An Independent Reviewing Officer is known as an IRO.
An IRO is an experienced social work practitioner. The IROs main role is to make sure your child’s Care and Support Plan meets their needs, making sure your child’s voice is heard, their rights are respected and that decisions are being made in their best interest.
They will do this by chairing the child’s looked after (Care and Support Plan) review meeting, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and that all important issues are talked about. They will follow this up after the meeting to make sure any recommendation or actions at the meeting are being carried out.
What’s the differences between your child’s Social Worker and your child’s IRO?
- Your child’s social worker is responsible for making decisions with you, your child and other important people about what should be in your child’s Care and Support Plan.
- The IRO will make sure those decisions are the best ones for your child.