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Reports to Conference

Decision making at a child protection conference should be well-informed and evidence based. Written reports are therefore key to ensuring that all of the known information is presented in an accessible manner with a clear analysis of what the significance of the information is, as well as ensuring that key information does not get lost.

The social work report for a conference provides much of the backbone of the information in the conference and links this with the potential or actual impact on the child as it reflects information gathered in the assessment process prior to and during the s35 enquiries.

Case reviews often show that in conference a lot of information is presented which can leave those present feeling overwhelmed, particularly if the family is large and complex.  The impact of being overwhelmed in this way is that significant pieces of information can be missed, with the unintended consequence of throwing the direction of the conference and plan off course.

Social work report for initial conference

The social work report should follow the agreed format.  The report should be based on the information gathered during the s35 enquiries as well as any other relevant information from previous involvement with the family by Social Care.  Where decisions are being made about more than one child in the family, the report should consider the individual needs of each child. The report should also contain details about when the child was seen and whether they were seen alone.

Due to the timescales in which an initial conference must be held, it is likely that any detailed assessment will not be complete, however the assessment process should continue after the conference.

The report should also contain a draft plan which will then form the basis of the discussion around the outline plan that is agreed at the conference (see Child Protection Plans).

Social work report for review conference

The social work report for a review conference should consider the information that was presented to the initial conference and provide an update containing any new information that has come to light since the last conference, any changes that have taken place and consider progress against the plan.

The report should also contain and updated child protection plan, reflecting the above information.

Actions

No.

Action

Person responsible

Timescale

Initial Case Conference

1.

Report for conference to be completed and sent to manager for countersigning

Social worker

4 working days before conference

2.

Report to be countersigned by manager

Unit Manager (First line social work manager)

3 working days before conference

3.

Report to be shared with parents / those with parental responsibility

Social worker

2 working days before conference

4.

Report to be sent to conference chair

Social worker / Business support

1 working day before conference

Review Case Conference

1.

Report for conference to be completed and sent to manager for countersigning

Social worker

Minimum of 15 working days before conference

2.

Report to be countersigned by manager

Unit Manager (First line social work manager)

Minimum of 10 working days before conference

3.

Report to be shared with parents / those with parental responsibility

Social worker

Minimum of 5 working days before conference

4.

Report to be sent to conference chair

Social worker / Business support

Minimum of 5 working days before conference