In her latest blog, Childcare Solicitor Lauren Richards answers frequently asked questions on Child Protection Plans….
For many parents the thought of their child being placed on a child protection plan (or the ‘at risk’ register as it was formally known) is an extremely daunting and worrying thought. This blog will answer some of the common questions surrounding the process.
Why Are Social Services Holding A Child Protection Conference?
A child protection conference will be held following concerns for a child’s welfare. Social services can receive these concerns from a variety of sources, some of the most common are referrals from nursery/school, health visitors, family members, neighbours or even anonymous referrals. As soon as social services receive a referral with concerns about a child’s welfare, they have a duty to investigate (S47 investigation).
If after having investigated, social services form the view that there is a risk that a child is suffering from significant harm, they must convene a child protection conference.
Who Attends A Child Protection Conference?
The conference will be chaired by an independent reviewing officer (‘the chair’). Although they work for the Local Authority, their remit is entirely different from a social worker and they should be impartial.
Parents will be invited to attend the conference. If appropriate, parents may be allowed someone to attend with them to provide support. This will usually be someone who is closely involved in the child’s life. It will be the final decision of the Independent Reviewing Officer as to who can attend the Conference.
The child may also be invited to attend the Conference, subject to their age and understanding.
The child’s social worker will attend the conference as well as any other key people involved in the child’s life. Usual attendees are a representative from the school or nursery that the child attends and someone from health; school nurse or health visitor.
If parents have any other professionals involved with them such as a drugs worker or housing officer, they will also be invited to attend. If there is any concerning police information to share, a representative from the police may also attend.
Solicitors can attend conferences with parents; however, they are not allowed to speak for the parent or have any active participation.
What Will Happen At A Child Protection Conference?
Prior to the conference, the social worker will prepare a written report that should be shared with the parents in advance of the Conference.
At the conference, the social worker will outline the worries that they have for the child as well as the things that are working well. The other professionals who have attended the conference will then be asked if they have any worries for the child and what is working well. The other professionals will normally always provide a written report for the Conference.
After all of this information has been shared, the social worker and other professionals will be asked if they consider that a child protection plan is necessary for the child. A child should only be placed on a child protection plan if there are concerns that the child is at continuing risk of significant harm. If there is a split decision amongst the professionals, then the majority decision will rule.
The professionals must decide the category of harm for the child. This can be sexual, physical, emotional or neglect.
What Will A Child Protection Plan Involve?
If a decision is made for a child to be put on a child protection plan at the end of the conference, the plan will be drawn up.
The plan will encompass all of the things needed to ensure that the child is safe and to improve things for the child. Very common points of child protection plans are for the parents to ensure that the child attends school and all of their health appointments. If there are any specific concerns about the parents such as drug use, then there will usually be a point that the parents must get support for this.
Can I Stop My Child Being On A Child Protection Plan?
Unfortunately, as a parent, there is nothing that you can do to prevent your child being placed on a child protection plan.
Whilst you can make your views known at conference, you cannot stop it from happening if all of the professionals are of the view that it is necessary.
If a parent fails to engage with the child protection plan and address the concerns, then it is likely that social services take further action. This could be by entering the PLO (pre-proceedings) process or if the concerns are significant, instigating care proceedings.
How Long Will My Child Be On A Plan For?
After the first conference, there will be a review conference at 3 months. Any conferences thereafter are held at 6-month intervals.
When social services are satisfied that the concerns have been addressed and the child is no longer at risk of harm, the child protection plan will end.
If you require any advice regarding child protection, please contact me on 01283 214231 or via email at l.richards@timms-law.com
Lauren Richards
August 2021
