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Child Protection Conferences

Information for Young People

Introduction

This leaflet explains about Child Protection Conferences. We hope that it will answer your questions and help you to understand what happens at these meetings.

A Child Protection Conference is just one part of the Child Protection work of Children's Services.

All our Child Protection work is about making sure that children and young people are safe.

Another leaflet called "A Guide to Child Protection Work" explains more about Child Protection Work in Worcestershire.

• Remember that the law says your needs must come first and your views considered in all we do
• We must also take account of your racial origin, religion, language, or any disability which you have.

So why are we having a Child Protection Conference?

The meeting is taking place because we want to make sure that you are safe.

As you know, we have been worried about whether there is a risk that you will be seriously harmed in the future. We have been looking into this - we call it making enquiries.

The Child Protection Conference is a meeting where your safety will be the most important thing we discuss.

People at the Conference share information about you and your family so that we can check if you are safe or whether it looks as if anything needs to be done to make things more safe for you.

The meeting is confidential. This means that those who come to the meeting must not talk to other people about it unless the other people really need to know.

Who will be at the Child Protection Conference?

Here are some of the people who may be there:-

The Chairperson

This is a senior person from the Children's Services Department. It is the Chairperson's job to make sure that everyone has the chance to speak and that all the important facts are heard.

The Chairperson will usually arrange to meet with you before the Child Protection Conference to explain what will happen at the meeting.

The Minute-Taker
This is the person who makes a note of what people say. These notes will be typed up as "Minutes" (this means a record of the meeting) afterwards.

Social Worker
You will know the Social Worker already. It is his/her job to help to protect you now and in the future and to listen to what you want to say.

Police Officer
You may already have met the Police Officer. It is the Police Officer's job to decide if a crime has been committed against you.

Teacher
The teacher may be your class teacher or another teacher from your school who has special responsibility for Child Protection.

A teacher will tell people how you are getting on at school.

Your Doctor / A Paediatrician
Your doctor may be at the meeting to talk about your general health, or about any injuries he/she has treated. If you have seen a Paediatrician (a special doctor for children) that person may come to the Conference to talk about any injuries you have had, any treatment you may need in the future, or any special health needs that you have.

Solicitor
This is a person qualified to give legal advice. The Children's Services Department has a solicitor. Both you or your parents may choose to bring a solicitor to support you.

Can I come?

If it is in your best interests to come and you are over 13 years old, then yes, it may be possible. You should talk to your Social Worker about this.

If you do come, you can bring a trusted adult to support you, if you wish.

If you do not come to the Conference, the Chairperson will want to make sure that the people who are there know what you want and what you are thinking.

We hope that whether you come or not you will be able to say what you are thinking, how you feel and what you want to happen next.

Your Social Worker or someone who you trust could help you to do this. If you wish, you can write down what you want to say or perhaps record a tape for the Conference.

You have a right to speak to the Conference without any other family members present, if you wish.

Your parents will normally be invited to the Conference, but they can come in later if you wish to talk the to Conference without them.

What can a Child Protection Conference decide?

The people there will listen carefully to your views, your family's views and to each other then consider all the information.

If you have been seriously harmed and/or you are likely to be in the future, the Conference can decide:-

• To include your name on the Child Protection Register; .
• To state the kind of serious harm;
• To make someone a key worker

It is the key worker's job to be your Social Worker and to make sure that everyone works together so that you are no longer at risk of serious harm.

If your name is on the Child Protection Register it means that people are so concerned about the harm you may suffer that they need to make a Child Protection Plan. (This is a plan about keeping you safe).

When serious abuse has happened the plan may include Children's Services going to Court to ask for a Care Order.

The Care Order is a Court Order that gives Children's Services the right to act as your parent for as long as it is necessary to protect you.

Children's Services will share the responsibility with your parents.

There are four types of serious harm:-

• Neglect: This is where important things have been missed out regarding your care and as a result your health or development are not up to the level they should be.
• Physical Injury: This is when children are kicked, beaten, punched and so on.
• Sexual Abuse: This is when adults involve children in their sexual activities.
• Emotional Abuse: This is when adults don't understand how children feel and hurt their feelings much of the time. If you have not been harmed, or if you have been harmed but there is no longer any risk of serious harm in the future, your name will not be placed on the Child Protection Register.
  
  Even so, the Conference may still recommend that you and your family receive some help.

What if you don't agree?

If you do not agree with what is decided at the Child Protection Conference you must tell someone.

You can tell your Social Worker or another adult whom you trust.

You can also make a formal complaint about what has happened and both your Social Worker or the Chair of the Conference can provide you with a complaints leaflet.

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

Your name will only stay on the Child Protection Register until a similar Conference, called a Child Protection Review Conference, decides that you are now safe and no longer need a Child Protection Plan.

Review Conferences are usually held every six months but can be held more often if necessary.

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions about Child Protection Conferences, please ask your Social Worker or the Chairperson of your Conference.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Childline: 0800 1111

(24 hour helpline. Your call is free and the telephone number will not appear on telephone bills).

NSPCC: 0800800500
(Free, 24 hours)

Children's Legal Centre: 01206 873820
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester C04 3SQ

National Voice: 0161 9534011

23 New Mount Street, Manchester M4 4DE

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Get in touch with our Contact Centre:
Call: 0845 607 2000  or  Email: socialcare@worcestershire.gov.uk
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