Information for Parents
This page is about child protection conferences. It tells you:
This section may not cover every question you may have so if there is anything you are not sure about or would like more information you should speak to your Social Worker. You may also wish to consult with your Solicitor.
What is a child protection conference?
A child protection conference brings together people who are concerned about your child's welfare and safety so they can share information and decide whether your child may or may not be at risk.
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Who takes part?
There will be:
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a Social Worker and other staff from the Social Services;
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There will also be people from other organisations such as:
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a teacher;
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a health visitor;
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or the police who have had contact with your child or who have relevant information to contribute;
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There may be others present to advise the conference and your Social Worker will explain who they are and why t.hey are there.
The conference will be chaired by an independent
person.
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What should I do?
Parents are usually invited to attend and we would encourage you to do so. Children over 14 will also normally be invited to attend.
We realise that child protection conferences can be a daunting, and sometimes upsetting, experience. We would be happy for you to bring someone along to support you such as a relative, a friend or perhaps your solicitor.
You will have an opportunity to speak to the person chairing the meeting before the conference who will explain what will happen during the meeting.
If you do not want to attend yourself but would like someone to come in your place to put across your views you should discuss this in advance with your social worker. Alternatively you could write down your views and send them to the chairperson who will make sure they are raised at the meeting.
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What actually happens at the conference?
If there are any written reports these will be circulated at the beginning and everyone will have a chance to read them before the meeting starts. The chairperson will explain the format of the conference, the order in which people will be asked to speak and what decisions need to be made by the end of the conference. Family members normally speak last so they know what everyone has said before they express their views.
All of the information will be discussed and you will be able to ask questions. The meeting will then make its decision and any recommendations based on the information which has been shared.
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What sort of decisions can the conference make?
The only decision the conference can make is whether your child's name should be placed on the Gateshead Child Protection Register. This will happen only if the conference feels there is, or is a likelihood of, significant harm to the child and that a child protection plan necessary.
If the decision is to place your child on the register a Social Worker will be nominated for your child and the other people who will be involved in working with you and your family will be identified. This is known as the 'core group'.
The conference will also make recommendations which will form the child protection plan. These could include:
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whether other kinds of services are needed;
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whether there needs to be further assessment;
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whether it is necessary to take legal action.
You will be sent a copy of the decisions and recommendations within a day or so of the conference, followed by a copy of the minutes of the meeting a few days later.
If there is anything you are unhappy about you should raise it at the conference or arrange to talk it over with the Social Worker or the chairperson afterwards when they will try and sort things out. If you are still unhappy however they will explain what further action you can take.
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What is the Child Protection register?
This is a list of children living in Gateshead who have suffered some form of abuse or are felt to be at risk of significant harm. This register is kept securely at the Civic Centre. Access to the information on the register is not available to the general public.
Every case is reviewed by a child protection review conference at least every six months. This conference must decide whether a child's name should remain on the register or not. Parents are usually invited to attend these conferences.
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