An Initial Case Conference will be held within 15 days. This is an opportunity to hear the views of those involved in your child/children’s life or the children you care for. It will likely include professionals such as teachers, doctors, police and the allocated social worker and manager. Parents/carers can bring someone with them if they need support and this could be a family member or a professional advocate who works for an independent organisation. -
Parental Advocacy (Support to get your views across)
At the meeting, everyone will have the opportunity to give their opinion and be asked about the strengths, risks and needs of a child/children and their parent/carers. The conference will be led by an Independent Conference Chair, who will ensure everyone’s voice is heard, whilst keeping the meeting centred around the child/children.
At the end of the meeting attendees will be asked to decide whether the child’s name should be placed on the Child Protection Register. If the child’s name is placed on the register a Child Protection Plan will be drawn up during the meeting. What you think your child/children and family need to keep safe is important and should be part of the plan. If there is any support you think you might need to make changes, this is a good time to raise it. If there is anything included in the plan you don’t understand or doesn’t seem realistic, raise it during the meeting. We recognise these meetings can feel intimidating and that is why the offer of support via an advocate is available.