and School Trips In and Outside the UKDecember 11, 2025
3. 3.5.3Leisure ActivitiesDecember 11, 2025
4. 3.5.4Correspondence, Communication and Social NetworkingDecember 11, 2025

3.6Health and Wellbeing

1. 3.6.1Death or Serious Injury to a Child in Care, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and including the Age of 24December 11, 2025
2. 3.6.2Drugs and Substance MisuseFebruary 27, 2025
3. 3.6.3General Practitioners, Dentists and OpticiansFebruary 27, 2025
4. 3.6.4Health Care Assessments and Health PlansDecember 11, 2025
5. 3.6.5InfestationsFebruary 27, 2025
6. 3.6.6Self HarmingDecember 11, 2025
7. 3.6.7HIV/AIDSFebruary 27, 2025
8. 3.6.8Nutrition and DietFebruary 27, 2025
9. 3.6.9Sexual Health and Relationships GuidanceDecember 11, 2025
10. 3.6.10Child and Family Service, Children in Care Service, Operational PolicyDecember 11, 2025
11. 3.6.11Mental Health Act Section 117 Aftercare for Children and Young PeopleAugust 29, 2025
12. 3.6.12Section 117 Aftercare Joint Agency Procedures and Guidance for Children and Young People’s ServicesAugust 29, 2025

3.7Family Contacts

1. 3.7.1Contact with Parents and SiblingsFebruary 28, 2025
2. 3.7.2Contact with Relatives and FriendsFebruary 27, 2025
3. 3.7.3Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)March 11, 2025
4. 3.7.4Child Contact With Adult in CustodyDecember 11, 2025
5. 3.7.5Spending One-to-One Time Alone with Children (Residential)February 27, 2025

3.8Foster Carers

1. 3.8.1Assessment and Approvals of Foster CarersJune 20, 2025
2. 3.8.2References and Checks GuidanceFebruary 28, 2025
3. 3.8.3Fostering PanelJuly 26, 2022
4. 3.8.4Matching Children with Foster Carers PolicyFebruary 28, 2025
5. 3.8.5Limit on the Number of Children in a Foster Home, Exemptions and Extensions of ApprovalMarch 11, 2025
6. 3.8.6Persons Disqualified from FosteringMarch 11, 2025
7. 3.8.7Review and Termination of Approval of Foster CarersMarch 1, 2025
8. 3.8.8Supervision of Foster CarersDecember 11, 2025
9. 3.8.9Training of Foster CarersFebruary 28, 2025
10. 3.8.10Support for Foster Carers Facing AllegationsJune 20, 2025
11. 3.8.11Risk Assessments when Placing Children in Foster CareFebruary 28, 2025
12. 3.8.12Staying Put ProcedureDecember 11, 2025
13. 3.8.13CoramBAAF Guidance on Smoking in Family PlacementsFebruary 28, 2025
14. 3.8.14Whistleblowing - Foster CarersFebruary 28, 2025
15. 3.8.15Respite Policy for Foster Carers and Children Looked AfterFebruary 28, 2025
16. 3.8.16Education Policy for Foster CarersFebruary 28, 2025
17. 3.8.17Transfer of Foster Carers Protocol EnglandFebruary 28, 2025
18. 3.8.18Training and Development of Foster CarersFebruary 28, 2025

3.9Adoption and Special Guardianship

1. 3.9.1Special Guardianship Orders
   Updated
   Under Review
2. 3.9.2Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of AdoptersJune 20, 2025
3. 3.9.3Adoption PanelMarch 9, 2025
4. 3.9.4Placement for AdoptionJune 20, 2025
5. 3.9.5Relinquished ChildrenMarch 11, 2025
6. 3.9.6Supervision of Adoptive PlacementsDecember 11, 2025
7. 3.9.7Adoption Case RecordsFebruary 28, 2025
8. 3.9.8Access to Birth and Adoption Case RecordsFebruary 28, 2025
9. 3.9.9Adoption SupportDecember 11, 2025
10. 3.9.10Disruption Meeting Procedure for Adoption, Fostering (Task Centre, Permanence) and Special Guardianship Order Placements (SGO's)December 11, 2025
11. 3.9.11Prospective Adopters Attending PanelFebruary 28, 2025
12. 3.9.12Non Agency AdoptionMay 21, 2024
13. 3.9.13Arrangements for Children's Guardians to Attend Meetings of the Adoption PanelFebruary 28, 2025
14. 3.9.14Court Reports in Adoption/Special GuardianshipFebruary 28, 2025
15. 3.9.15Inter Country AdoptionMay 21, 2024
16. 3.9.16Direct Placement Scheme - Adoption ServicesFebruary 28, 2025
17. 3.9.17Managing Allegations in Respect of Children Placed for Adoption, Children Receiving Adoption Support Services, Adopters Awaiting Placement or Allegations of Historical AbuseJune 20, 2025
18. 3.9.18Foster Carer's Who Wish to Adopt the Child they are FosteringJune 20, 2025
19. 3.9.19Disaster Recovery Plan for Adoption ServicesFebruary 28, 2025
20. 3.9.20Education Policy for Adoptive Carers and Children for Whom the Plan is AdoptionFebruary 28, 2025
21. 3.9.21Adoption Strategy: Achieving Excellence Everywhere

3.10Leaving Care

1. 3.10.1Leaving Care and TransitionDecember 11, 2025
2. 3.10.2Leaving Care Charter

3.11Incidents

1. 3.11.1BarricadingFebruary 28, 2025
2. 3.11.2Contacting the PoliceFebruary 28, 2025
3. 3.11.3Countering BullyingFebruary 28, 2025
4. 3.11.4Searching Children and their BelongingsFebruary 28, 2025

3.12Monitoring Quality

1. 3.12.1Visits to ChildrenMarch 1, 2025
2. 3.12.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsFebruary 28, 2025
3. 3.12.3Monitoring and Review of HomesFebruary 28, 2025
4. 3.12.4Notifications of Significant EventsMarch 11, 2025
5. 3.12.5Friends and Visitors Procedure - Children's HomesFebruary 28, 2025
6. 3.12.6Child Trust Funds and Junior Individual Savings Accounts for Looked After ChildrenFebruary 28, 2025

3.13Privacy and Personal Care

1. 3.13.1Children's BedroomsFebruary 28, 2025
2. 3.13.2Hair and Skin CareFebruary 28, 2025
3. 3.13.3Physical Contact and Intimate CareFebruary 28, 2025
4. 3.13.4Pocket Money and AllowancesFebruary 28, 2025
5. 3.13.5Spiritual DevelopmentFebruary 28, 2025
6. 3.13.6Telephones, Mobile Phones and LettersFebruary 28, 2025

3.14Miscellaneous

1. 3.14.1Change of NameFebruary 28, 2025
2. 3.14.2Marriage/Civil PartnershipFebruary 28, 2025
3. 3.14.3Children Accommodated by Health AuthoritiesFebruary 28, 2025
4. 3.14.4Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority – Claims for Children in CareDecember 11, 2025

4.Children Involved in the Youth Justice System

1. 4.0.1Youth Justice Guidance for PractitionersDecember 11, 2025
2. 4.0.2Children in Care and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice ServicesDecember 11, 2025
3. 4.0.3Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention AccommodationDecember 11, 2025
4. 4.0.4Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Children in Care and Young People in CustodyDecember 11, 2025
5. 4.0.5Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Section 38) and Provision of Local Authority AccommodationDecember 11, 2025
6. 4.0.6Lincolnshire Joint Working Protocol - Provision of Appropriate Adults for Children and Young PeopleDecember 11, 2025
7. 4.0.7Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National GuidanceDecember 11, 2025

5.Guidance

5.1Chapters

1. 5.1.1Positive Relationships and Behaviour SupportDecember 11, 2025
2. 5.1.2ConsentsFebruary 28, 2025
3. 5.1.3BullyingFebruary 28, 2025
4. 5.1.4EducationFebruary 28, 2025
5. 5.1.5First Aid, Home Remedies and Prescribed MedicinesFebruary 28, 2025
6. 5.1.6HIV/AIDS GuidanceFebruary 28, 2025
7. 5.1.7Blood Borne VirusesFebruary 28, 2025
8. 5.1.8IncidentsFebruary 28, 2025
9. 5.1.9Life Story WorkMay 21, 2024
10. 5.1.10Nutrition, Diet and MealtimesFebruary 28, 2025
11. 5.1.11Placement Plans GuidanceFebruary 28, 2025
12. 5.1.12Private Foster CarersFebruary 28, 2025
13. 5.1.13TouchDecember 11, 2025
14. 5.1.14Written AgreementsDecember 11, 2025
15. 5.1.15Recording with Care GuidanceFebruary 28, 2025
16. 5.1.16Electronic Recording of Meetings and ConversationsFebruary 28, 2025
17. 5.1.17Critical Incident HandbookFebruary 28, 2025
18. 5.1.18Employee Support in Critical IncidentsFebruary 28, 2025
19. 5.1.19Guidance and Process for Supported ChildcareDecember 11, 2025
20. 5.1.20Health and SafetyJune 20, 2025
21. 5.1.21Health and Safety GuidanceFebruary 28, 2025
22. 5.1.22Health and Safety Risk Assessment and RecordingDecember 11, 2025
23. 5.1.23Managing Risk in MeetingsFebruary 28, 2025
24. 5.1.24Flagging Procedure for Individuals Who Pose a Risk to ChildrenFebruary 28, 2025
25. 5.1.25Emergency Duty TeamDecember 11, 2025

5.2Protocols

1. 5.2.1East Midlands Region Children's Social Care Regional ProtocolsFebruary 28, 2025
2. 5.2.2Lincolnshire Duty to Refer ProtocolFebruary 28, 2025
3. 5.2.3Protocol for Transition from Children's Services to Adult Housing Related Support and (Semi) Independent Living for people over 18June 20, 2025
4. 5.2.4Lincolnshire Youth Homelessness Joint Working ProtocolAugust 29, 2025
5. 5.2.5Children and Young People's Accommodation PathwayJune 20, 2025
6. 5.2.6Homeless Families with Children ProtocolDecember 11, 2025
7. 5.2.7Information Sharing Agreement (ISA) between Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services and Lincolnshire PoliceJune 20, 2025
8. 5.2.8Lincolnshire Children's Services and Police Protocol on Managing Domestic Abuse Notifications and ReferralsJune 20, 2025
9. 5.2.9Joint Protocol with CAFCASSFebruary 28, 2025
10. 5.2.10Joint Protocol: MAPPA and MARACFebruary 28, 2025
11. 5.2.11Promoting Health and Wellbeing of Children in Care ProtocolFebruary 28, 2025
12. 5.2.12Elective Home Education ProtocolFebruary 28, 2025
13. 5.2.13Pre-Birth ProtocolFebruary 28, 2025
14. 5.2.14Protocol for Transition from Special to MainstreamFebruary 28, 2025

6.Appendices

1. 6.0.1Local Contact DetailsFebruary 27, 2025
2. 6.0.2Local KeywordsDecember 11, 2025
3. 6.0.3Ofsted Inspection FrameworkAugust 20, 2024
4. 6.0.4Safeguarding Disabled Children Practice Guidance (DCSF 2009)February 27, 2025
5. 6.0.5Standard Symbols for GenogramsJune 20, 2025
6. 6.0.6Working Together to Safeguard Children
7. 6.0.7The Young Persons' Guide to the Children and Families Act, DfE 2014
8. 6.0.8Amendments