BBC Radio 4's File On 4 Programme

Dear Members,

Emma Forde, a producer at BBC Radio 4, has asked me whether NAIRO members could assist with a programme they are making. It concerns the 26 week timescale for care proceedings and the implications of this on children and the care plans made. It is due to go out in early March. Please see Emma's email below and if you have any information about such cases or have a view about the court process etc, then please get in touch with Emma.

If you do this, would you please say that you are NAIRO member and it would be great if you could let me know too so I can monitor how helpful we have been.  If you would like the Trustees to support you with this then let us know.

Details of how to contact Emma are in the email below.

Many thanks,

Maggie

Maggie Duggins - Chair, National Association of IROs (NAIRO)

Hi Maggie,

Really good speaking with you- As discussed, I am producer for Radio 4’s File on 4 programme-we are a 40 minute long current affairs programme which is broadcast on Radio 4 on Tuesdays and Sundays. For a possible upcoming programme I am looking into concerns surrounding the targets to complete child care proceedings within 26 weeks and whether they are putting further pressure on the system. As part of this I’m looking into Special Guardianship Orders and whether the speed at which proceedings are meant to be competed is resulting in rushed assessments, leading to possibly unsuitable placements which subsequently break down or potentially put children at risk of further danger.  I was wondering if you could put me in touch with anyone who had encountered cases whereby children had been placed at risk through an SGO Order being made without proper consideration of the placement’s long-term suitability. I understand there is much sensitivity surrounding such cases therefore this would just be for background at this stage to help with my research and would not expect people to go into details about individuals. I can also speak to people anonymously if that helps.

They could either email in the first instance at emma.forde@bbc.co.uk or my direct line is 0161 335 64 57.

Kind regards,

Emma

Emma Forde |BBC Radio Current Affairs

 1st Floor |Quay House | MediaCityUK|  Salford | M50 2QH
Tel: +44(0)161 335 6457 |E-mail: emma.forde@bbc.co.uk  Twitter: @e_k_forde