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Using this Manual

Scope of this chapter

ALL STAFF AND FOSTER CARERS PLEASE NOTE:

Before proceeding to the body of the manual, please read this chapter, which explains how the manual works.

If you have any questions, please talk to your Manager or Supervising Social Worker.

This manual contains all of our key policies and procedures, listed in the Contents List.

The procedures are subdivided into several Sections, e.g., Section 1: Policies, Values and Principles.

When you have read this guide, start by familiarising yourself with the Contents List and the Procedures listed under each section.

If you are unable to find a Procedure, use the Search function on the top right-hand side of the screen or 'Ctrl F' when on the Contents List.

You may also wish to consult your Manager or Supervising Social Worker.

This library is populated and maintained locally and not by tri.x. tri.x will not be responsible for content added to this. Any concerns should be directed to the contact person with responsibility for the procedures.

The manual is accessed by readers who may find unfamiliar terms. Therefore, a glossary of definitions is available under the resource tab.

There is also a National Contacts resource populated with details of key national agencies and organisations likely to be relevant to users of these procedures.

Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or omissions, please alert your Manager.

Key Terms

We have used the following terms and post titles:

Caption: key terms
Supervising Social Worker This means the allocated, suitably qualified social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting carers.
Child's Social Worker This means the allocated social worker from the Placing Authority who is responsible for managing the child's case.
Placing Authority This means the Local Authority has overall responsibility for the child's care.
Fostering Service This means the service provided by the fostering agency.
Fostering Service Manager This means the Registered Manager of the service provided by the fostering agency.
Placement Plan This is the documentation drawn up by the child's social worker before the placement, wherever possible (or where this is not possible, within 5 working days of the placement), which sets out in detail the arrangements for the child's care in the foster placement.

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The content of this website can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. Content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of tri.x and the fostering agency.

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The manual is intended to be viewed online to ensure that only the most up-to-date version of procedures is being used. It will be updated regularly, so in situations where there is a requirement for hard copies, they should not be kept for longer than necessary.

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Last Updated: September 11, 2025

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