What is a child protection conference?
This web page is to try to help you to understand what will happen and what the conference is about.
What is a child protection conference?
It is a special meeting to talk about what has
happened to you (and/or your sister(s) and brother(s)). It will try
to decide whether you are safe and what help you and your
family might need.
Who will be at the conference?
Your parent(s)/ carers will usually be there as
well as the social worker, your teacher and maybe someone from the
Child and Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit. Sometimes someone from
health attends, this could be your doctor or the school
nurse.
Other people who have been involved with you or
your family may also be there. There will be someone in charge
called a Chairperson and someone taking notes of what is
said.
What will the conference do?
The conference will listen to information about
you including any concerns from professionals who know you/and/or
your family. If things have happened in your life that have made
you unhappy, the conference will look at ways it can help. It must
then decide whether they think you are at risk of harm and if this
is likely to continue. If this is the case, people have to consider
whether a plan is needed for your safety.
What kind of plan will I have?
A Child Protection Plan will be made if the
meeting feels you are at risk. If the meeting feels there is less
of a risk they may suggest a Child In Need Plan.
Can I go to the Conference?
As long as the adults involved feel it is ok, all
young people over the age of 12 years will be invited, but they do
not have to attend if they don't want to. Some children who
are a bit younger may be able to attend, talk about this with your
social worker.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, but they have to be grown up. This
could be a relative or someone that you know well and can trust, or
an advocate.
How will I be involved in the conference?
You will be able to meet the Chairperson before
the meeting who will explain what will happen. They will decide if
there are some parts of the conference that you cannot take part
in.
How can I give my views to the conference? Will I be listened to?
The conference regards you as a very important
person. Your views, whichever way you wish to communicate them,
whether by talking, writing or drawing will be shared with everyone
attending the conference.
If you do not want to attend, your views can
still be shared as above. You will not have to say anything you
don't want to, for example you will not have to say what has
happened to you.
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