Education and Child Matters

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Child Protection Conference, Child Protection Plan & A Child In Need Plan

 

A CHILD PROTECTION CONFERENCE

What is a child protection conference?

A child protection conference is a meeting about a child where the following is discussed:

  • The child’s health, education, safety and welfare will be discussed.
  • Details of any enquiries that have been made will be discussed.
  • Any concerns about the child will be brought to the forefront.
  • Previous harm or abuse will be talked about
  • An assessment may be done to ascertain whether the child is at risk now and in the future.
A child who is at risk will have a child protection plan written for them. This is determined at the child protection conference.
 
When is usually a child protection conference is held?
 
A child protection conference usually takes place if a local authority investigation uncovers that a child maybe at risk. This investigation is done by the local authority under section 47 of the children act 1989
 
 
What is the outcome of a child protection conference?
 
A child protection conference will usually have one of the following outcomes:
 
  • The child may have a child protection plan written for them
  • If the child already has a child protection plan, it may be extended, or changed to a child in need plan.
  • The child may be taken of a child protection plan.

Who attends a child protection conference?

The professionals that can attend a child protection conference are the child’s social worker, carers, GP, teachers, health visitor, probation officer and the police.

The parents and the family of the child are expected to attend. Occasionally the parents can be excluded if it is not in the best interest of the child or the parents may be disruptive.

If the child is old enough they will also be asked to attend. The chair of the conference can prevent a child from attending if they feel it would harm the child or the child may not understand what is going on. 

How will the parents of the child be notified of the child protection conference?

The parents (or carer) will be invited to attend the child protection conference by letter. As the parent you can bring another family member with you. You can bring a legal representative but will need to get the permission from the chair of the meeting. The legal representative cannot speak on behalf of the parents at the conference.

Can your child have an advocate there?

Your child is allowed to have an advocate present to put forward their views and support your child. 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR ADVOCATING FOR A LOOKED AFTER CHILD

Can an interpreter be provided if one is required?

Yes

Can a parent be asked to leave the conference for a short while so that a professional can speak or you child may speak?

Yes you may be asked to do this.

Who is the child protection conference chaired by?

A child protection conference is usually chaired by an experienced social worker. If there are disagreements in the meeting, the chair will make the final decision about what is in the best interest of the child.

How long does a child protection conference last?

About 2 hours.

Will the parents be part of the decision making process?

No the parents will not. They will be given an opportunity to speak and express their views.

What happens if a parent cannot attend?

If a parent cannot attend a child protection conference they can express their views via their child’s social worker or express their views in a letter. 

What is an initial child protection conference (ICPC)?

An initial child protection conference is the first meeting that takes place and where a decision is made whether the child is at risk and a child protection plan should be written for them. 

What is a review conference?

This is a second or third meeting where the child protection plan is reviewed, assessed and discussed whether it has been effective and the child is safe. Progress is discussed.

The first review conference is usually 3 months after the initial child protection conference. The second review conference is usually after another 6 months and then every 6 months. 

What happens if a decision is made that your child doesn’t not need a child protection plan?

If this is the case then you will still be offered support from your child’s social worker. They will still work with you.

Can a parent ask to see the minutes (what happened) at the child protection conference?

Yes they can. 

Can a parent make a complaint about the child protection conference?

Yes they can. Please click on the link below.

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR COMPLAINING TO AND ABOUT EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS AND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

Further reading about child protection conference

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR WORKING TOGETHER TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN

A CHILD PROTECTION PLAN (CPP)

What is a child protection plan?

A child protection plan is written for a child who has been identified as one that is at risk at a child protection conference. A child protection plan will detail the following 

  • What provisions will need to be made available for the child to ensure the child is safe and prevent further harm or abuse.
  • What steps need to be taken to ensure the child is safe and protected now and in the future.
  • What can be done to promote the health and well being of the child.
  • What can be done to promote the development of the child.
  • What can be done to support the family of the child.

The expected outcome, the timelines, and who will be responsible for which part of the plan will be noted in the plan.

Should a parent work with the plan?

Yes they should to ensure everyone is working together to help the child.

When does a child not need a child protection plan anymore?

A child will not require a child protection plan under the following circumstances:

  •  If the child is safe and it is deemed they no longer need one.
  • The child has passed away
  • The child has moved to another local authority. The new local authority must arrange a new child protection plan within 15 days of being informed.
  • The child has reached 18 years of age (the plan will be assessed if it should be ended)

A CHILD IN NEED PLAN (CIN)

What is a child in need plan?

Under section 17 of the children act 1989, a child in need plan is one that is written after a meeting where it has been established that the child does not need a child protection plan however, the child and the family still need support for other needs and to ensure the child safety and welfare. 

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR SECTION 17 OF THE CHILDREN ACT 1989

What is a child in need?

A child in need is a child that:

  • Has a disability.
  • A child with special educational needs.
  • A child whose health, development and welfare would deteriorate without local authority help.
  • A child who needs help from the local authority to achieve in education.
  • A child who is a young carer
  • An abandoned child