When you are a Looked After Child, you have an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). Their role is to ensure your views are taken into consideration and the Local Authority as your Corporate Parent are doing everything they should be doing. They do this by being in regular contact with you and holding your review meetings to monitor how your plan is coming along.

Previously, you would have had an Independent Reviewing Officer until the age of 18. St.Helens Safeguarding Unit have made a commitment that if you would like your Independent Reviewing Officer to stay in your life after you’re 18, you have this choice. They will review your plan twice per year and you can agree to how they want you to do this. This may be by paper or by having a meeting with those you would like there. If you do not want your IRO to stay involved but they think that the Local Authority have not completed all of the actions for you, your IRO will give special consideration to reviewing your plan. 

Also, if you decide that you don’t want them to remain in your life at 18 but you change your mind later, this is okay. You are able to have your IRO until you are 21 or even up until you are 25 if you choose to.

For more information, you can speak to your Independent Reviewing Officer, Social Worker or Personal Adviser.