When requesting support beyond the level of a Child in Need plan, Local Authorities (LAs) often initiate child protection plans for families in crisis. This can be a daunting and emotionally taxing process, where parents frequently feel misunderstood, judged, and unsupported by systems intended to help. This guide provides practical steps to help you engage effectively with child protection professionals, advocate for your family, and safeguard yourself throughout the process. These steps, drawn from hard-earned experience, are meant to help you stay organized, resilient, and informed.
While I realize this guide may add pressure, please understand that changing the LA’s approach will take more than just written advice. I want you to know how to protect yourself and be prepared, as this may be one of the most challenging experiences you face. If possible, find an advocate; ask for recommendations from supportive groups. Always take notes, clarify things, and double-check details. Above all, be prepared. Ideally, the LA would approach this with partnership and collaboration, but often the reality is different. Remember, you are not alone—you have the support of PATCH, and there is light at the end of this tunnel. Take a breath, find your safe space, and protect yourself by following the guidance below.
Key Points to Understand
- Child Protection Conference: This is a statutory process based on legislation to identify and address risks of harm to children and create a plan to prevent future abuse or harm.
- Strategy Discussion: Before a Child Protection Conference, a strategy discussion takes place with social care, police, health, and other professionals to assess risks and determine if a conference is necessary. If, after this discussion, professionals decide there is a significant risk of harm, a Section 47 (S47) child protection inquiry is initiated.
- S47 Enquiries: These inquiries allow an assigned social worker to conduct a thorough assessment of the risks and concerns, which often leads to further assessment, intervention planning, or additional strategy discussions.
- Initial Child Protection Conference (ICPC): If an ICPC is convened, you will receive reports from each professional involved. You should also have the opportunity to meet with the Independent Reviewing Officer, who chairs the meeting. During the conference, each professional will share their report and views, and there will be a managed opportunity for questions. A decision is then made to determine if your child(ren) are at risk of significant harm under categories such as:
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
Each professional will vote on whether they believe the child is at risk and, if so, in which category, and what steps should be taken to support the family.
Additional Important Notes
- False Allegations: False allegations or police involvement can trigger S47 inquiries, which may lead to a Child Protection Conference if professionals feel there is a significant risk.
- Timescales: LAs must follow specific timelines. For example, a child and family assessment must be completed within 45 days, the ICPC should take place within 15 days of the strategy discussion, and the social worker’s ICPC report must be shared with the family 72 hours before the conference. Check your LA’s child protection policies for details.
- Child Involvement: Depending on age, your child(ren) may be invited to attend the conference.
- Bringing a Support Person: If you wish to bring a support person to the conference, ask the chair for approval in advance.
- Ensuring Proper Attendance: If you feel key professionals have not been invited, raise this concern in writing and ask the chair to include them.
- Accuracy of Reports: Highlight any inaccuracies in reports and ensure that your perspective is recorded on your child(ren)’s file.
Throughout this process, remember to take care of yourself. Find moments to breathe and focus on maintaining your well-being. You are not alone, and there are resources and people to support you through this journey.
1. Chronology and Documentation: Build a Solid Record
- Keep Detailed Logs of Incidents and Interactions: Document significant incidents involving your child, particularly behavioural episodes, reactions, and outcomes. Include dates, times, summaries of the event, triggers if known, and resolutions. For each incident, note whether there were any witnesses and their contact details if they are comfortable being referenced.
- Document All Contacts with Professionals: Record every interaction with social workers, therapists, teachers, or other professionals. Log the date, time, content of the discussion, and outcomes. Emails or written summaries are ideal as they create a paper trail you can reference if needed.
- Record All Support Accessed: Note every form of support you have pursued, including therapy, support groups, and parenting courses. Include reflections on each session—what was discussed, progress made, and any recommendations.
- Record your views on the child’s records:
All of the action taken should be recorded on your child’s case file, and there will be case noted reflecting this. it is important to ask that your views are also recorded, so make sure you ask them to place things on their case notes, or check that they have been. Other wise the recorded narrative is very one-sided.
2. Engage in Proactive Communication
- Balance Your Information Sharing: Keep professionals informed about complex situations in a balanced and measured way. Avoid sharing excessive information at once, as this can overwhelm social workers. Instead, focus on clear, concise, and structured summaries.
- Formalize All Requests and Responses in Writing: Whenever you’re asked to complete tasks (e.g., parenting courses) or if you make requests (e.g., crisis meetings), communicate via email. This creates a record and demonstrates your engagement and responsiveness.
- Prepare for Meetings with Schools or Other Agencies: When meeting with your child’s school or other agencies, prepare an agenda of key points to discuss. Outline your child’s needs, behaviours, and any support required, and use these meetings to build collaborative relationships.
3. Secure Legal Advice & seek potential suitable representation
- Consult Legal Advice When Needed: Before making significant requests, such as asking for respite or Section 20 arrangements, seek legal advice to understand the implications and prepare accordingly. This doesn’t mean you need to hire full-time legal representation, but having a clear understanding of your rights is critical.
4. Secure Therapeutic Support
- Engage in Therapy for Yourself and Your Child: Professional counselling can help you manage the emotional toll of child protection planning and also provide important insights into trauma and behavioural management.
- Invest in Accredited Parenting Courses: Enrol in courses that provide evidence-based approaches to trauma-informed parenting. Not only does this equip you with useful strategies, but it also demonstrates to professionals that you are proactive and committed to addressing your family’s needs.
4. Prioritize Your Mental Health and Self-Care
- Acknowledge the Impact of Secondary Trauma: Parenting a child who has experienced adversity can lead to secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, or even PTSD for the parent. Recognize these risks and proactively seek support.
- Connect with Peer Support Networks: Reach out to support groups or organizations experienced in child protection. Not only can they offer emotional support, but they can also provide practical advice from those who have been through similar processes.
5. Establish Effective Communication and Tone
- Maintain a Professional, Assertive Tone: Communicate in a way that is calm, concise, and assertive. Avoid emotional language or venting frustrations directly to social workers, as this can be misinterpreted as non-compliance or defensiveness. Instead, stay focused on factual information and specific requests.
- Be Concise and Targeted in Information Sharing: Limit communications to essential points, being mindful of social workers’ time and workload. Use structured points or bullet lists, and ensure your emails are clear, concise, and to the point.
6. Monitor Timelines and Follow-Up Promptly
- Track Promised Actions and Follow Up on Delays: If a professional commits to a service or intervention within a certain timeframe, track this commitment and follow up if there are delays. This reinforces your involvement and expectation of timely support.
- Note Late or Missed Visits: If social workers or other professionals are late, miss visits, or cancel appointments, keep a record of this. Consistency and reliability from professionals are part of fair practice, and documenting any lapses can support your case if needed.
7. Challenge Inaccuracies and Bias Effectively
- Challenge Assumptions and Speculations: If statements or judgments made about you lack evidence, calmly request clarification and ask for factual evidence. Highlight any missing context or potential biases that could skew assessments.
- Request Written Justifications: When decisions seem unfounded or punitive, request written justifications, including references to policy or evidence that supports their stance. This forces professionals to be accountable for their statements and ensures transparency.
8. Ensure Advocacy and Independent Support
- Engage an Advocate for Critical Meetings: Having an advocate present can help support your voice in meetings, especially during difficult discussions. This can be a family member, a trusted professional, or someone from a support organization who understands child protection. They may not be able to directly engage in the meeting, but they can remind you of things, and take notes.
- Demand Recognition of External Professionals: If you have privately commissioned professionals (e.g., therapists or educational specialists), insist that their assessments and opinions be considered in LA decisions.
9. Understand and Protect Your Legal Rights
- Know Your Rights to Complaints and Appeals: Familiarize yourself with the LA’s complaint process and your right to appeal decisions. If you feel mistreated or unfairly assessed, these procedures can provide a formal avenue to address grievances.
- Request Records and Correct Inaccuracies: Make a formal Subject Access Request (SAR) for your case records to review what’s been documented about you and your family. This allows you to challenge any inaccuracies that could impact future assessments or decisions.
10. Emphasize Trauma-Informed Care and Child-Centred Decisions
- Highlight the Need for Trauma-Informed Practices: Emphasize that professionals should consider the impact of trauma on your child and family. Request that assessments use a trauma-informed lens, and advocate for oversight by someone trained in trauma where appropriate.
- Insist on Respecting the Whole Family’s Context: The entire family’s needs, history, and support network should be considered in decision-making, including extended family, siblings, and support systems.
11. Connect with others who are navigating similar challenges
- Share Your Journey on the PATCH Community Page Join our online community by posting on the PATCH page, where people who have gone through similar experiences come together to support each other. This platform is a safe space to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen to others who understand what you’re going through. Whether you’re seeking advice, looking to offer encouragement, or just wanting to connect, the PATCH page is a place for meaningful interactions and shared resilience.
- Reach Out Directly for Personalized Support: If you’d prefer a more personal approach, you can reach out directly via email at patch@ourpatch.org.uk. Our team will do its best to connect you, although the email is not manned as it is run by volunteers so be patient.
- Explore Additional Support Resources on Our Website: Take a look at other valuable resources on our website, www.ourpatch.org.uk. You’ll find a variety of links and information that may provide further support, including advice articles, additional online communities, and access to support organizations. Exploring these links can open doors to a wider network of help and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for child protection planning is challenging, especially when faced with bias or judgment. Staying organized, informed, and resilient can help you advocate effectively for your family’s needs. By documenting everything, maintaining a professional tone, and seeking support from legal and therapeutic professionals, you can protect yourself against unfair treatment and ensure that your voice and the well-being of your family remain central in the process.
Child protection planning should be a partnership, with all parties working toward the child’s best interest. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to assert your rights, challenge bias, and protect your family’s dignity and integrity. Remember, you are not alone—there are resources and communities available to support you through this journey.
PATCH