What you need to know

Social work chronology is defined as a schedule containing¹:

• a succinct summary of the length of involvement of the local authority with the family and in particular with the child
• a succinct summary of the significant dates and events in the child’s life in chronological order – i.e. a running record up to the issue of the proceedings; providing such information under the following headings:
  1. serial number
  2. date
  3. event-detail
  4. witness or document reference (where applicable).

Every social work file should have as a top document a running chronology of significant events which is kept up to date as events unfold².

The advantages of a clear chronology include:

• making any patterns of abuse more obvious
• maintaining continuity in the event of social work personnel change over the years or families crossing local authority boundaries
• making accessible files that can become bulky and therefore difficult to read.

If, as a matter of routine and good practice, the local authority maintain and regularly update an ongoing chronology highlighting key points in the continuation records, then it will be relatively straightforward to identify serious and deep rooted problems rather than the circumstances triggering the instant referral.

References

1. UK Family Court Practice Directions, part 12A (“Prac Dir 12A”)
2. Guidance in R E (Care proceedings: Social Work Practice) [2002] 2 FLR 254

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What has changed?

• The two year point – chronologies submitted to court should not refer to events that are older than 2 years before the date of issue of the proceedings unless reliance is placed on the same in the local authority’s evidence
• This definition allows for some flexibility although it is not expected that the majority of cases will need material dating back further than 2 years.

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Learning resources

Local Practice Examples

Additional resources

A tool for thinking critically about chronologies can be found here (http://www.childcentredpractice.co.uk/Websites/ccp1/Files/Content/1375743/Exercise-Chronology.pdf)

An example of a chronology can be found in the completed evidence template commissioned by ADCS and Cafcass which can be found in the Social Work Evidence template: learning resources.

For a summary of the main points for practice when producing succinct chronologies, download the presentation as a .PPT file.

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Test your knowledge

These exercises aim to help you embed knowledge in this area. A range of different formats have been used, and most can be used individually or in team learning. Discussing your learning with your supervisor will help to ensure it informs your practice.

Writing a social work chronology

Crystal Benn is 19 years of age and has a 2 year old son called Antony. She has been known to the Social Care Team since 2010 after running away from home and becoming involved with an alleged risky adult. She is now living independently and concerns have been raised today, by a health visitor, with regards to the home conditions and possible drug use at the home. You are the social worker for Antony.

The chronology to date can be found in Crystal’s file (PDF to download)

A week ago you have received the following referral from Antony’s Health Visitor:

The Health Visitor has visited Crystal in order to complete a 2 year developmental check on Antony. Initially there was no answer at the door but when Crystal came to the door she looked tired and drawn. It was midday, the curtains were closed, the house smelt of cannabis and it was dirty and bare. Antony was upstairs in his bed. There were no other adults in the home. When Antony was bought downstairs from his bed he smelt of urine, he was grubby and his nappy was hanging off. Crystal stated she was not coping well and was tired all the time. She was tearful. The home conditions were poor and the two year check could not take place due to mother being so distressed.

Task:

Complete a chronology for Antony’s file, filling in the gaps under the headings given (bold and italic), using the partial chronology (PDF file)

Once you complete the chronology, you will be able to see how your description compares to the one prepared by another social worker for the purposes of this exercise – suggested Chronology (PDF).

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