Chapter 11 Self-test questions

. What did the Curtis Report into the death of Dennis O'Neill identify as a problem with the care offered to children?

. What was the focus of the 1948 Act?

. Maria Colwell was not known to social services at the time of her death. True or false?

. A number of high-profile child deaths in the 1980s led to an increase of children being taken into care. True or false?

. Every Child Matters and the Children Act 2004 were premised on what idea?

. According to s47 of Children Act, what happens once serious concerns about a child's welfare have been identified?

. What is the difference between a power and a duty?

. Higher numbers of children are referred to social services in deprived areas than in wealthy areas. True or false?

. How is a child defined as being a child in need?

. The provision of most services under s17 are unenforceable. True or false?

. Once a child has been identified as being in need, which of the following services might the local authority provide?

. What is the one of the important distinctions between accommodation provided under s.20 as opposed to accommodation provided under s17?

. In which of the following situations does a duty to accommodate under s.20 arise? Choose all that apply.

. A parent with parental responsibility can remove a child from s.20 accommodation at any time. True or false?

. What duties does the local authority have in relation to Looked After Children?

. Independent Reporting Officers have an important role to play in preventing drift and making sure the care plan is fit for purpose. True or false?

. For the purposes of support after the age of 16, what circumstances need to exist for a child to be considered a relevant child?

. Since 2007 the number of referrals to children's services have risen steadily. What factor or factors have caused this rise? Choose all that apply.

. Child Assessment Orders are frequently applied for. True or false?

. At a child protection conference, the question "is the child at risk of suffering significant harm?" must be asked. If the answer to this question is yes, which of the following options are available to the conference?

. If social workers believe that a child is in immediate danger, they can remove the child to a place of safety without parental consent before making an application to court. True or false?

. Which of the following statements about who can apply for an EPO is correct?

. In Re X (Emergency Protection Orders) [2006] EWCH 510 (Fam) a number of situations including emotional abuse were considered inappropriate for an EPO. What other option do social workers have?

. In X Council v B (Emergency Protection Order) [2004] EWHC 2015 Munby J gave clear guidance on the use of EPOs. What did he say as part of this guidance?

. Anna has 2 children, Ben (aged 10) and Carly (aged 2). They have been known to social services for several years due to concerns about neglect and possible emotional abuse. Both children are subject to a child protection plan and Anna has missed the last two meetings with her social worker, Daniel. On an unannounced home visit Daniel observed that the house was very dirty, there was mould growing in the shower, Carly was in a soiled nappy and there was no food in the fridge. Anna called Daniel a "nosey parker" and told him to "F**k off" out of her life. Daniel is worried about the safety of the children. What is the best option for him now?

. Elaine has two children, Fred (aged 8) and Greg (aged 4). Fred has autism and ADHD and attends a special school. Greg is on a waiting list for a diagnosis of autism. The boys' father, Henry, left 18 months ago saying that he could not cope with Fred's behaviour. Elaine has given up her job because Fred has been excluded from school. Elaine is desperate for financial and practical help. Social services have carried out a needs assessment. The assessment recommends respite care for Fred for 6 hours a week and arrangements for Greg to attend a special needs after school club two afternoons a week. It also recommends financial assistance until Elaine's welfare benefits come through and counselling for the whole family. However, the social worker manager has said that they cannot provide transport to the after school club for Greg, meaning he cannot attend, that there is only enough funding for 2 hours a week of respite; that Elaine can apply for a loan while she is waiting for benefits and ask the GP for a referral to counselling. Is there any action Elaine can take to get the support she thinks she needs?

. Helen is 15 years old. Her father, Ian, is in prison for supplying class A drugs, and she lives with her mother, Jen. Helen has recently come out as a lesbian and has been excluded from school after threatening another girl with a knife. She claims she was protecting herself from homophobic bullying, but the school have a zero tolerance policy on knives in school. Jen has expressed horror and disgust at Helen's sexuality and has thrown her out of the house. Helen has asked social services for help, but the social worker, Kira, has told her she needs to go home to her Mum. Jen is refusing to sign any consent forms, saying Helen is "no daughter of mine" and in a phone call to the prison Iain told Kira that he would never agree to his child going into care.

. Aoife is 17 years old. She went into the care of the local authority when she was 12 years old because her mother, Ciara, was a heroin addict. No order was made, as Ciara agreed to the removal and Aoife was accommodated unders.20 Children Act 1989. Aoife did not have a permanent placement in care, but moved between foster carers and children's homes every year. Approximately five months ago she returned to live with her mother, who had been to rehabilitation and was not longer dependent on drugs. Aoife and her mother are not getting on very well and Aoife has stopped attending school. She wants some help from the local authority to find independent supported living and to find an appropriate course at college. When she spoke to the social worker, Bill, he told her that he could not help her as she had chosen to live with her mother. Advise Aoife as to whether the local authority has any obligation to support her.

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