A Social Worker will have told you that a meeting has been arranged to talk about your safety and well-being. This meeting is called a Child Protection Conference. 

The Conference is arranged by Social Work. It includes people who know and can help you and your family such as:

• Health Visitor
• Someone from your nursery
• Someone from your school
• School Doctor
• Family Doctor (GP)
• Police officer/s
• Social Worker
• Other Social Work staff

Together you can:

• talk about anything which causes concern about your safety, development and well-being
• think about the best ways to protect you and keep you safe
• look at the best ways of helping you and your family.

Can I attend the Child Protection Conference?

You may be able to attend if the Chairperson of the Conference thinks that:

• You are old enough
• You are able to understand what is happening
• You will not be too upset

Your views on what happens are very important. Sometimes it is easier to write down what you think rather than say it. There is a form which you can fill in, so that the Conference knows what you think. Your social worker or another trusted person of your choice can help you fill in the form if that is what you want.

Will my mum or dad be there?

Parents are important people in children and young people's lives. They will usually be asked to go along. There will be a part of the Conference (usually at the start of the meeting) which parents can't attend because things will be discussed which can't be shared with them at that time.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. Having someone that you trust there makes you feel better. Please tell your Social Worker if you want to have someone at the Conference to support you.

What if I don't come?

It is understood that you may not want to come to the Conference. Remember, your feelings, views and wishes are important. You can write these down on a form which you can get from your Social Worker. Someone who was at the Conference will tell you what recommendations were made about how best to help you and your family.

Who else will be told about what was said at the Conference?

People at the Conference will only share what is said (or agreed) with those who have a part in making sure you are safe and well.

What decisions can the conference make?

The Conference can agree a Child Protection Plan for you and may decide that you should be placed on the Child Protection Register.

What is the Child Protection Register?

The Child Protection Register is a list of names of children and young people who are thought to be at risk of harm. It means that special attention is paid to keeping you safe. The Register is very confidential. Only relevant staff from Social Work, Education, Health or Police can get information from it.

What is a Child Protection Plan ?

This is the list of tasks agreed by the people at the Conference to make things safer for you.

How long will my name be on the Child Protection Register?

Regular meetings called Child Protection Reviews will be held to look at whether things have changed enough to make it safe for your name to be taken off the Child Protection Register. These meetings are held at least every three months.

What if I don't agree with the decision of the Child Protection Conference ?

You can write to the Head of Social Work and appeal. Your Social Worker can give you a form to do this and help you fill it in if you want. Please ask your Social Worker to explain anything to you that you don't understand about the Child Protection Conference, or what happened there. It's important that you understand and have all the information that you need about your situation.

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