2.2.2 Financial Assistance to Children in Need |
Contents
1. Types of Financial Assistance
Financial assistance for a Child in Need can be provided under section 17 or section 18 of the Children Act 1989 following an Initial Assessment or Core Assessment. However, the payments cannot be used to supplement an inadequate income.
The categories of payment, which may be considered, are:
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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. Requests by health visitors for financial assistance to buy safety equipment must be included in the Initial or Core Assessment. 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 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. Duty workers will assist those requesting financial help to pursue any entitlements through the Benefits Agency. An application to the Benefits Agency for an emergency payment must have been made and refused in writing before a payment under section 17 will be considered.
- Wherever possible, payments will be paid to the supplier or provider of services, not the parents, or vouchers will be provided.
If the lack of money is due to immigration status, then the family will be advised to seek legal help.
3. Approval for Financial Assistance
Arrangements for financial assistance must be included in a Children's Plan but no commitments can be made until the approval of the appropriate manager has been obtained.
Payments can be authorised up to the financial limits agreed from time to time.
When deciding which level of delegated authority is required, cumulative costs over a financial year must be taken into account.
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