06.0 The Child Protection Conference System

• 6.01 Introduction
• 6.02 Purpose of the Initial Child Protection Conference
• 6.04 Timing of an Initial Child Protection Conference
• 6.05 Attendance at Conference
• 6.06 Quoracy of an Initial Child Protection Conference
• 6.08 Involving Family Members
• 6.09 Participation of Children/Young People in Initial Child Protection Conferences
• 6.12 Structure of the Conference
• 6.13 Information for the Conference
• 6.15 Decisions of an Initial Child Protection Conference
• 6.17 Decision that a child is a Child in Need
• 6.18 Chairing and Administration of Conference
• 6.19 The Record of the Conference
• 6.20 Child Protection Plan
• 6.21 The Core Group
• 6.26 Pre-Birth Conferences
• 6.27 Receiving In (Also Known As Transfer) Conferences
• 6.28 Review Child Protection Conferences
• 6.30 Quoracy of a Review Child Protection Conference
• 6.31 Reports to Review Conference
• 6.32 Child's Participation in a Review Child Protection Conference
• 6.33 Structure of the Review Conference
• 6.34 Decision Making
• 6.38 Decision Making at Child Protection Conferences where the Child is Looked After

 

 

 

6.01 Introduction

6.1 The Child Protection Conference is a vehicle to understand and support families and children. By bringing together professionals, parents and, if appropriate, children, the conference will be drawing on factual information and professional judgement about the likelihood of abuse continuing and harm occurring.

6.1.2 If the decision of the conference is that the child or children continue to be at risk of significant harm they will become subject to a Child Protection Plan, and a plan for multi-agency work to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

6.02 Purpose of the Initial Child Protection Conference

 

6.2.1 To provide an inter-agency setting where information from Section 47 enquiries can be shared and analysed. This will include information about the child’s health, developmental needs and the parent’s or carer’s capacity to ensure the child’s safety and to promote the child’s health and development within the context of their wider family and environment.

6.2.2 To make judgements about the likelihood of a child suffering significant harm in the future; and to decide what future action is needed to safeguard the child and to promote his or her welfare, how that action will be taken forward and with what intended outcomes.

6.03 Criteria for Convening an Initial Child Protection Conference

6.3.1 An initial Child Protection Conference will always take place in the following circumstances:

• Where the outcome of Section 47 enquiries is that concerns are substantiated and it is judged that the child may continue to suffer or be at risk of suffering significant harm.
• Where a child who has a Child Protection Plan made by another local authority moves permanently into North Yorkshire.

6.3.2 Where a child in need plan is in place and professionals have concerns about the likelihood of significant harm, they should request a strategy meeting: this may be particularly relevant in cases of neglect.

6.04 Timing of an Initial Child Protection Conference

6.4.1 An Initial Child Protection Conference must take place within 15 working days from the commencement of the Section 47 enquiry. This timescale allows for relevant information to be collected and assessed whilst at the same time ensuring that children who may be at risk of significant harm are not allowed to drift.

6.05 Attendance at Conference

6.5.1 All those attending conference should have a significant contribution to make by virtue of their knowledge of child protection issues or by virtue of their knowledge of the family concerned.

6.5.2 The Social Worker and their Manager should draw up a list of invitees which must be agreed with the Chair. The Chair will balance the need to have sufficient information and expertise whilst recognising that a conference that is larger than it needs to be can inhibit discussion and intimidate the child and family members.

6.06 Quoracy of an Initial Child Protection Conference

6.6.1 An Initial Child Protection Conference is an inter-agency meeting and cannot take place with single agency representation. Minimum attendance must include:

• Social Care Social Worker and Manager; and at least two other professional groups or agencies who have had direct contact with any child subject of the conference.

6.07 Breaching the Quorum

6.7.1 The decision to hold a conference where quorum is not met will be made by the Chair of the conference. This may be made in exceptional circumstances including where:

• the age of the child (pre-school or over 16 years old) limits the number of relevant agency contacts, and
• the Chair is satisfied that sufficient information will be available to conference. If it becomes apparent as the conference proceeds that there is not sufficient information, the conference will be reconvened.

6.7.2 The record of the conference must clearly record the reasons for breaching the quorum.

6.08 Involving Family Members

6.8.1 Family members who will normally be invited to attend a Child Protection Conference are:

• Any person with parental responsibility
• Fathers who do not have parental responsibility should be considered
• Others who have day to day care of the child
• The partner of a parent/carer
• Other family members where their attendance would be in the best interests of the child.

6.8.2 In a situation where a parent has had no significant contact with their children and is unlikely to have future involvement a decision needs to be made about their attendance. The Chair will make this decision.

6.8.3 The Chair will also consider whether involving an absent parent would compromise the safety of the parent with care or that of the child. It may be that there has been domestic abuse in the past. In such circumstances, a reasonable decision must be made and recorded in each case, bearing in mind the child’s best interests.

6.8.4 If the attendance of more than one family member creates a conflict of interest, the Chair will seek to plan the meeting in such a way that all family members’ interests may be expressed. It may well not be possible for all relevant family members to be present for the whole meeting.

6.8.5 Service Managers are responsible for ensuring the quality of practice. The Social Worker must address the following issues with parents/main carers:

• Give reasonable consideration to the family’s wishes, working hours, religious needs, etc. when arranging a time and date for the conference, explore how they will travel to the conference and facilitate arrangements if necessary.
• Explain the purpose and structure of the conference and who else has been invited.
• Explain the decision-making powers of the conference and the implications of any decisions/recommendations made.
• Explain the purpose of any Child Protection Plan (parents/main carers should also be given a copy of the information leaflet, if they have not already received one with their invitations.
• Explain that parents/main carers may bring a supporter or advocate to the meeting.
• Consider whether there is a need for a professional interpreter where English is not the parent’s/carer’s first language. The issues to be discussed at the conference are complex ones involving some technical language, and it is possible that such parents/carers will not possess the English vocabulary necessary to understand in sufficient detail to guarantee their full participation. The interpreter must not attend the conference as the parent’s/carer’s support, but as independent interpreter for the conference. Consideration will need to be given to the timing of the conference, as it is likely to last longer.
• Where parents/carers have a disability, which may have an impact on their ability to be able to contribute fully to the conference, arrangements should be made to assist in their participation. For example, if a parent/carer has a hearing impairment, the Social Worker should arrange for a signer to attend the conference.
• Parents/carers may have young children to care for. The Social Worker will ensure that young family members are appropriately cared for at the time of the conference so that parents/carers are able to give their full attention to the meeting.

6.09 Participation of Children/Young People in Initial Child Protection Conferences

6.9.1 All children subject to their age and understanding must be given the opportunity to participate in the conference either through attendance or by ensuring that their views and wishes are understood.

6.9.2 The Chair and the Social Worker will determine an appropriate way for the child to participate in the conference, taking into account information from the Section 47 enquiries and the child’s age and understanding.

6.9.3 If attendance is considered appropriate, the Chair and the Social Worker will ensure and agree:

• How the child will be invited to the conference
• The leaflet to explain the process is given to the child
• The Social Worker must discuss with the child whether they also want an advocate or supporter to attend;
• The conference is managed to ensure that the child is able to participate in a way that does not create undue stress.

6.9.4 The Chair will meet with the child/young person either immediately prior to the conference or at another agreed time, to ensure the young person is ready for the conference, ensuring the young person’s wishes, in terms of degree of participation are understood. During the meeting the Chair will engage with the young person ensuring they are treated properly, that the child understands what is being said and why and is aware of what decisions have been taken. The Chair, Social Worker and supporter will take time after the meeting to ensure the young person understands the decisions of the conference.

6.9.5 If a child does not want to attend or it is not appropriate for them to attend, the Social Worker will ensure that the professional who is working most closely with the child should establish the child’s wishes and feelings and make these known to the conference.

6.9.6 Regardless of whether a child or young person is attending the Initial Child Protection Conference, every effort must be made to ensure that the child fully understands the process and possible outcomes.

6.9.7 Where a child does not attend, his/her views will be conveyed to conference in writing, on tape or by other means. If a child or young person has any communication difficulties, appropriate arrangements must be made to ensure that his/her views are presented to conference.

6.10 Excluding Family Members

6.10.1 In exceptional circumstances consideration may be given to the exclusion of participants when:

• There is a real likelihood that attendance will seriously disrupt the conduct of the meeting. This would include circumstances in which there is a strong risk of violence or intimidation, or the participant is under the influence of drugs or alcohol where this is likely to impair their ability to understand and contribute to the conference or they are likely to impede the conference.
• Legal proceedings are in hand or under consideration and the attendance of the participant might prejudice the investigation. The possibility that a parent may be prosecuted for an offence against a child is not in itself a reason for exclusion. Although in these circumstances the Chair should take advice from the Police about any implications arising from the alleged perpetrator’s attendance. If criminal proceedings have already been implemented, the view of the Crown Prosecution Service should be taken into account.
• Participation is considered by the Chair, for any other reason, not to be in the interests of the safety or welfare of the child in question.

6.10.2 If in doubt, the Chair should seek the advice of the IRO Manager (Child Protection).

6.10.3 Any agency participating in the conference is entitled to approach the Chair, in confidence, in advance of the meeting, in order to request the exclusion of a particular family participant or supporter. In these circumstances the Chair is entitled to make any enquiries necessary in order to reach a final decision. The Chair should inform the person in writing of the decision to exclude and the reasons why.

6.10.4 Only the Chair is empowered to exclude any participant entitled to attend. In these circumstances, the person should be left in no doubt as to the grounds under which they have been excluded. They should receive a written explanation by the Chair prior to the child protection conference, where possible, of the reasons for exclusion and the means by which their views and opinions can be represented at the conference. They should also be made aware of the ways and means they can challenge such a decision. A copy of their letter should be sent to the Social Worker to be placed on the child’s Social Care file.

6.10.5 The Chair will indicate the exclusion at the meeting, provide the reason for it and ensure it is recorded.

6.10.6 During the course of a conference it may become clear to the Chair that family members should be excluded. In these circumstances it would be appropriate for the Chair to temporarily halt the proceedings and request a family member to withdraw.

6.10.7 If family members are required to withdraw, then arrangements will be made for them to be informed of the conference outcomes after the meeting. The Chair should send them a letter and a copy should be placed in the child’s Social Care file confirming the reasons for their exclusion.

6.11 The Involvement of Professionals who are Friends or Colleagues of the Family

6.11.1 Any person invited to the conference must declare any possible conflict of interest in their personal or professional life if the conference relates to someone known to them. This could be a relative, friend, colleague or someone from an organisation to which they are affiliated e.g. religious, social.

• This must be notified to the Chair before the conference
• The Chair will discuss with the professionals concerned the implications for potential breaches of confidentiality or an individual bias
• The Chair will make a judgement about the appropriateness of that professionals’ involvement in the process.

6.12 Structure of the Conference

6.12.1 The Chair will ensure that all conferences will be conducted using the following structure:

• The Chair will meet briefly with parent/carers/child before the start of the conference to introduce themselves and to settle them into the conference room
• The Chair will open the meeting and provide a brief explanation of the purpose of the meeting, introducing all participants
• Apologies (including a decision as to who should receive a record of the meeting)
• An explanation of ground rules (including issues of confidentiality and the use of appropriate language)
• The Chair will outline the reasons for the conference and the outcomes of any previous conferences
• The Chair will request all conference members to read the reports provided, specifically requesting that the case should not be discussed at this stage. Conference members should be offered up to half an hour for reading though this may be varied at the discretion of the Chair
• Whist the reports are being read the Chair will leave the room with the family to discuss their views regarding the content of the reports, check that they have been adequately prepared for conference and that the arrangements for participation are suitable
• The family and the Chair return to the conference
• Professionals are invited to contribute any additional information or occurrences after reports submitted
• Views of parents/carers
• View of child
• A summary and analysis of the issues by the Chair
• Discussion and analysis of information is held outlining the strengths within the family and to determine risks to the child’s safety and welfare – focusing in particular on the following areas:
            o What might be protective factors?
            o Is the child at continuing risk of significant harm?
            o What are the risks to the health and welfare of the child?
            o What is the potential for change within a reasonable timescale?
            o Does the child need a child protection plan, a child in need plan or no plan at all?
• The decision and category of concern, if required
• The identification of key worker and Core Group if children are subject to Child Protection Plans
• The development and agreement of outcome focused recommendations to be included in the Child Protection Plan proforma
• Agree a date for the first Core Group
• Agree date, time, venue and attendance at Review Conference
• Chair meets with child, parents/carers to debrief and go through the decision and recommendations as necessary

6.13 Information for the Conference

6.13.1 The conference will require certain information from all those attending.

6.13.2 All professionals invited to an Initial Child Protection Conference must provide a written report.

6.13.3 All written contributions must distinguish between fact, observation, allegation, and opinion. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure any ambiguity in this context is clarified.

6.13.4 The Social Worker must complete the Initial Child Protection Conference Report Form which must be received by the IRO Team Admin Coordinators 2 working days before the start of the conference.

6.13.5 Other professionals must complete Initial Child Protection Agency Report Form and this must be received by the IRO Team Admin Coordinators 2 working days before the date the conference is to be held. This is to allow time for collation, photocopying and consideration by the Chair.

6.13.6 All reports must be sent to the Admin Coordinators at the Chair’s local office, the address will be on your invitation. It is the Chair’s responsibility to take appropriate action if reports are not received within the required timescale.

6.13.7 The Social Worker will share the report with the parents at least 24 hours before the start of the conference.

6.13.8 The Deputy Service Manager and Social Worker should consider how the reports will be shared with the child. This should take into account the child’s age and understanding and any information that is confidential or would cause the child distress.

6.13.9 Professionals and agencies that are unable to attend must provide a written report. If a worker has direct knowledge of the family and cannot attend, a representative from their agency must attend and ensure conference receives full information.

6.14 Confidentiality

6.14.1 Information shared at conference, whether verbally or through written report, and the record of the conference, must be regarded as highly confidential and should not be passed by professionals to third parties without the permission of the conference Chair.

6.14.2 Parents and young people attending conference will be invited to the whole meeting. Professionals may feel they have important information about an individual that they regard as confidential and should not be shared with other family members. It is possible, under exceptional circumstances, to ask family members to leave for part of the meeting in order for confidential information to be shared to the conference. The decision to do this should be made by the conference Chair. Professionals requiring such a facility should contact the Chair in advance of the meeting. The record of the conference should reflect the membership of the conference and care must be taken to ensure members of the family only receive a record of the sections of the conference that they attend.

6.15 Decisions of an Initial Child Protection Conference

6.15.1 Decision making should be based on the views of all agencies represented at the conference, and also take into account any written contributions made by a professional not in attendance. This decision rests with the professionals, although families will be invited to express a view.

6.15.2 The conference must consider the following question when determining whether or not a child needs a Child Protection Plan: Is the child at continuing risk of significant harm?

6.15.3 One of the following requirements must be satisfied:

• The child can be shown to have suffered ill treatment or impairment of health and development as a result of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect and professional judgement is that future ill treatment or impairment are likely; or
• Professional judgement, substantiated by findings of enquiries in this individual case or by research evidence, is that the child is likely to suffer ill treatment or the impairment of health or development as a result of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect.

6.15.4 If a decision is taken that the child is at continuing risk of significant harm and in need of a Child Protection Plan, the Chair should determine under which category of concern the child’s name should be recorded. The categories used (physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect) will indicate to those consulting the Children's Social Care Central Database the primary presenting concerns at the time.

6.15.5 In exceptional circumstances, more than one category may be necessary. This needs to be dealt with in the Protection Plan.

6.15.6 Where a consensus cannot be reached, the Chair will decide whether or not the child’s name will become subject to a Child Protection Plan, giving reasons for their decision. If any professional members of the conference disagree with the Chair’s decision, this will be clearly recorded within the record of the meeting.

6.15.7 In exceptional circumstances where a consensus is that no Plan is required
by conference members but the Chair believes that the decision is likely to
significantly impact upon the safety and welfare of the child the Chair may decide to
give the child a Child Protection Plan.

6.15.8 In such circumstances the Chair must clearly record the reasons for the decision and the dissent of professionals. The Chair must notify the IRO Manager (Child Protection) following the conference and provide full details.

Children who are not subjects of the conference but for whom concerns are raised during a conference 

6.15.9 Where information comes to light during a Child Protection Conference that leads conference members to become concerned that siblings/unborn/other children may have met the threshold criteria for significant harm but the children are not the subjects of that conference, the conference may make a recommendation that the Social Care Team undertakes a S47 enquiry in respect of the children concerned. 

6.15.10 The recommendation of the conference should be recorded in the record of the meeting and communicated by the IRO Chair to the Manager of the relevant Social Care Team immediately following the conference. The Chair may make the recommendation on behalf of conference if consensus cannot be reached. 

6.15.11 This ensures that an assessment of the child’s circumstances is undertaken and that their needs are properly understood before decisions are made by the Social Care Team regarding possible services to the child and their family. It is the responsibility of the Service Manager of the Children’s Social Care Team to decide whether an Initial Child Protection Conference should be convened for the child following completion of the S47 enquiry.

6.15.12 Child protection Plans should not be considered for children who are not the subjects of the conference  

 6.16 Where Agency Representatives have concern regarding the outcome of an Initial Conference

6.16.1 If any agency representative has concerns regarding the functions or outcome of the conference, these should be expressed in writing to the Chair’s line manager (IRO Manager, Safeguarding) who will attempt to resolve the issue and or initiate the complaints procedure.

6.17 Decision that the child is a Child in Need

6.17.1 A child may not be subject to a child protection plan, but they may require family support. In these circumstances the conference should consider the child’s needs and what further help would assist the family in responding to them. Subject to the family’s views and consent consideration must be given to the requirement of a Child in Need Plan.

6.17.2 If a Child in Need Plan is required, the Chair will formally end the Initial Child Protection Conference and leave the meeting. The Social Worker Manager will then chair the meeting to agree a Child in Need Plan with the consent of the family, identifying who will be involved in implementing the plan and set dates for its review.

6.17.3 The Chair of the Initial Child Protection Conference will ensure that the parents and child have an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the Initial Child Protection Conference.

6.18 Chairing and Administration of Conference

6.18.1 An Initial Child Protection Conference will be chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer. The Independent Reviewing Officer Team will also provide a record of the meeting.

6.18.2 The responsibilities of the Chair include:

 

• Meeting the child and family members who are attending the meeting in advance, to ensure they understand the purpose of the conference, its structure, how it will be run and how family members are to participate
• Setting out the purpose of the conference to all present determining the agenda and emphasising the confidential nature of the information including any particular arrangements for the child shared
• Enabling all those present, and absent contributors, to make their full contribution to discussion and decision-making, and
• Ensuring that the conference takes the decisions required of it in an informed, systematic and explicit way
• Ensuring the focus of the conference is maintained on the child including all other children in the household
• Ensuring information is shared in a non-discriminatory or anti-oppressive way
• Inform the Children's Social Care Central Database of the outcome of the conference.

6.19 The Record of the Conference

6.19.1 All child protection conferences, both initial and review will have a dedicated person to produce a record of the meeting.

6.19.2 The written record of the conference is a crucial working document for all relevant professionals and the family. It should include the essential facts of the case; a summary of discussion at the conference, which accurately reflects contributions made; all decisions reached, with information outlining the reasons for decisions; and a translation of decisions into an outline or revised Child Protection Plan enabling everyone to be clear about their tasks.

6.19.3 To avoid delay, the Chair of the conference will send out a letter stating the decision of the conference and the plan if the child was subject to a Child protection Plan, within one working day.

6.19.4 Within 15 working days of the conference, the record of the conference will be sent to all those who attended and those giving apologies. The record of the conference may also be sent to other professionals at the discretion of the chair.

6.19.5 The record is confidential and should not be passed by professionals to third parties without consent of the Chair. However, in cases of criminal proceedings, the Police may reveal the existence of the notes to the CPS in accordance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act 1996.

6.20 Child Protection Plan

6.20.1 There is the need for an effective Child Protection Plan that makes clear what the concerns are and the expectations of everyone involved, including family members.

6.20.2 The Initial Child Protection Conference is responsible for agreeing an outline Child Protection Plan. The purpose of the plan is to:

• Safeguard the child from further harm;
• Promote the child’s health and development; and
• Provided it is in the best interests of the child, to support the family to promote the welfare of their child.

6.20.3 The Child Protection Plan should clearly indicate what changes must be made to the care and circumstances of the child to ensure the welfare of the child are adequately safeguarded. Each action must be accompanied by an appropriate timescale, the name of the individual responsible for ensuring the action is undertaken and the outcome that is sought for the child by undertaking the action. The Outline Child Protection Plan Form must be completed during the conference.

6.20.4 A Child Protection Plan in itself does not offer any protection to a child. It is the actions and co-operation of all agencies and the family, guided by the child protection plan, which leads to future protection of the child.

6.21 The Core Group

6.21.1 The Core Group is responsible for developing the Child Protection Plan, as outlined at the Initial Child Protection Conference, into a detailed working tool. Membership of the Core group will be multi-agency and agreed at the Initial Child Protection Conference. All members of the Core group have equal ownership of and responsibility for the Child Protection Plan and should co-operate to achieve its aims.

• Developing the Child Protection Plan as a working tool, and implementing it within the framework outlined by the Initial Child Protection Conference
• Actioning the Child Protection Plan
• Measuring the progress of the Child Protection Plan against the specified objectives
• Refining the Child Protection Plan in accordance with any further significant incidents, changes in circumstances, and progress made
• Considering if an urgent review conference or other immediate action is required to protect the child.

6.22 Core Group Membership

6.22.1 Membership of the core group must include:

• The key worker
• Family members, i.e. those with parental responsibility and/or other significant carers, unless this is contrary to the welfare of the child
• Where appropriate, the child
• Relevant professionals working with family members and/or the child
• Professionals identified to have specific roles within the Child Protection Plan
• Others who may have a significant role with regard to the Child Protection Plan (e.g. housing staff in circumstances of homelessness or accommodation difficulties)

6.22.2 Consideration should be given to an advocate/supporter for the child and/or parents/carers attending core group meetings.

6.23 Core Group Meetings

6.23.1 The first core group meeting will be held within 10 working days of the Initial Child Protection Conference. The Chair of the first core group meeting will be a Social Care Manager. The purpose of the Initial Core Group Meeting is to ensure the Outline Child Protection Plan is developed into a more detailed inter-agency plan.

6.23.2 Subsequent Core Group Meetings will be held at a minimum of every six weeks. The Child Protection Plan in some circumstances may require the Core Group to meet more frequently.

6.23.3 Core Group Meetings will be arranged to take into account the family’s needs, e.g. childcare needs, disability issues, and any financial assistance to enable the family to attend the meeting.

6.23.4 An agreed and written record will be made of Core Group Meetings, including attendance, any proposed actions, and changes to the Child Protection Plan. The written record should be taken by a member of the Core Group who is not acting as Chair. The key worker must ensure that the written record is circulated to all Core Group members, the Social Care Manager and the Chair of the conference.

6.23.5 The family’s disagreement with any elements of the plan must be recorded. Where family members refuse to accept or subsequently fail to co-operate with significant aspects of the Child Protection Plan, including where professionals are prevented from seeing the child, an urgent Child Protection Review Conference will be convened along with consideration of the need to take any immediate action to safeguard the child.

6.24 Role of the Key Worker

6.24.1 Each child with a Child Protection Plan must have a key worker. The key worker will be a qualified Social Worker. If one is not identified at the Initial Child Protection Conference then the local Service Manager’s name should be recorded as the key worker until a Social Worker is identified.

6.24.2 The key worker is responsible for:

• Talking to parents/main carers/children about decisions and recommendations
• Making sure that the Outline Child Protection plan is developed into a more detailed Multi-Agency Plan
• Acting as lead worker for inter-agency work
• Reviewing progress against the objectives set out in the plan
• Notifying the Children's Social Care Central Database immediately of any changes in the family circumstances including:

Change of address
Change of schools
New members to the household
Any relevant offences of adults
Change of key worker
Legal proceedings.

• Ensuring that the Core Group and any other relevant professionals (especially schools, the family GP, etc) are kept up to date regarding the above
• Visiting the child with the Plan at least once every two weeks
• Notifying the Chair of any significant delays or impediments to carrying out actions contained in the plan
• Notifying the Chair of any significant changes that might negatively impact on the safety and welfare of the child.

6.25 Core Assessment and Child Protection Plan

6.25.1 The Initial Child Protection Conference will provide an Outline Child Protection Plan. The Core Assessment should build upon information obtained in the course of Initial Assessment and fuller Section 47 enquiries and be completed within 35 days from the decision to convene a child protection conference.

6.25.2 The analysis of the child’s need should provide evidence on which to base judgements and plans on how best to safeguard a child, promote his or her welfare, and support parents and other family members as appropriate to the child’s circumstances, in promoting their child’s welfare. In respect of those children on the Child Protection Plans, this analysis of the child’s needs should underpin their Plan.

6.26 Pre-Birth Conferences

6.26.1 A pre-birth conference is convened after the completion of Section 47 enquiries shows that it is likely the unborn child may suffer significant harm after birth. The conference will be conducted in the same way as the Initial Child Protection Conference, and if appropriate, a decision made for the unborn child to be subject to a Child Protection Plan. Subsequent review conferences should be held within timescales established from the date of the Initial Child Protection Conference.

6.26.2 Consideration must be given about the timing of the conference and the implications for the pregnant mother particularly if the conference is held late in the pregnancy.

6.26.3 The key worker must inform the Children's Social Care Central Database when the child is born, the date of birth and the child’s name in order that the name of the child can be recorded accurately.

6.27 Receiving in (Also Known as Transfer) Conferences

6.27.1 A conference should be within 15 working days after Social Care is notified that a child and a Child Protection Plan in another local authority has moved into the County on a permanent basis. Under normal circumstances, North Yorkshire Social Care will carry out Section 47 enquiries, taking full account of concerns raised by the previous local authority. A representative of the previous local authority must be invited to the conference.

6.27.2 Consideration must be given about the timing and the need for a conference and will depend very much on the immediate plans of the incoming families. For instance, whether they are staying in temporary accommodation and plan to move on imminently or whether the previous local authority continues to hold case responsibility (through legal proceedings, etc). These issues will be decided upon a case-by-case basis through consultation with the IRO Manager (Safeguarding). The receiving in conference is the point at which responsibility of monitoring the Child Protection Plan transfers to North Yorkshire.

6.28 Review Child Protection Conferences

6.28.1 Timescale

The first Review Conference should be held within 3 months of the Initial Child Protection Conference and further reviews should be held at not more than 6 monthly intervals for as long as a has a Child Protection Plan. This is to ensure that momentum is maintained in the process of safeguarding the child.

6.28.2 Purpose

The Review requires as much preparation, commitment and management as the initial conference. Every review should consider explicitly whether the child continues to be at risk of significant harm, and hence continues to need safeguarding, through adherence to a formal Child Protection Plan. If not, then the Child protection Plan will end.

6.28.3 The purpose of the Review Conference is to:

• Review the safety, health and development of the child against intended outcomes set out in the Child Protection Plan;
• Ensure that the child continues to be adequately safeguarded; and
• Consider whether the Child Protection Plan should continue or should be changed.

6.29 Arrangements for Convening Review Conferences

6.29.1 The key worker will discuss and agree with the Chair who will be invited to the review conference.

Invitations will be sent to:

• all members of the core group, parents/carers, and the child (if of sufficient age and understanding)
• all professionals who were invited to the Initial Child Protection Conference, who will attend if they have information relevant to the review
• any other professionals with relevant information.
  
  6.29.2 The date, time, and venue will be confirmed in writing to all those invited at least twenty working days before the review.

6.30 Quoracy of a Review Child Protection Conference

6.30.1 The procedures for a Review Conference to be quorate and for breaching quorum are the same as for Initial Conferences except it is not always necessary for a Social Care Manager to attend. The manager should attend when there are concerns about the plan or increased risk to the child. The Chair will discuss with the manager if it is believed their attendance is required. The minutes of the Review Conference must clearly record the reasons for breaching the quorum.

The review cannot take place with single agency representation.

6.31 Reports to Review Conference

6.31.1 All those invited to the Review Conference must complete the Agency Review Report Form, this must be received by the Key Worker and the Admin Coordinators at the Chair’s local office 10 working days before the Review Conference.

6.31.2 The Key Worker must complete the Review Report Form on behalf of the Core Group using the information from the Agency Reports and Core Group Meetings. The report content and recommendations should be agreed at the Core Group meeting preceding the Review Conference. This report must be received by the Chair at least 5 working days before the Review Conference. The report should include the views of the parents/carers and child. The Chair should be made aware prior to the meeting of any disagreement with regard to the content or recommendations within the report.

6.31.3 The report must be shared with the parents/carers and the child if appropriate at least 5 days before the review.

6.31.4 Copies of any other assessment undertaken that informs the child protection plan (psychological assessment of parent/carer/child) must be provided to the Chair at least 5 working days prior to the review.

6.32 Child's Participation in a Review Child Protection Conference

6.32.1 All children subject to their age and understanding must be given the opportunity to participate in the Review Conference either through attendance or by ensuring that their views and wishes are understood.

6.32.2 Procedures for ensuring the participation of the child in the Review Conference are the same as those regarding Initial Child Protection Conferences.

6.32.3 It should be assumed that the arrangements made for the child’s participation at the previous conference will necessarily remain the same for the subsequent conference. Arrangements for the participation of the child must be discussed with the Chair of the conference in advance of the meeting.

6.32.4 As in the case of Initial Child Protection Conferences, attendance of the family and professionals to the Review Conference should be agreed with the Chair before invitations are sent out.

6.33 Structure of the Review Conference

6.33.1 The Chair will ensure that all Review Conferences will be conducted using the following structure:

• The Chair will meet with the parents/ child before the review to establish their views about the report and the progress of the Child Protection Plan
• a brief explanation of the purpose of the meeting, introducing all participants
• Apologies
• an explanation of ground rules (including issues of confidentiality and the use of appropriate language)
• The Chair will determine with the child/family/social worker whether it is necessary to leave the conference with the child/family to discuss the reports and whether conference members require reading time as in the ICPC
• The Chair will summarise the risk factors identified at the previous conference
• Significant developments/information during the period under review - for example, any further incidents of significant harm/section 47 enquiries, change in legal status, or other significant information.
• Review of the Child Protection plan. This will include:
• progress with regard to each identified risk factor;
• the appropriateness of the Child Protection Plan to address risk factors and needs, identifying any problems with the Plan;
• Chair’s summary of information
• Views of parents/carers
• Views of child
• Assessment and analysis of risk to each child to determine if they are at continuing risk of significant harm
• Discussion and analysis of information is held to determine risks to the child’s safety and welfare – focusing in particular on the following areas:

Does the health and welfare of the child continue to be compromised?
Is the child at continuing risk of significant harm?
What are the risks to the health and welfare of the child?
What might be protective factors?
What is the potential for change is this likely to be achieved before the next review?
Does the child need a Child Protection Plan, a Child in Need Plan or no plan at all?

• If the child is judged to be at continuing risk of significant harm then they will continue to hold a Child Protection Plan.
• Set a date for the next Review Conference.

6.33.2 If a child’s Child Protection Plan continues, the conference must consider whether the category of concern should remain the same or be changed. The decision about category of concern will be made by the Chair. Review Conference to make recommendations if needed (for example, any changes in membership of the core group, any changes to the child protection plan, any specialist assessments, or any changes to the contingency plan).

6.33.3 If a Child Protection Plan is ended but the conference believe that children in need services should be provided, the conference will recommend that a Child in Need Planning meeting take place subject to the consent of the child’s parents. The Child in Need planning meeting must take place within 10 working days of the Review Conference.

6.33.4 The Chair will write a letter to the parents and, if appropriate, the child detailing the reasons for ending the Child protection Plan. This will be sent with the record of the Review Conference.

6.33.5 If potential future risk factors are identified (e.g, an alleged abuser returning to the family home), the conference will make recommendations with regard to a contingency plan.

6.34 Decision Making

6.34.1 The decision-making process regarding the need for continued Child Protection Planning should be based on the views of all agencies represented at the Review Conference, and should also take into account any written contributions made by a professional not in attendance. The decision regarding Child Protection Plans rests with the professionals, although families will be invited to express a view.

6.34.2 The question to be addressed is whether the child is at continuing risk of significant harm. A Child Protection Plan may be ended if:

• it is judged that the child is no longer at continuing risk of significant harm (e.g, the risk of harm has been reduced by action taken through the Child Protection Plan; the child and family’s circumstances have changed; or reassessment of the child and family indicates that a Child Protection Plan is not necessary). In these circumstances, only a Child Protection Review Conference can decide that the Plan is no longer necessary;
• the child and family have moved permanently to another local authority area
• the child has reached 18 years of age, has died, or has permanently left the UK.

6.34.3 Where a consensus decision regarding Child Protection Plan cannot be reached, the Chair will decide whether one should be made, giving reasons for their decision. Any disagreement with the Chair’s decision will be recorded in the record of the meeting.

6.34.4 In exceptional circumstances where a consensus regarding ending the Child Protection Plan is reached by conference members but the Chair believes that the decision is likely to significantly impact upon the safety and welfare of the child the Chair will decide that the child’s name will continue with the Child Protection Plan.

6.34.5 If the Chair of the Review Conference has concerns about the functioning of the core group or their capacity to determine an effective Child Protection Plan then this should be put in writing to the Service Manager and copied to the General Manager who will provide a written response addressing the issues raised by the Chair.

6.35 Action Following a Review Conference

6.35.1 It is the key worker’s responsibility to ensure that parents/main carers and children understand the outcomes of a Review Conference. However it is expected that the Chair and the Social Worker will meet with the child (where appropriate) and family immediately following the conference to discuss the decision and (where appropriate) the Child Protection Plan.

6.36 Concerns about the Outcome

6.36.1 If any agency representative has concerns regarding the functions or outcome of the conference, these should be expressed in writing to the Chair’s line manager (IRO Manager Safeguarding) who will attempt to resolve the issue and/or initiate the complaints procedure.

6.37 Notification of the Outcome of Review Conferences

6.37.1 The Chair will inform relevant agencies within one working day of the following:

• the outcome of the review conference with regard to the Children Central Database
• any changes in category; and
• the date of the next review.

6.38 Decision Making at Child Protection Conferences where the Child is Looked After

6.38.1 If a child is accommodated in response to concerns regarding significant harm, then an Initial Child Protection Conference should be convened. In this situation the Initial Child Protection Conference concerning the child who is looked after may decide not to subject the child to a Child Protection Plan if there is no continuing risk of significant harm during this period. Exceptions to this are likely to be in relation to unsupervised contact between the child and the alleged abuser, or when a decision has already been made to rehabilitate.

6.38.2 A Core Assessment must take place whether or not the child subject to a Child Protection Plan. The Conference should consider whether the Core Assessment should examine a particular aspect of parenting capacity, family and environmental factors, or the child’s developmental needs, in the light of information presented to it. The Conference may also recommend that a Specialist Assessment should be conducted.

6.39 Children who are Looked After Under Section 20 of the Children Act

6.39.1 An Initial Child Protection Conference concerning a child who is looked after by the local authority under Section 20 should, in addition to the above, make recommendations about action to be considered to safeguard the child should s/he be prematurely discharged from Section 20, e.g. seeking advice about legal proceedings or reconvening the Conference immediately.

6.40 Children with a Child Protection Plan who are Subsequently Looked After by the Local Authority

6.40.1 In such circumstances, the Child Protection Review Conference should:

• Remove the child from the Child Protection Plan, as there is no continuing risk of significant harm during this period. Exceptions to this are likely to be in relation to unsupervised contact between the child and the alleged abuser, where a decision has already been made to rehabilitate or, in the case of children subject to an Order, where the local authority is unable to exercise parental responsibility
• Follow the remainder of the procedure above, depending on whether the child is subject to an interim or full Care Order, or is the subject to Section 20.

6.41 Children who are Looked After and are also subject to a Child Protection Plan

6.41.1 In circumstances where a child who is looked after is also the subject of a Child Protection Review Conference, the overriding principle must be that the review systems are integrated and carefully monitored in a way that promotes a child centered and not a bureaucratic approach. It is important to link the timing of a Review Child Protection Conference with a Statutory Child Care Review to ensure that information from the Conference is brought to the Review Meeting and informs the overall care planning process.

6.41.2 In general, it is good practice that the Child Care Review follows on from the Conference in order that the information shared in the Conference can inform the Care Plan. However careful consideration should be given to the likely impact this arrangement might have upon the child and family’s opportunity to meaningfully participate in both meetings.

6.41.3 The overriding principal should be that arrangements for the meetings must be made to promote the meaningful participation of the child and family in the child protection conference and the Looked After Children Review meetings. Logistical convenience must be secondary to this principal.