Head of Family and Childcare
A Child Protection Conference is a meeting that takes place between parents and professionals about a child’s wellbeing and to discuss what can be done to ensure their safety and development in the future.
Under the section 47 of the Children Act 1989, a Child Protection Conference may be arranged in these circumstances:
If you’ve been invited to attend a Child Protection Conference, you’ll probably have many questions about what the meeting will involve. In this article, we’ve broken down what happens, who will attend, as well as how a Care Proceedings Solicitor could help you.
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A Child Protection Conference will be led by the Conference Chair – a qualified social worker – who will go through the reports that will be shared in the meeting and answer any questions you may have.
At the beginning of the conference, everyone present will be introduced so that you’ll know who is in attendance and what their involvement will be. Each of the professionals at the conference will then take it in turns to share their thoughts and any concerns they may have regarding the child.
There will be opportunities for anyone to ask questions, including parents. If your child is present, they will also have a chance to express their opinions about the situation.
After discussing any worries or changes that will need to be made, the professionals present will make a final decision as to whether a Child Protection Plan is needed. Alternatively, if there is already a Child Protection Plan in place, they will decide if this should continue.
If it’s determined that a Child Protection Plan is required, this will be put into writing and will set out:
After this, you’ll meet with a smaller core group of professionals regularly to further develop the plan and discuss the progress that’s been made.
In most cases, parents and carers will be encouraged to attend a Child Protection Conference. You’ll have the option to bring an advocate with you who could be a friend, family member or legal professional. A legal representative can attend the Initial Child Protection Conference with you and the Conference Chair will need to be notified of their attendance before the meeting.
Other people attending the conference might include:
Where appropriate, your child might also be invited to the meeting to give their views. They can also bring with them an advocate to help them express their opinions and wishes.
If it’s decided that it will be harmful for the child to attend in person, they will have the option to write their thoughts in a letter to be read at the conference.
Under a Supervision Order, the Local Authority has a duty to befriend, advise and assist your child. This means social workers should make regular contact with your family and offer support and advice on resources. Supervision Order Reviews should also be held by the Local authority at least every three months.
A Section 20 Agreement is a voluntary agreement. This is when social workers invite a parent, or person with Parental Responsibility, to agree to a child being taken out of their care and into another placement like foster care for a short period of time.
When you’re asked to attend a Public Law Outline (PLO) meeting, also known as a pre-proceedings meeting, it can be stressful and upsetting. If you are invited to a PLO meeting it means that your Local Authority or social worker believes that the health, safety and wellbeing of your child is at serious risk. This meeting is your chance to try and work with the Local Authority and make changes to demonstrate that your child can be safe in your care.
If you’ve been invited to a Child Protection Conference, you might understandably be feeling worried and overwhelmed by what the outcome could be. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors are specialists in this area of law and can provide legal advice that will help you to feel prepared at each stage of the process.
We can also offer representation at Child Protection Conferences, so you’ll have comfort in the knowledge that a legal expert is by your side to advise you.
Depending on your financial circumstances, you could be entitled to Legal Aid from the government. We’ll advise you on whether you’re eligible for this support and complete all the relevant paperwork for you.
Get in touch with our experienced Care Proceedings team today for initial advice.
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