Child Protection Issues

Child Protection Conferences

A Child Protection Conference is a meeting between family members and professionals involved to include the Local Authority about a child’s safety, health and development. The conference is designed to look at the relevant information and circumstances to determine how best to safeguard the child and promote their welfare. The conference will hear information and concerns expressed and there will be a discussion as to whether or not the child is at significant harm and whether the child should be placed on the child protection plan.

Who attends the conference?

All professionals involved will attend such as school, GP, police or health visitor. The parents of the child(ren) will also be invited to attend.

What is a child protection plan?

The plan should assess the likelihood of the child suffering harm and looks at ways the child can be protected.

What are the categories that a child can be registered?

There are 4 categories that a child can be placed on the register; neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse.

Should I attend the conference?

Yes you should attend the conference in order to discuss the concerns held by the professionals and to have your voice heard

Can I bring a solicitor?

A solicitor can attend the conference with you although our role is limited to provide support and guidance to you

Is legal aid available?

You may be entitled to assistance under the legal help scheme although this is means and merits tested.

Legal Help with Child Protection Conferences

At Berris Law we have specialist child care solicitor with specialism in child protection and Court of Protection cases.

We at Berris Law have many years of experience in this field and in particular, Julian Hayes an expert Child Panel solicitor who has obtained many positive outcomes for parents who face a Child Protection Conference. Please call on 020 3325 7415 for a free consultation.

Child in Need Plans

A child in need plans describe any identified developmental needs of a child and any services provided. It will contain the support which is being provided to a child and the family by Social Services.

What is a child in need meeting?

A child in need (CIN) meeting will be held with Social Services to assess whether a child requires extra help from professionals to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development

Can I bring a solicitor to the meeting?

Solicitors are unable to attend CIN meetings, however you can speak to a solicitor prior to the meeting if you have any concerns about what is going to happen

Is legal aid available?

Public funding is not readily available in these types of matters, however you may benefit from speaking to a solicitor who is willing to provide free advice over the telephone

Children Lawyers – Children in Need Plans

Berris Law children lawyers can also advise on Provisions for a Child in Need and how to ensure a child receives the support they need from the local authority. Our child care solicitors specialise in dealing with complex and sensitive child care proceeding

We at Berris Law have many years of experience in this field and in particular, Julian Hayes an expert Child Panel solicitor who has obtained many positive outcomes for parents. Please call on 020 3325 7415 for a free consultation.

Require us out of hours please either telephone us on 020 3325 7415 or email us on info@berrislaw.co.uk or complete the online form.

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