The Chair of the Strategy Meeting/LADO will monitor and record the progress of each case, either fortnightly or monthly depending on its complexity. This could be by way of formally reviewing the strategy meeting or by direct liaison with the Police, Children’s Social Care or the accused person’s employer as appropriate. Where the target timescales cannot be met the Chair of the Strategy Meeting/LADO must record the reasons.
If a Police investigation is to be conducted, the Police should set a date for reviewing its progress and consulting the CPS about continuing or closing the investigation or charging the individual. Wherever possible, this should be no later than 4 weeks after the strategy meeting. Dates for further reviews should also be agreed either fortnightly or monthly depending on the complexity of the investigation.
The LADO will maintain comprehensive records in order to ensure that each case is being dealt with expeditiously and that there are no undue delays. The records will also assist the LSCB to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the procedures for managing allegations and provide statistical information to the DE as required.
The aim is to resolve most cases within 3 months and all but the most exceptional cases within 12 months as it is recognised that cases requiring a criminal prosecution or complex police investigation may not be completed in less than 3 months.
