Child Protection Conference

Should I attend the Child Protection Conference?

Due to the circumstances surrounding such conferences, it is vital that you attend yourself or with a family member or representative. It is helpful to prepare your own notes and arrange your evidence prior to the conference. This will assist you when speaking to the chairperson and ensure that you cover all necessary points so you can illustrate what you think is best for your child.

It is encouraged for both parents to attend unless there is good reason for you not to such as domestic violence or a risk to the child. Being excluded from such meetings does not mean you do not have a right to state your opinion.

Will my children be present during the Child Protection Conference?

Your child may be called to attend the conference with you if they are of reasonable age. The usual age limit is currently at 10 years old. The chairperson will decide how long your child can stay in the conference depending on what is being discussed.

The chairperson will consider your child's views to be very important as they will be able to tell the board what they want, which will in turn assist the board in making a decision in the best interests of your child. If you child does not want to attend, they may be represented by an 'advocate' who will speak for them on their behalf.

What should I expect at the Child Protection Conference?

You will be given an opportunity to meet with the chairperson before the meeting commences. The chairperson will go through the structure of the meeting and will explain that is expected of you and other parties.

Both parents of the child or children should be present during these meetings. If you have children with different people, it is important that they are in attendance too.

The chairperson will choose who they want in the conference room at different times depending on the nature of the matters being discussed and in accordance with confidentiality practices.

What is the purpose of the Child Protection Conference?

The aim of the conference is to discuss matters surrounding your child or children and to get the opinion of third-party professionals on how better to care for your child or children or to discuss different care needs that need to be fulfilled.

If those at the meeting think your child is or might be at risk of harm in the future, they must make a child protection plan. This plan will say what needs to be done and by whom, to make sure your child is safe and well cared for in future. The plan will be reviewed after 3 months and then again after 6 months to see if things are improving for your child.

If those at the meeting think that your child is not at risk of harm but that they still need extra support, professionals at the meeting may suggest that a lower level of involvement such as a child in need plan is appropriate or that other support services are put in place.

The plan should be clear about what is expected of you and what you can expect of other people to help your child's situation improve.

If a child protection plan is agreed the Social Worker will arrange follow up meetings called core group meetings which will add more information to the plan about what you and your family must do to improve the care of your child and what the social worker and other professionals will do to help you and your child.

Can the Child Protection Conference remove my child from my care?

It is important to understand that your child cannot be removed from your care either during or after the conference. Removal of a child can only take place after a Court Order has been made.

Following the conference and during the follow up meetings, if your child's social worker believes that the situation is not improving and your child continues to be at risk, they may hold a legal planning meeting to decide if an application to the court needs to be made to remove a child from your care.

Why choose Westridge Legal?

Our team of family lawyers are aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in child protection conference matters. We understand that every individual requires different care and are here to support you.

Our highly experienced lawyers will guide and support you every step of the way to ensure that the best outcome is achieved with minimal disruption to your life.

If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.