3.2.3 Financial Assistance to Children in Need |
Contents
1. Types of Financial Assistance
Financial assistance for children in need can be provided under section 17 or section 18 of the Children Act 1989 following an Initial Assessment or Core Assessment.
The categories of payment, which may be considered, are:
- Subsistence crisis (one-off) payments.
These should be exceptional and used to overcome a crisis, following the best assessment that can be achieved in the circumstances. - Equipment and clothing:
These are for such items as clothing, furniture, bedding or safety equipment, which will enable the child to continue to live safely at home. The social worker should provide payment to the supplier.
Assistance may be given subject to conditions, including repayment in certain situations. However, in most situations, it will be inappropriate for the Department to seek to recover money provided under these circumstances - Travelling expenses
- Payment of day care charges
For example; after school clubs, play schemes or childminders.
For payments to relatives caring for children, see Relative Carers Guidance.
For payments to those holding a Residence Order, see Residence Order Allowances Procedure.
2. Criteria for Financial Assistance
The following criteria should be applied to all payments:
- The purpose of the payments must be to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child
- A worker should be actively involved with the family at least for the duration of the payments
- There are no other legitimate sources of finance, for example from the Benefits Agency or a charity. If theft is alleged, a crime number should be provided
- Wherever possible, payments will be paid to the supplier or provider of services, not the parents
3. Approval for Financial Assistance
Arrangements for financial assistance must be included in a Child in Need Plan but no commitments can be made until the approval of the appropriate manager has been obtained.
No payments can be issued without the expressed signed consent of a Service Manager, with the exception of the 16+ Team who have a delegated authority to issue payments under Section 17 of up to and not beyond £30. In the event that the initial payment may need to be extended or ongoing, the consent of the Service Manager must be sought.
When deciding which level of delegated authority is required, cumulative costs over a financial year must be taken into account.
Before a payment can be made the Social Worker must complete the appropriate form and this must be also be signed the Team Manager.
If the proposed payment is more than £50 an assessment of the means of the family must be completed by the Social Worker.
End