Child Protection Conferences - Information for Parents
Leicester City Council has a legal duty under the Children Act to make sure that children are safe and protected. We work with other agencies in Leicester and Leicestershire to ensure that children referred to these agencies are safe and free from abuse.
We understand that you may feel worried, upset, confused and perhaps angry because we are looking into an allegation that your child may have been abused or neglected.
Some of the frequently asked questions we receive:
A child protection conference is a meeting arranged by the Children and Young People's Service to discuss concerns that have been raised about the care of a child. The meeting has to consider if there is a risk of harm in the future and, if so, what help is needed. The social worker will explain the particular reasons for the meeting in your case.
The conference is run by the Child Protection and Independent Review Service. There will be a number of professional people present and these may include:
- Doctors
- Social workers; social work managers
- Health visitor; school nurse and their manager
- Head teacher, teacher
- Police officer
- Education welfare officer
- Social Care and Health solicitor
Some of these people will already know your family. Others may have information useful to the meeting.
If there is anything that you do not understand please ask. Parents and children will nearly always have questions and our staff are used to answering them. If we don’t have the answers we will try to find someone who does.
We know that you have a vital part to play in helping the professional workers reach a decision about whether any action is necessary. You are usually invited to attend the conference.
Sometimes family members may need to attend separately, either at their own request or because it could help the conference be clearer about their views. If you wish, you can bring a friend, relative or representative with you. You may also wish to seek legal advice and bring a solicitor with you. You will need to talk to the social worker if you do want to bring anyone with you at the meeting.
It is confidential and it is not a public document. It does mean that any worries that any of these agencies may have about your child will be passed to the social worker.
If your first language is not English, then we will provide an interpreter for you.
The social worker will present a brief report explaining what has happened and will give any relevant background information about you and your family. The social worker will talk to you about this report before the meeting.
At the meeting you will hear the professional workers’ views and concerns. You will be able to ask questions and give your own views about the circumstances which led to the conference.
You may be asked to leave the meeting. For example, if people there need to share any confidential information which may affect the decisions of the meeting. This will be as for short a time as possible and the person in charge of the meeting will explain this to you.
It is the child’s welfare which is our concern. It is important for us to know what your child’s views are.
Sometimes it is helpful for an older child to attend the conference to give their own views. This will depend on your family’s situation and the social worker will talk to you and your child about this.
You are asked not to bring young children to the conference and to ask someone to care for them for you. If there is a problem with this, please speak to the social worker about it.
Professionals working in Leicester are committed to working in a supportive way with families and to keeping families together whenever possible.
If there are concerns about abuse or future risk of abuse, the meeting may decide that your child’s name should be placed on the Child Protection Register. A child protection plan is then drawn up at the meeting, which looks at how to help you and to make sure that your child is safe.
Most children on the Child Protection Register stay living with their family. However, we do have to put the safety and well-being of children first. If the meeting decides that a child would be at serious risk at home, it could recommend that your child should be cared for by someone else.
Sometimes, even if you agree with any action we decide to take, we may still have to go to court. If this happens you will be able to put your point of view to the court. The social worker will, however, always let you know what is happening and will tell you how to get expert legal advice.
The Child Protection Register records the names of children who are considered to be at risk of abuse. These children will have a child protection plan agreed at a conference.
The register is managed by the Children and Young People's Services on behalf of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Information about children on the register is only available to agencies who are represented on this committee. These agencies are:
- Education
- Family Service Unit
- Health
- NSPCC
- Police
- Probation
- Leicester City Council Children and Young People's Services
It is confidential and is not a public document. It does mean that any worries that any of these agencies may have about your child will be passed to the social worker.
The child protection plan is outlined at the conference. It may ask you to do certain things to reduce risk to your child. The conference may decide that we need to know more about your family’s situation. The social worker may be asked to do a comprehensive assessment. The details about this will be included in the plan.
The plan will also involve regular visits by a social worker and possibly other professionals. It may cover practical assistance and counselling or therapy – but it does depend on your particular circumstances. The person in charge of the meeting will explain this to you and your social worker will discuss the details with you.
We know that it can be very difficult for parents to come to meetings like this. They do not have to attend, but it is much better if they do. Most parents do attend. If you don’t come, you can let the conference have your views in writing so these can be read out at the meeting. The social worker will talk to you about any decisions and recommendations and you will always receive a letter explaining them and the reasons.
You have the right to say that you do not agree and this will be put in the minutes of the meeting. Sometimes parents don’t agree and wish to object. If you want to do this, you can ask for a review of the decision. You will need to write to the chair of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
Your social worker will give you the details and will help you make your objection. They can also put you in touch with someone who can give you independent advice.