487. Appointment and functions of the independent reviewing officer.

If a local authority in Wales1 is looking after a child2, it must appoint an individual as the independent reviewing officer for that child's case3. This appointment must be made before the child's case is first reviewed4. If a vacancy arises in respect of a child's case, the local authority must make another appointment as soon as is practicable5.

The independent reviewing officer has a duty to monitor the performance by the local authority of its functions in relation to the child's case6 and to