Since 1st July 2013 local authorities were required to publish their policy on delegation of authority to those responsible for the care of looked after children. However the Department of Education has identified that not all local authorities have this in place. The DfE has therefore, published guidance to assist local authorities in developing their policies or make improvements to existing policy.
Ministers have been determined to improve the delegation of day-to-day decision making to carers so looked after children have a similar experience to their peers. Over time and with the consent of carers, social workers and the correct understanding, some of these decisions will be passed onto the child. The DfE have also published a young person’s guide to delegated authority, both documents are available via the following link:-
Within the placement plan of the child any decisions of a day-to-day nature that are not delegated to the carer should be recorded and he reasons why the delegation is not granted.
Some common myths are dispelled below:
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