Child Protection Conference

An initial child protection conference must be called when the child protection enquiry has given rise to the concern that a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Such circumstances include:

• Where a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm caused by any person with whom the child lives or has significant contact;
• Where a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm due to failure on the part of the parent/carer to provide adequate protection;
• Where there are mounting concerns for a child and it is believed the child needs a Child Protection Plan;
• Where there is an unborn baby for whom a Child Protection Plan needs to be made (this applies whether or not Children’s Social Care intend to seek a Court Order on the birth of the child);
• Where a person who is likely to pose a risk to the child has joined or is planning to join the family or has significant contact;
• When an Emergency Protection Order has been obtained;
• Where a child, subject to a court order, is to be placed with a parent/carer and agencies consider this will put the child at risk of significant harm;
• Where an application for a court order has been refused and the child is still considered to be at risk of significant harm in the care of their parents/carers;
• Where a Child Protection Plan was not made/ discontinued, due to an agreed long-term plan to protect the child but there has been a significant change to this plan;
• Where a child has died as a result of the parenting or care received and there are other children in the household.