If we think a child is at risk of significant harm, we’ll arrange an initial child protection conference and may make a child protection plan. 

We’ll do this if professionals think a child is at risk of significant harm because of one or more of the following: 

  • physical abuse 
  • sexual abuse 
  • emotional abuse 
  • neglect 

What to expect from a child protection conference

The purpose of a child protection conference is so parents and professionals can decide whether the child is at risk of significant harm, and if we need to make a child protection plan. 

We arrange this meeting for any professionals who are working with the child or family and other key agencies. This includes agencies like health and the police. 

We’ll invite parents or carers to this conference and any review conferences that happen later. We may also invite children over the age of 12, if appropriate. 

The child’s social worker must give parents a copy of their report before the conference. Parents or carers can bring a friend or family member to the conference to support them. 

The meeting is focused on the child’s needs and is not a court or tribunal. The person chairing the conference will be an experienced social worker who has not been directly involved with the child or family. 

If the professionals attending the conference think that the child is at risk of significant harm, they’ll make a child protection plan. 

What to expect from a child protection plan

A child protection plan covers what actions are needed to protect the child and support the family.  

It’s a written record for parents or carers and professionals which sets out: 

  • who the social worker is
  • the needs of the child and how professionals can help parents or carers meet them 
  • what needs to happen to reduce the risks 
  • when the work needs to happen 
  • who is responsible for each part of the plan – this will include family members and professionals 

Who puts the plan into action

When we create a child protection plan, we’ll identify a core group of people who will work with parents or carers and the child. These could include: 

  • social worker 
  • nursery or school 
  • health visitor or school nurse 
  • any other professional who is in regular contact with your family 
  • key people (including family members) involved in the child’s care 

The core group will meet with parents or carers within 2 weeks of the initial child protection conference to agree on how to carry out the child protection plan. They will then meet you regularly to review it. 

We encourage parents or carers to attend the core group meetings as their involvement is vital to achieve the change that will keep their child safe. Parents or carers make an important contribution in helping professionals to understand their family situation.

Reviewing the plan

We review the plan no later than 3 months after making it. We then review the plan every 6 months until we agree it’s not needed because the child is not at risk of significant harm.  

We'll then end the child protection plan. If we think a child still needs support, we will create a Child in Need plan. 

When a child has a child protection plan, their social worker will visit them to get to know them and understand how life is at home and school. This will include some unannounced visits.