Your child protection conference
This page is for you if you have been told that a child protection conference is being held for your child.
A conference can feel like one of the most daunting things you might face as a parent.
We want to help you:
- understand what a child protection conference is
- know what will happen
- feel more confident to take part and share your views
A note about how Darlington works
Darlington is changing the way child protection is delivered.
Some teams now use a new approach. In these teams Child Protection enquiries are led by a Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP) and work as part of a Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT).
Other teams still work in the usual way. These Child Protection enquiries are led by a Social Worker, with support from an Independent Child Protection Chair (CP Chair) and their team manager.
Whichever team is working with your family, your rights stay the same.
On this page, we use the words “your lead professional”. This means the main person supporting you, no matter which team you are in.
At your first meeting, your lead professional will:
- introduce themselves
- explain their role
- tell you how they will support you
All teams will move to the new way of working by January 2027.
A child protection conference is a meeting. It brings together:
- professionals who know your child and family (including your lead professional, a health worker, a teacher, and a police representative)
- you
- any family members you would like to bring
Who runs the meeting?
The meeting is led by a CP Chair or LCPP. You will usually have met them before the conference.
Their job is to make sure the meeting is fair and that your voice is heard.
What is the meeting for?
The conference is there to:
- look at all the information together
- agree what the concerns are
- decide if a child protection plan is needed
- plan what needs to happen to keep your child safe
Everyone at the conference will share their views including you. After listening to everyone, the CP Chair or LCPP will make the final decision.
If a child protection plan is needed
If a plan is agreed, it will be placed into one of four categories:
- physical harm
- emotional harm
- sexual harm
- neglect
The Chair will explain which category applies and why this decision has been made.
If a plan is not needed
If the conference decides a plan is not needed you may still be recommended support. This could include a Family Help or Child in Need plan.
Your Family Help Lead Practitioner will write a report for the conference. You have the right to see this report before the meeting:
- at least 3 working days before the first (initial) conference
- at least 5 working days before a review conference
If there is anything in the report you do not agree with you can say so. You can write your own response.
Getting ready
It can help to think about what you want to say.
You might want to talk about:
- what is going well for your child
- anything you are worried about
- what support you think would help
Preparing in advance can make a big difference.
Before the conference starts
The CP Chair or LCPP will meet with you first. They will:
- introduce themselves
- explain how the meeting will run
- check if there is anything sensitive that needs to be handled carefully
During the conference
You will have a chance to share your views. Many parents say they feel nervous and find it hard to say everything they want to.
It can make a real difference to:
- prepare what you want to say beforehand
You can bring someone to support you. This could be:
- a friend or family member
- a solicitor (they can come, but cannot speak in the meeting)
Getting legal advice
You may be able to get legal aid. This could cover the cost of independent legal advice before and after the conference.
Family Rights Group [external link] or Citizens Advice [external link] can help check if you qualify.
Your child may be able to come to the conference. This depends on their age and what they want. They may be invited to attend all or part of the meeting
Sharing your child’s views
Children who are old enough should be supported to share their views.
They can do this by:
- speaking at the meeting, or
- having someone they trust to speak for them
Support for children and young people
Children and young people can get support from a free independent advocate through NYAS. The advocate’s role is to help your child express their views and be heard
NYAS Independent Advocacy for Children and Young People
- Phone: 0808 808 1001
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: livingwell.darlington.gov.uk/Services/1059
Children and young people can self-refer, or ask their lead professional to help them make contact.
You will be sent a written record of what was discussed and the decisions made within 20 working days
If a child protection plan is put in place
The following will happen:
-
A core group will be set up. This is a smaller group of professionals and family members. They will work together to follow the plan
-
The core group will meet within 10 working days of the first conference. Then monthly for as long as the plan is in place
-
Your lead professional will visit your child at home at least every 10 working days
-
A review conference will take place after 3 months. It will then be at least every 6 months.
You have the right:
- to be invited and to attend
- to see all reports before the meeting
- to share your views during the meeting
- to have someone with you for support
- to receive a written record of the conference within 20 working days
- to challenge decisions if you do not agree with them
- to make a formal complaint if you feel the process was unfair