A Child Protection Conference is a multi-agency meeting held as a result of Children’s Services, or another agency, having concerns in relation to your child/children.
A date will be set for the Initial Child Protection Meeting to which you will be invited to. Professional’s involved with your child/children will also be invited to discuss matters within the meeting. Professionals usually include but are not limited to:
- Social Worker
- Midwife/ Health visitor
- Police Representative
- School/ nursery representative
An Independent Chair will be allocated to the matter and will hold the meeting with the view of gathering information regarding the child/children.
Once all parties have aired their views a decision will be made as to whether or not the child/children should be placed on a Child Protection Plan.
A Child Protection Plan lists all of the professionals involved with the child/children and details what work is to be done with them. A review meeting will also need to be made to track the progress of the plan should one be necessary. A Child Protection Plan can be made under a number of categories such as:
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
A Child Protection Plan does not affect your legal status as a parent.
Legal Aid is available for Child Protection Conferences subject to financial assessment. A Legal Representative can therefore assist and advise in relation to Children’s Services involvement. A Legal Representative can also attend Child protection Conferences with you, however they are not allowed to speak within the meeting. The role of a Legal Representative is to take a full note and advise you out of the Conference arena.
Here at Ringrose Law we have a team of experienced Legal Representatives who are able to advise on and attend Child Protection Conferences within the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire area. Should you be invited to attend a Child Protection Conference contact one of our team who will be happy to undertake an assessment for Legal Aid.