The Independent Reviewing Officer in the Modern Care System

1
The Independent Reviewing Officer in the Modern
Care System

• IRO training and development what do critical
  learning groups offer?
• Liz Gosling and Alison Williams

2
IRO // Manager of the IRO service

• What are the words to describe the relationships
  between IRO and the manager of the IRO service in
  your authority?

3
Some questions

• How do IROs act independently of the authority?
• Do managers promote this?
• Is there a difference between IROs about the
  questions they raise about care plans?
• Are childrens rights being breached?

4
Small group exercise

• The annual health assessment has recommended that
  the child has an HIV test. What are the issues
  for the review?

5
Small group exercise

• A review stated that a child needs their own
  computer to ensure that they are able to complete
  their course work?
• The authority states that the child has access to
  one in the foster home, internet café and has
  therefore not provided one
• Is this sufficient? What is the role of the
  review in appealing this if not sufficient to
  meet the need?

6
Small group exercise

• 7 year old boy, black African Caribbean with some
  learning difficulties. Review considers that
  adoption will best meet his needs and that, given
  the birth family circumstance, it is important to
  secure a life long family for him.
• As IRO you are aware that families willing to
  adopt a child like this are few and far between.
  Does this affect the care plan?

7
Why have a critical learning group?

• promotes the independence of the role
• discussion of practice outside of the services
  and management of the authority
• emphasises the importance of the views of the
  child and their welfare being paramount
• rights of the child are paramount, consideration
  of his/her individual needs first rather than the
  needs of others

8
Why have a critical learning group?

• emphasises the importance of the review and care
  plan concentrating on the needs of the child with
  resources as the secondary consideration
• gives consideration to the values and attitudes
  of the IRO

9
Learning

• Professional learning gaps in knowledge
• How to manage reviews
• How to ensure reviews are child centred
• How to ensure parental participation
• Decisions, recommendations and challenge

10
Methodology

• Groups role, aims, objectives, confidentiality
  agreed with group and manager of service
• Development of trust
• Structure of the group
• Space for reflection, validation and challenge
• Emphasis on difference
• Annual evaluation