Contents

1.All Children

1. 1.0.1Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials
2. 1.0.2Northamptonshire Children's Trust Procedures Manual: Practitioner Guidance Notes
3. 1.0.3Northamptonshire Children's Trust Procedures Manual Maintenance Practice Guidance

1.1Policy, Values and Principles

1. 1.1.1Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles March 24, 2025
2. 1.1.2Senior Leadership Alert Procedure - Essential Reporting for Safeguarding and Children's Services
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 1.1.3Senior Leadership Alert FormsMarch 24, 2025
4. 1.1.4Confidentiality PolicyMay 21, 2024
5. 1.1.5Consultation PolicyMarch 24, 2025
6. 1.1.6Children's Consultation and ParticipationAugust 19, 2025
7. 1.1.7Kinship CareAugust 19, 2025
8. 1.1.8Supervision Policy and Procedure
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
9. 1.1.9Equality and DiversityMarch 24, 2025

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

1. 1.2.1Early Help AssessmentMarch 24, 2025
2. 1.2.2Threshold Document - Continuum of Help and SupportFebruary 27, 2026
3. 1.2.3Capacity and ConsentAugust 19, 2025
4. 1.2.4Local Protocol for AssessmentAugust 19, 2025

1.3Children's Social Care - Assessment and Planning

1. 1.3.1Contacts and Referrals
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 1.3.2Assessments
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 1.3.3Child Protection Enquiries (Section 47)
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
4. 1.3.4Allocation of Work and Transfer between Teams - Case Transfer and ClosureAugust 19, 2025
5. 1.3.5Family Network Meetings GuidanceMarch 24, 2025
6. 1.3.6Trajectories GuidanceAugust 19, 2025

1.4Court Proceedings

1. 1.4.1Applications for Emergency Protection OrdersMarch 24, 2025
2. 1.4.2Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law Outline
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 1.4.3Legal Planning Meetings & Gateway PanelAugust 19, 2025
4. 1.4.4Police Powers of ProtectionMarch 24, 2025
5. 1.4.5Disclosure of Information between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol
6. 1.4.6Cross-border child protection cases: the 1996 Hague Convention (DfE)
7. 1.4.7Family 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.

1.5Miscellaneous

1. 1.5.1Death or Serious Harm to a Child, Looked After, Child in Need or Care Leaver Up to and Including the Age of 24
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 1.5.2Children (Subject of a Child Protection Plan) Travelling AbroadFebruary 27, 2026
3. 1.5.3Non-recent (Historic) AbuseMarch 24, 2025
4. 1.5.4Section 85/86 (Children Act, 1989) Welfare Checks for ChildrenAugust 19, 2025
5. 1.5.5Travel Assistance Procedure for Children's Social CareMarch 24, 2025
6. 1.5.6Lone Visits ProcedureMarch 24, 2025
7. 1.5.7Ending Child Protection Plans outside of a Child Protection Conference
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
8. 1.5.8Stepping Down a Child Protection Plan at First Review, 3 months or Returning to ICPC within 2 years of Last Registration
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
9. 1.5.9Supplementary Guidance on Safeguarding Issues, Working Together to Safeguard Children - Appendix B: Further Sources of Information

1.6Complaints and Whistleblowing

1. 1.6.1Complaints, Compliments and RepresentationsFebruary 27, 2026
2. 1.6.2WhistleblowingAugust 19, 2025
3. 1.6.3Resolution and Escalation Process (IRO and CP Chair)August 19, 2025
4. 1.6.4Whistleblowing to Ofsted about Children's Social Care Services - Policy and Guidance for Whistleblowers
5. 1.6.5Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

2.Case Management and Recording

1. 2.0.1Recording Policy and Guidelines
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 2.0.2Access to RecordsFebruary 27, 2026
3. 2.0.3Case Records and RetentionJanuary 16, 2025
4. 2.0.4Electronic Recording of Meetings and ConversationsDecember 18, 2024
5. 2.0.5Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding StaffFebruary 27, 2026
6. 2.0.6Storage of Data on Mobile DevicesNovember 27, 2024
7. 2.0.7Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

3.Prevention and Family Support

1. 3.0.1Child in Need Plans and Reviews
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 3.0.2Private Fostering
   Updated
   March 17, 2026
3. 3.0.3Family Networks and Family Group Decision MakingMarch 18, 2024
4. 3.0.4Provision of Accommodation to Homeless 16 and 17 year olds
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
5. 3.0.5Young Carers
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
6. 3.0.6Section 17 Financial Support for Children in Need
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
7. 3.0.7Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

4.Children in Particular Circumstances

1. 4.0.1Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

4.1Children with Disabilities

1. 4.1.1Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesAugust 19, 2025
2. 4.1.2Direct PaymentsAugust 19, 2025
3. 4.1.3Short BreaksMarch 25, 2025
4. 4.1.4Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential SettingsFebruary 27, 2026
5. 4.1.5Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National FrameworkMay 21, 2024

4.2Children from Abroad

1. 4.2.1Unaccompanied Migrant Children and Child Victims of Trafficking and Modern SlaveryFebruary 27, 2026
2. 4.2.2Families with No Recourse to Public FundsAugust 19, 2025

4.3Relinquished Children

1. 4.3.1Relinquished ChildrenFebruary 27, 2026

4.4Deprivation of Liberty and Mental Capacity

1. 4.4.1Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983May 21, 2024
2. 4.4.2Deprivation of Liberty
3. 4.4.3Mental Capacity

5.Children in Care

1. 5.0.1Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

5.1Decision to Look After and Care Planning

1. 5.1.1Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 5.1.2Decision to Look After
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 5.1.3Care Planning
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
4. 5.1.4Ceasing to Look After a ChildSeptember 19, 2023
5. 5.1.5Permanence Planning StrategyMarch 25, 2025
6. 5.1.6Placement Planning and Disruption MeetingsAugust 19, 2025
7. 5.1.7Placements in Foster Care
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
8. 5.1.8Placement for Permanent FosteringMarch 24, 2025
9. 5.1.9Placements in Residential Care
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
10. 5.1.10Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
11. 5.1.11Out of Area PlacementsFebruary 27, 2026
12. 5.1.12Placements with Connected Persons
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
13. 5.1.13Long Term Matching of Children to Connected Person’s Carers – Policy and Practice GuidanceAugust 19, 2025
14. 5.1.14Placements in Secure Accommodation on Welfare GroundsFebruary 27, 2026
15. 5.1.15Placements with ParentsFebruary 27, 2026
16. 5.1.16Placements Outside England and WalesFebruary 27, 2026
17. 5.1.17Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement ProvidersFebruary 27, 2026
18. 5.1.18Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential WorkersMarch 24, 2025
19. 5.1.19Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Looked After Children
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
20. 5.1.20Risk Assessment and PlanningFebruary 27, 2026
21. 5.1.21Reunification for Looked After ChildrenMarch 24, 2025
22. 5.1.22Stability and Disruption Meeting Guidance
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
23. 5.1.23Health and SafetyAugust 19, 2025
24. 5.1.24Unregulated, Unregistered & Crisis Placement ProcedureFebruary 27, 2026

5.2Monitoring and Reviews

1. 5.2.1Social Worker Visits to Children in Care
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 5.2.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsAugust 19, 2025
3. 5.2.3Children in Care Reviews
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
4. 5.2.4Appointment and Role of Independent Reviewing OfficersMarch 25, 2025
5. 5.2.5Secure Accommodation (Criteria) ReviewsFebruary 27, 2026
6. 5.2.6Notifications of Significant EventsFebruary 27, 2026

5.3Contact and Overnight Stays

1. 5.3.1Contact with Parents/Adults and SiblingsMarch 24, 2025
2. 5.3.2Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)February 27, 2026

5.4Education, School Trips and Holidays

1. 5.4.1Holidays and School Trips in the UKFebruary 27, 2026
2. 5.4.2Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK (When the Child is a Child in Care)February 27, 2026
3. 5.4.3Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Looked After and Previously Looked After ChildrenJuly 25, 2023
4. 5.4.4Leisure ActivitiesAugust 19, 2025

5.5Health and Wellbeing

1. 5.5.1Health Care Assessments and Plans
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 5.5.2Personal Care and Relationships
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 5.5.3Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
4. 5.5.4Restrictive Physical Intervention and Restraint
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
5. 5.5.5Saving Policy for Children in CareMarch 24, 2025
6. 5.5.6Afro Hair and Skin Care Guide for Foster Carers, Shared Carers and Social Workers
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
7. 5.5.7Child Safety Online: A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media

5.6Identity

1. 5.6.1Change of Name of a Child in CareFebruary 27, 2026
2. 5.6.2Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After ChildNovember 28, 2023

5.7Leaving Care and Transition

1. 5.7.1Leaving Care and Transition
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 5.7.2Staying Put
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
3. 5.7.3Financial Arrangements for Care LeaversFebruary 27, 2026
4. 5.7.4Joint Working Protocol for Care Leavers: NCT and Job Centre PlusMarch 24, 2025
5. 5.7.5Services for Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Young People Leaving Care - Transition to Adulthood (Leaving Care) Financial Policy and GuidanceMarch 24, 2025
6. 5.7.6Preparing for Adulthood Procedure and Pathway
   Updated
   February 27, 2026

5.8Youth Offending

1. 5.8.1Children in Care and Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
2. 5.8.2Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in CustodyMarch 25, 2025
3. 5.8.3Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
4. 5.8.4Northamptonshire Joint Protocol for the Decriminalisation of Children In Care and Care LeaversAugust 19, 2025
5. 5.8.5A Decision-Making Framework for providers carers and staff: Guidance on when to involve the police when incidents occurAugust 19, 2025
6. 5.8.6Northamptonshire Youth Offending Service

6.Fostering and Adoption

1. 6.0.1Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials

6.1Fostering Services

1. 6.1.1Fostering PanelMarch 25, 2025
2. 6.1.2Persons Disqualified from FosteringFebruary 27, 2026
3. 6.1.3Assessment and Approvals of Foster CarersMay 21, 2024
4. 6.1.4Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Carer ApprovalMarch 25, 2025
5. 6.1.5Foster Carer Supervision PolicyMarch 25, 2025
6. 6.1.6Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
7. 6.1.7Allegations Against Foster CarersMarch 25, 2025
8. 6.1.8Finance Guidance - Foster Carers Allowances, Fees and Other Financial SupportMarch 24, 2025
9. 6.1.9Smoking Policy for Foster Carers and Children and Young People in Care
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
10. 6.1.10Training and Development of Foster CarersMarch 23, 2022
11. 6.1.11Foster Carer Recording Policy and Practice GuidanceMarch 24, 2025
12. 6.1.12Unannounced Home Visits to Foster Carers (UAHVs) – Policy and Practice GuidanceAugust 19, 2025
13. 6.1.13Children’s Visits within the Fostering ServiceMarch 24, 2025

6.2Adoption and Permanence Services

1. 6.2.1Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective AdoptersMarch 25, 2025
2. 6.2.2NCT VAA Adoption PanelMarch 25, 2025
3. 6.2.3Placement for AdoptionAugust 19, 2025
4. 6.2.4Adoption Support
   Updated
   February 27, 2026
5. 6.2.5Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 25, 2025
6. 6.2.6Adoption ReviewsMarch 25, 2025
7. 6.2.7Disruption of Adoptive PlacementsMarch 25, 2025
8. 6.2.8Allegations Against Prospective Adopters and in Relation to Children Placed for Adoption or Already AdoptedAugust 19, 2025
9. 6.2.9Non Agency AdoptionMay 21, 2024
10. 6.2.10Adoption Case Records
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
11. 6.2.11Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case RecordsMarch 25, 2025
12. 6.2.12Applications for Special Guardianship Orders
    Updated
    February 27, 2026
13. 6.2.13Court Reports in Adoption/Special Guardianship GuidanceMarch 25, 2025
14. 6.2.14Life Story Books GuidanceMay 21, 2024
15. 6.2.15Later Life LettersMay 21, 2024
16. 6.2.16Early Permanence: Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective AdoptersAugust 25, 2023
17. 6.2.17Guidance on Payment of Adoption Allowance, Special Guardianship Order Allowances and Child Arrangements Order AllowancesMarch 24, 2025
18. 6.2.18Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Voluntary Adoption Agency - Finance PolicyFebruary 27, 2026
19. 6.2.19Financial Support for Children Subject to Special Guardianship OrdersMarch 24, 2025

7.Contacts, List of Agency Decision Makers and Appendices

1. 7.0.1Local ContactsFebruary 27, 2026
2. 7.0.2List of Agency Decision Makers, Designated Managers and Nominated Officers
   Updated
   March 31, 2026
3. 7.0.3Ofsted Inspection FrameworkAugust 20, 2024
4. 7.0.4Working Together to Safeguard Children
5. 7.0.5Working Together to Safeguard Children - Appendix B: Further Sources of Information
6. 7.0.6Amendments
7. 7.0.7Links to Further Relevant Northamptonshire Materials