Care Plans are documents which set out what services and other help will be provided to a Looked After Child and their family. The Care Plan will say what the Council and other agencies will do to meet the child’s needs around health, education, religion, culture and hobbies. It will describe the child’s contact arrangements with family and friends plus, where appropriate, how parents or guardians will help to look after the child.

The Care Plan (and placement agreement) should be written within 10 days of the child becoming formally “looked after”. The child, their parents or guardians and anyone caring for the child should all get a copy.

Care Plans should be clear and easy to understand. The Social Worker should make sure that everyone affected by one knows what it means for them and the child.