Your IRO (Independent Reviewing Officer)

What is an IRO?

An IRO is an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). Every child in care is allocated an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) normally within 5 days of coming into care. Their job is to make sure that the right plans and best care is provided for you.

What can the IRO do for me?

They are ‘independent,’ which means they can challenge social workers or other people to ask them to do the right things for you.  They will get to know you, by visiting you or speaking with you, and they will make sure that you know how to contact them if you need to. The IRO is responsible for reviewing each child’s plan to ensure that their needs are being met, that their wishes and feelings are listened to, and that the right things are being done for them. This is a chance to see what is going well and what is not, and what needs to happen.  You can also contact your IRO in-between reviews if you need to talk about anything.

 

What is an Review?

The IRO is responsible for ensuring each review takes place every six months. The IRO must ensure that the child’s plan fully reflects their current and future needs and that the actions set out in the plan are consistent with the Local Authority’s legal responsibilities. Plans should be created with children where possible.

Reviews are child focused and aim to engage the child or young person in their review. You should be consulted regarding who you would like at your review and what you want to talked about. Social workers should create the invite list with the child/young person where possible, given their age and understanding. A review can consist of a series of meetings, as one of the aims developed by you is to keep meetings under 45 minutes. If someone cannot attend a review meeting, they can contact the IRO separately by completing a consultation form, over the phone, or by meeting in person.

We always take an anti-racist practice approach to our practice and further information about how we do this can be found in the Children in Care Review Guidance.

 

Anything else?

If you would like to discuss the review process or if you would like further information, please contact: Jane Cole 07761 551055, Merthlyn Rochester-King 07748 623633, or Louise Oberbeck 07738 885006.