The child protection conference is issued by a local authority when they have investigated child abuse claims. This is as they have found in their investigations that a child has been harmed or is still in the way of harm.
Possible Factors leading to this decision:
- Someone who is a known abuser may have joined your household or is a regular guest such as if the child’s mother/father has begun a relationship with a known offender.
- Concerns regarding your child’s care may not have been dealt with.
- The court has granted an emergency protection order.
- Social workers and other professionals will then prepare for the conference, 2 working days before the conference copies of such reports will be given to the parents (possibly child too depending on their age and level of understanding)
The day of the Child Protection Conference
All written reports and evidence, along with everyone’s personal views will be taken into consideration. The final decision will be whether a protection plan should be made for the child or not. The conference will be recorded via notes taken during the conference. As a parent, you are informed of your rights to complain if you feel as the way the conference procedure had been conducted was unfair.
What does the child protection conference do?
- Decide whether a plan for the child’s protection should be made.
- Decide what action should be made for the future of the child.
Information will be shared with professionals who are working to protect the child.
When will this happen?
The conference usually takes place within 15 working days from the date which when:
- The investigation first started.
- When another local authority alerts the local authority that a child under a protection plan is a new resident in the area.
Domestic violence against a child:
Child abuse involves various forms of mistreatment to any child under the age of 18 such as:
- Physical abuse
- Neglect by Parents/ Guardians
- Mental abuse: this includes threatening speech.
The Children Act 1989 states that any local authority must provide accommodation for children who have no one to provide them with parental/guardian care, who are lost or abandoned or have parents and carers who are unable to look after them
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