How to audit and spot Good

1. How to audit and spot Good Paul Brightwell

3. Seeing the child • Visits must meet minimum intervals • CIN – minimum monthly and no less than 6 weekly • CP – minimum fortnightly • CIC – 6 weeks – but other rules apply • What are the child’s / parents views about the frequency of visits – has this been taken into account when determining the level of visiting • Is there evidence that visiting pattern has been considered in supervision • How are visits being undertaken – are they child focussed? • What are visits being used for – does the summary of the visit on the case file give a good picture of how the visit was used to promote good working relationships, understand the child and family circumstances and progress the plan

4. Child Focussed Practice • Is there evidence that the child / young person’s views have been actively sought in assessments, plans and visits • Does the case file record views in the child’s own words? • Is the file recording written in a way that shows that the child is at the centre? – with sibling groups does one sibling dominate the focus in the other siblings files? • Has the child been informed of their right to complain and have an advocate – how has this been acted upon where necessary • Has the child / young person been given an age appropriate explanation of decisions made about them • What direct work has been done with the child / young person to help them understand their circumstances?

5. The Plan • Is the plan outcome focussed – do actions follow from the desired outcomes • Is the plan clear on timeframes for when actions will be done (and by whom)? • Does the plan set out how we will know that outcomes have been achieved? • Is there a contingency plan for all areas where a significant issue of change in circumstances is probable? • Is the plan being implemented in the child’s timeframe • Have the child / young person’s views been sought and reflected in the plan – is the plan owned by the child and their family? • How are reviews ensuring that the plan is on track and drift being avoided • If someone new to the child’s case read the plan – would they have a good understanding of what was being done, why, by whom and in what timeframe – and be able to make appropriate decisions in an emergency?

6. Supervision / management oversight • Minimum frequency for formal discussion of case is 3 months • Correct frequency in any given case will also depend on complexity and levels of risk • Is there evidence of ad-hoc supervision between formal supervision? • Is their management sign-off • Does supervision provide appropriate guidance and direction • Is it reflective – does it explore different issues / options, methodology of intervention and demonstrate use of professional judgement based on the evidence?

7. Case file recording • Does it tell the child’s story and their journey? • Is the case file focussed on the right child? • Does it do justice to the amount of work being undertaken