Case No. UKUT-00227-(IAC)

or problems are identified; • c hild centred; • rooted in c hild de v elopment; • W here possible the wishes and feelings of the pa r ticular c hild are obtained and ta k en into account when deciding on action to be unde r ta k en in relation to him or he r . Com m unication is according to his or her preferred communication method or language; • suppo r ting the a c hie v ement of the best possible outcomes for c hildren and impr o ving their w ellbeing; • holistic in approa c h; • ensuring equality of oppo r tunity; • E t hn i c identit y , langua g e , religion , f a i t h , g ende r an d disabilit y ar e ta k e n int o accoun t whe n w orkin g wit h a c hil d an d thei r f a m il y ; • Practitioners are clear when and h o w it is appropriate to ma k e a refe r ral to Local A uthority c hildre n ’ s se r vices where c hildren m a y need se r vices to safeguard them or to promote their w elfare; • i n v ol v e c hildren and familie s , taking their wishes and feelings into account; • building on strengths as w ell as identifying and addressing difficulties; • m ulti and inte r -a g ency in its approa c h; • a conti n uing proces s , not an e v ent; • W her e c hildre n ar e bein g pr o vide d w i t h se r vice s t o respon d t o thei r need s an d suppo r t thei r w elfar e (usuall y b y L o c a l A uthorit y c h il dr e n ’ s se r vices) , p r o f e ss i on a l s includin g th e U K Borde r A g enc y c on t r i b u t e t o subsequen t plan s , inte r v ention s an d review s i n accordanc e wit h requirement s i n rele v an t regulation s an d g u i d a n ce ; • designed to identify and pr o vide the se r vices required, and monitor the impact their pr o vision has on a c hild ’ s de v elopmental pro g ress; • info r med b y evidenc e . 1.17. Some of these apply to specialisedprofessional work, whilst others relate to more general work that can affect children. Ensuring equality of oppo r tunity a. Equality of opportunity means that all children have the opportunity to achieve the best possible development. Some children may have been deprived of opportunitiesand assistance in early life and will, as a result, require services to meet their health and educational needs, to promote their immediate welfare so that they can achieve their potential into adulthood. I n v ol v ement of child r en and f amilies b. In order to appreciate the child’s needs and how they make sense of their circumstances it is important to listen and take account of their wishes and feelings. It is also important to develop a co-operative constructive working relationship with parents or caregivers so that they recognise that they are being respected and are being kept informed. Where thereis respect and honesty in relating to parents they are likely to feel more confident about providing vital information about their child, themselves and their circumstances. Building on st r engths as w ell as identifying difficulties c. Identifying both strengths and difficulties within the child, his or her family and the context in which they are living is important, as is considering how these factors have an impact on the child’s health and development. Working with a child or family’s strengths becomes an important part of a plan to resolve difficulties.