What is a Child Protection Conference?
Child Protection Conferences are formal meetings held by social services and include other relevant professionals to assess and manage concerns about the safety and welfare of children. These conferences are typically convened when there are significant concerns about a child's welfare, such as abuse or neglect. Although solicitors are unable to speak at these conference, we are able to provide you with advice concerning the Child Protection Conference and Plan and can also attend to provide additional support.
If there are still concerns that the situation has not improved, the case could be escalated to a Pre-proceedings meeting (PLO meeting) and then Care proceedings in court. Our expert solicitors can give you the right advice and support every step of the way.
How do Child Protection Conferences Work?
Child Protection Conferences involve multiple professionals from various agencies, such as social services, health services, education, police, and sometimes representatives from voluntary organizations. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the child's situation and facilitates collaborative decision-making.
The main purpose of the conference is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child's welfare and determine whether the child is at risk of significant harm. It also aims to develop a Child Protection Plan if necessary, outlining actions to safeguard the child's well-being.
Child Protection Conferences are typically followed by regular reviews to monitor the implementation of the Child Protection Plan and assess the child's progress. If necessary, further conferences may be convened to make adjustments to the plan based on changing circumstances.
Legal Aid Available
Legal Help is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
Legal Aid is always available for parents of children who are being taken to court by social services”. Find out more about Legal Aid.
Why choose Banner Jones Family Law Solicitors?
Several of our care solicitors are on the Law Society's Children Panel. Only solicitors who meet the Law Society’s exacting accreditation requirements are permitted to join the Children Panel and represent children in public law care proceedings.
Our experts in public law care proceedings can provide you with support and guidance throughout the care proceeding's process. We are specialists in cases involving non-accidental injury and child neglect.
He's got to keep a roof over our heads hasn't he?
Non-residential parents have to pay maintenance for their children; hopefully the amount can be agreed though negotiation and if not then the CSA will decide. Each case is different. If for example the Mum and the children stay in the family home then she may relinquish her claims over any other assets such as pension and savings in return. Our family law solicitors can advise on your specific circumstances.
How soon can I file for a divorce?
You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true:
- you’ve been married for over a year
- your relationship has permanently broken down
- your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage) Speak to one of our divorce solicitors to ensure you meet the legal criteria.
What am I entitled to in a divorce?
The aim when sharing out matrimonial assets is to be fair. Both spouses have to make full disclosure about their assets and debts before any decisions can be made about distribution, trying to hide anything won't work. Factors which are important when sharing out the assets include the current and future needs of each spouse and any dependent children; the length of marriage and the age, earning capacity and contributions of each party. Our family law Chesterfield team can guide you through this process.
Will I lose touch with my children?
Your aim should be that both parents still play an active part in the raising of the child/children. Usually, parents sort this out amongst themselves, although if there are problems, mediation can be a good way to resolve this. Our family law solicitors will advise you on Shared Care Agreements and Live With and Spend Time with Orders. Going to Court should always be the last resort when children are involved.
Will we have to go to Court during our divorce?
No, getting a divorce should be an administrative exercise only, and there are many options open to you that avoid going to Court.
What is a Child Protection conference?
It is a formal meeting held by social services and includes other relevant professionals to assess and manage concerns about the safety and welfare of a child.
Can the parent or guardian of the child attend a Child Protection Conference?
Usually the child’s parents or caregivers will be invited to the meeting. However, in cases where this may affect the child’s safety or prevent an open discussion, they may not be invited.
What happens at a Child Protection Conference?
The main purpose of the conference is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child's welfare and determine whether the child is at risk of significant harm. It also aims to develop a Child Protection Plan if necessary, outlining actions to safeguard the child's well-being.
What is a Child Protection Plan?
This is a plan developed during the Child Protection Conference which outlines actions by the parent/caregiver and other professionals to safeguard the child’s wellbeing.
What happens after the Child Protection Conference?
After the Child Protection Conference, a core group will be set up which will include the social worker, parent/caregiver and 1 or 2 other professionals. They will meet usually every 4-6 weeks to see whether the plan is being adhered to. The Child Protection Conference usually reconvenes around 6 months after the first one.
Can the parent or caregiver get legal support for a Child Protection Conference?
Legal Aid funding is not available for Child Protection Conference and a legal representative is not allowed to speak at the conference. They would be there to support the parent/caregiver if they want it.
Is Legal Aid funding available for a Child Protection Conference?
At this stage, Legal Aid funding is not available. “Legal Help” is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.