In the world of social care, acronyms are everywhere. Two of the most common you will encounter are LAC (Looked After Child) and CLA (Child Looked After). While the terms are often used interchangeably depending on your Local Authority, the importance of the Review process attached to them remains the same.
Whether you are a foster carer, a residential childcare worker, or a connected person, understanding the statutory review process is vital. These meetings are not just administrative checkpoints; they are the moments where we ensure a child is safe, happy, and thriving.
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding LAC/CLA Reviews to help you advocate effectively for the children in your care.
Table Of Contents
1. What is a LAC Review?
A Looked After Child Review—also known as a Child Looked After Review—is a statutory meeting chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).
The primary purpose of this meeting is to review the child’s Care Plan. It is a collaborative space where professionals, carers, and the child discuss:
- The child’s health and emotional well-being.
- Educational progress (PEP).
- Family time (contact) arrangements.
- Permanence plans (long-term goals).
- Any changes needed to support the child better.
Key Insight: The review is the child’s meeting. While adults facilitate it, the focus must always remain on the child’s wishes and feelings.
2. When do CLA Reviews happen? (Statutory Timescales)
One of the most critical aspects of compliance in the UK care sector is adhering to statutory timescales. The regulations are strict to ensure no child drifts in the system without oversight.
The frequency of reviews is as follows:
- The First Review: Must take place within 4 weeks (or 20 working days) of the child entering care.
- The Second Review: Must take place no more than 3 months after the first review.
- Subsequent Reviews: Must take place at least every 6 months thereafter.
Can reviews happen more often?
Yes. These are minimum requirements. A review can—and should—be brought forward if:
- There is a significant change in the Care Plan (e.g., a change of placement).
- There are serious concerns about the child’s welfare.
- The IRO requests an earlier meeting to monitor specific actions.
3. Who attends the LAC Review?
The attendance list should be carefully considered to ensure the child feels comfortable, but typically includes:
- The Child or Young Person: Their attendance is encouraged, but if they choose not to attend, their views must still be presented.
- The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO): They chair the meeting and ensure the Local Authority is acting in the child’s best interests.
- The Social Worker: The allocated social worker for the child.
- The Foster Carer or Key Worker: The primary daily caregiver.
- Parents/Family Members: If appropriate and safe.
4. What is the role of the IRO (Independent Reviewing Officer)?
The IRO plays a crucial “critical friend” role. They are independent of the line management of the child’s social worker. Their job is to:
- Challange: Hold the Local Authority to account if the Care Plan isn’t being followed.
- Listen: Ensure the child’s voice is clearly heard and recorded.
- Monitor: Check that previous recommendations have been actioned.
5. How can I prepare a child for their review?
For many children, a room full of adults talking about them can be intimidating. As a caregiver, you can help by:
- Demystifying the process: Explain who will be there and why.
- Consultation Forms: Help them fill out their “wishes and feelings” consultation forms beforehand.
- Advocacy: Inform them about their right to an Advocate if they feel unheard.
- Choice: Ask them if they want to attend the whole meeting, just part of it, or have the meeting held at a specific time/venue where they feel safe.
6. What happens after the review?
Following the meeting, the IRO will produce a report detailing the decisions made. This outlines:
- Action Points: Who needs to do what, and by when.
- Care Plan Updates: Any formal changes to the long-term plan.
This report is usually distributed to all attendees within 20 working days of the review.
Final Thoughts
Consistency is key in the lives of looked-after children. The LAC/CLA Review process provides that consistency, ensuring that a child’s journey is constantly evaluated and improved. By understanding these statutory requirements, we can better support the children who rely on us.
Do you have a question about preparing for a complex LAC review? Drop a comment below or contact your supervising social worker for guidance.
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