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Contents

1. Process
2. Flowchart
3. Chronology of Significant Events Form
4. Chronology of Significant Events - Instructions for Use

1. Process

1.1	A chronology should be started at the point of opening a Core Assessment for each child in the family. For cases that are re-referred, a chronology should be started from the point of that referral as this will document the pattern of referrals and reason that a child is subject to a second or subsequent referral. An up to date copy of the chronology should be placed on the paper file and the electronic version saved as detailed in paragraph 1.4. Each entry within the chronology must have the date that the entry is made and clearly identify the person recording the entry.
1.2	If there is no previous chronology, the new allocated social worker will write a case summary (of no more than one page) giving an overview of the previous case history/concerns/outcomes. This will be placed on the file for each child in the section for chronologies.
1.3	Each team will have a “Chronology" folder which is accessible to all team members. Chronologies will be undertaken using the chronology template. The chronology can be added to as and when necessary. Do not use the chronology on Raise.
1.4	Both paper and electronic versions of the chronology must be up to date at the point that the case transfers to either another worker in the team or to another team. The team manager of the original team must email a copy of the chronology to the receiving team manager. The original team manager can then delete the chronology that is saved in their team’s chronology folder. The receiving team manager must save a copy of the chronology in their team’s chronology folder.
1.5	It is the responsibility of the allocated social worker to keep the chronology up to date.  Each new significant event must be recorded on the chronology as soon as possible.  This must be within 2 working days of the significant event being notified to the social worker. Each time that the chronology is updated a copy should be placed on the file and the previous copy removed to ensure that only one chronology is on the paper file.
1.6	When a case is ready to be closed, a copy of the chronology should be saved as an attachment by the social worker in the contacts section in Raise. A note must be made on Raise of the whereabouts of the chronology i.e. CIN team chronology folder.
1.7	If the case is re-referred, the chronology in the team folder drive will be added to from the point of re-referral. This will be started by the person taking the referral.

2. Flowchart

Click here to view flowchart

3. Chronology of Significant Events Form

Click here to view form

4. Chronology of Significant Events - Instructions for Use

Information to be recorded:

• Child in Need or Child Protection referrals
• Date of Child Protection Plan and reasons stated/ended 
• Periods of accommodation
• Incidents of domestic violence
• Details of when a child absconds or returns from home or care
• Significant changes in household composition which impact on care arrangements for the child
• Changes in social worker
• Case opening or closure
• Assessment started or completed i.e. Initial Assessment,Core Assessment, AIM, CIN
• CP Strategy Meeting held and outcome of a Section 47 Enquiry

NB: This list is not exhaustive and social workers should note any other concerns or events which appear likely to have a significant impact on the child.

A chronology of significant events should be attached to EACH child's file in the family, and information which has a bearing on all the children should be COPIED TO EACH.

End