Foster-Child Reviews – keeping the Care Plan on course
Local Authorities must review every looked-after child’s Care Plan on a fixed timetable, or sooner if their circumstances change. Reviews ensure the plan still meets the child’s needs, checks progress and agrees new actions or delegated-authority changes.
Review timetable (minimum)
| Review | Timing from start of placement |
| 1st review | Within 4 weeks |
| 2nd review | Within 4 months (i.e., 3 months after the first) |
| Subsequent reviews | Every 6 months thereafter, unless an earlier review is requested |
The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) can call an extra review whenever significant events occur—placement move, school exclusion, emerging health need.
Venue and attendance
- Often held in the foster home so the IRO can see the child’s environment; a neutral venue can be arranged if parental attendance would unsettle the household.
- Must attend: foster carer(s), Supervising Social Worker (SSW), child’s social worker and, where appropriate, birth parents and the child.
- May attend: teachers, health professionals, therapeutic workers, Personal Advisor (16+).
Your preparation checklist
- Complete the Consultation Document (if issued) – concise bullet points on health, education, behaviour, spark achievements, contact and delegated authority.
- Placement Summary Report – draft with your SSW during supervision; flag decisions you need (e.g., permission for Duke of Edinburgh expedition, delegated consent for orthodontic treatment).
- Evidence of progress – school certificates, photographs, Life-Story work pages, examples of improved self-care skills.
Supporting the child’s voice
- Explain in everyday language what a review is (“a meeting where the grown-ups check your plan”).
- Help them fill in their consultation form or create alternatives—drawings, video clip, emoji chart.
- If the child feels shy, agree beforehand what you and/or the SSW may say on their behalf.
On the day
- Stick to facts and balanced observations—celebrate sparks and note challenges.
- Raise any safeguarding or delegated-authority issues clearly.
- Note actions, responsible persons and deadlines—these appear in the written review minutes.
After the meeting
- Review minutes arrive within 20 working days; read and query any inaccuracies immediately.
- Update the child’s Placement Plan and Health Passport as required.
- Embed new actions into daily routines and your weekly recordings.
Key point: Reviews are a collaborative checkpoint, not an inspection. Thoughtful preparation and honest participation keep the Care Plan relevant and the child’s journey on track.
