Part III Local Authority Support for Children and Families

Independent reviewing officers

25BF1Functions of the independent reviewing officer

1

The independent reviewing officer must—

a

monitor the performance by the local authority of their functions in relation to the child's case;

b

participate, in accordance with regulations made by the appropriate national authority, in any review of the child's case;

c

ensure that any ascertained wishes and feelings of the child concerning the case are given due consideration by the local authority;

d

perform any other function which is prescribed in regulations made by the appropriate national authority.

2

An independent reviewing officer's functions must be performed—

a

in such manner (if any) as may be prescribed in regulations made by the appropriate national authority; and

b

having regard to such guidance as that authority may issue in relation to the discharge of those functions.

3

If the independent reviewing officer considers it appropriate to do so, the child's case may be referred by that officer to—

a

an officer of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service; or

b

a Welsh family proceedings officer.

4

If the independent reviewing officer is not an officer of the local authority, it is the duty of the authority—

a

to co-operate with that individual; and

b

to take all such reasonable steps as that individual may require of them to enable that individual's functions under this section to be performed satisfactorily.