Independent Person Services

An Independent Person (IP) is appointed to oversee the process of a Stage Two Complaints Investigation about children’s services which fall under the statutory complaints procedure.

An IP is not an Advocate for the complainant. The role of the IP is to work alongside the Investigating Officer to provide an independent and objective view to the investigation. Our IPs comply with timescales for completion in line with requirements of The Children Act 1989 Representations Procedure Regulations and Guidance, ‘Getting the Best From Complaints’. They provide a written report on the investigation written in plain language.

YLF provide Independent Persons for Secure Accommodation Reviews who are DBS checked, highly trained, and are experts in Secure Accommodation Panels. They ensure that the young person’s wishes and feelings are represented.

The purpose of a Secure Accommodation Review is to review the young person’s progress, consider whether the criteria for keeping them in secure accommodation continues to apply, and/or whether another form of accommodation would be appropriate.

Statutory guidance states that local authorities must offer independent return interviews to young people who go missing or run away from their home.

YLF provide return interviews and informal conversations in line with local authority safeguarding procedures, allowing young people the opportunity to talk to someone independent about the push and pull factors which led them to run away. Our friendly trained staff develop trusting relationships with young people so that they can explore the reason why the young person went missing, the levels of risk their experienced and where and how to get help should they find themselves in that situation again. During the conversation, solutions are explored and a plan is drawn up led by the young person about how they feel their situation could be improved and what immediate and long term support may be required.