3.13.5 Spiritual Development

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This procedure applies to children placed in foster care and residential care managed by the authority, but the principles apply to the placement of every Child in Care. Therefore, where a Lookled After Child are is with parents, relatives or friends or in placements not managed by the authority, the social worker must ensure these or other adequate procedures are applied.

This chapter should be read in conjunction with the Children's Services Policy, Values and Principles.

Each child's Placement Plan/Placement Information Record should show how their religious and spiritual development needs are being accounted for, with a view to encouraging and supporting them to maintain a positive regard for their background and culture.

The Care Plan/Placement Plan/Placement Information Record should include the following:

Children should be provided with balanced information and advice about their own religion and cultural background, or that of their family;
If they wish to do so, children should be encouraged and supported to join or confirm their faith. They should also be supported to explore and choose a different faith or no faith at all. Some children and young people may express doubt about continuing their religious beliefs or practice. Whilst having due regard to their wishes and feelings, it is important that they are helped to discuss and recognise the seriousness of the choices they are making and the possible effects on their relationship with their family and community;
Children's daily routine, including their meal times and diet, should be amended to account for their religious and spiritual observances/needs;
Birthdays or other celebratory days or occasions relating to children's preferred religion will be given special significance and celebrated as appropriate;
Children should also be encouraged to explore and understand different religions and cultures from their own; this should include meeting people with different backgrounds and cultures;
Carers should ensure children are provided with relevant resources in accordance with their religion/faith, this should include transportation where appropriate.