CYP Now - Government to retain legal requirement for IROs

Councils will continue to be required by law to appoint an independent reviewing officer (IRO) for all children in care or on a child protection plan, but the role they play is set to be reviewed, the government has said.

Responding to the findings of the fostering stocktake, which suggested that local authorities should be allowed to ditch the role that scrutinises local authority care plans for looked-after children, taking into account the views of the child, the government said it had no plans to change the current legal requirements.

However, it said it will work with local authorities and organisations representing IROs to "consider how the role of IROs can be put to best effect in the current system and under existing legislation".

"Each individual in the team around the child has an important function to play and the potential to improve the life chances and happiness of local children and young people," the response states.

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