ndependent reviewing officers monitor the review process of the care plans of looked after children by local authorities and challenge poor practice by local authorities, including ‘drift’ in care. IROs chair review meetings and ensure that the local authority involves the child and significant adults in their review process. They have an important role in checking that the child or young person is aware of their right to an advocate in relation to complaints. The IRO has a role in resolving problems by negotiation with the local authority and has, as a last resort, the power to refer children’s cases to the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) to take the case to court. CO-ORDINATED WORKING BETWEEN INDEPENDENT REVIEWING OFFICERS (IROS), COMPLAINTS OFFICERS AND ADVOCATES 3.14 There should be close working between the IRO, designated complaints officer, children’s complaints officer or equivalent and the advocate. The process of advocacy and complaints must run alongside the IRO’s actions in resolving an issue and it will be good practice for the IRO, the designated complaints officer and the advocate to agree channels of communication and their respective roles in trying to resolve a complaint. Guidance on Providing Effective Advocacy Services for Children and Young People Making a Complaint under the Children Act 1989 19 TABLE 1: THE ROLE OF OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN THE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Independent Person The Children Act 1989, section 26(4) requires that at least one person who is not a member or officer of the local authority takes part in the consideration of the representation and any discussion about action to be taken. An Independent Person is required at stage two and three under section 26 (3) of the Children Act 1989 complaints 