Children's guardians and independent reviewing officers: Representing children's interests in care proceedings and beyond

This paper draws on research into care planning and the role of independent reviewing officer (IRO) for looked after children and the working relationship between IROs and children's guardians. The research was a mixed methods study, involving a file study of 122 cases of looked after children in four local authorities; in-depth interviews with 54 IROs and 54 social workers; interviews with 15 parents and 15 young people. Nationally distributed questionnaires for IROs, team managers, and children's guardians were also distributed. The findings highlight the similarities and differences between the two professions and suggests ways to improve communication between guardians and IROs.