- Navigation menu list for the main sections in this web site
- What we do
- Get involved
- Help and advice
- Under 18?
- Donate
If your child is the subject of a child protection case conference, or if someone you know is, you may be wondering what this means. The following information should help you understand what is involved.
What is a child protection case conference?
A child protection case conference is a confidential meeting between parents, social services child protection workers and other professionals to discuss the welfare of a child or children. Child protection case conferences are held after an enquiry has shown that a child or children are at risk of abuse or neglect.
Who attends the conference?
Usually the following people will be there:
Sometimes these people will also attend:
A child protection co-ordinator will always be present to chair the conference. They will not be connected with the social services team working with your family.
So there can be quite a few people at a first case conference. But if another conference needs to be held with you at a later date, it would be unusual for so many people to attend that meeting.
What happens at the case conference?
The child protection professionals will examine the information gathered during the investigation. The other professionals present (such as doctors or teachers) will be asked to say what they know about your child(ren) and family. They will also be asked for their opinions on what the investigation has shown about the risk of harm to the children.
What happens if I don't attend the case conference?
If you can't attend, or choose not to, you can write to the child protection co-ordinator explaining how you see things, or ask the social worker to tell the conference what your views are.
What if I have special needs or need help with communication?
It's important that you are able to say what you want to say at the conference. So tell your social worker about any special needs you have. They can also arrange for an interpreter to be present if English is not your first language.
May my child(ren) attend the conference?
Sometimes children are allowed to attend, if the child protection co-ordinator is sure it will not harm them, and if they are able to understand and contribute. Or the child protection co-ordinator may allow them to be there for part of the meeting, but not all of it.
Your children can also write to tell the conference what they feel about their situation. The social worker involved in your case should help them with this.
May I bring a friend or relative with me?
Yes, if it will help you to say what you want to say at the conference. But be sure they can be trusted to keep everything they hear about your family confidential.
What is the child protection register?
The child protection register is a confidential list of children and young people in an area that are believed to be in need of protection. If a child's name is placed on the register, only the professional workers directly involved with the family will know this.
A child's name is never included on the register without good reason. Your case will be reviewed after three months to see if things have improved, then again every six months. If the conference team think that the child(ren) is no longer at risk, their name/s will be removed.
The child's name will automatically be removed from the register when they are18 years old or if they leave the UK permanently.
What is a child protection plan?
If a child's name is added to the child protection register, a child protection plan is drawn up to make sure the child is kept safe and to help the family. The plan will show:
A group of professionals will then work closely with the parents and child(ren). One particular social worker will be responsible for making sure that the needs of the child(ren) are the main priority.
When the plan is in place your rights and responsibilities as a parent remain the same.
What if I am unhappy about what happens at the conference?
You have the right to appeal if
Ask the social worker how you go about making an appeal. Usually, you will be asked to put your concerns in writing to the chair of the area child protection committee.
If you are unhappy about the way you have been treated, you have the right to complain. Social services and the other professional agencies who may have been involved (such as the police, the education department and the NSPCC) all have procedures for dealing with complaints. You can ask your social worker about these procedures or contact the Family Rights Group for advice. You can also contact:
You can obtain a list of solicitors in your area who specialise in child care from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or from the Law Society. You may be entitled to legal aid if your income and savings are below a certain level. Ask about this on your first visit to the solicitor.
Useful contacts
NSPCC Helpline
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Email: Helpline@nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC Asian Helpline
Bengali 0800 096 7714
Gujurati 0800 096 7715
Hindi 0800 096 7716
Punjabi 0800 096 7717
Urdu 0800 096 7718
Asian/English 0800 096 7719
Cymru/Wales Child Protection Helpline
Freephone: 0808 100 2524.
Email: helplinecymru@nspcc.org.uk in English or Welsh.
Textphone: Freephone 0808 100 1033. This is for people with hearing difficulties.
Fax: 01248 361085
Local Citizens Advice Bureau
www.nacab.org.uk
Can advise on solicitors specialising in childcare work. You can find details of your local office in the telephone directory or at your library.
Family Rights Group
Freephone 0800 731 1696
Monday - Friday 1.30pm-3.30pm
www.frg.org.uk
Offers independent advice where children are the subjects of a child protection investigation or conference. Advice, information and advocacy to families involved with social services departments.
Parentlineplus
Freephone 0808 800 2222
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
National 24-hour helpline for anyone in the parenting role. Provides a listening ear, advice and support.
Children's Legal Centre
01206 873 820
Monday - Friday 10am-12.30pm, 2pm-4.30pm
www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.