5.4 Pre-Birth Conference

The Pan Sussex Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Group recommend the following statement is read out at all relevant meetings.

Professional Difference Statement:

It is acknowledged that when working in the arena of safeguarding, it is inevitable that from time to time there will be professional differences.  This is a positive activity and a sign of good professional practice and effective multi-agency working.   During this meeting practitioners, irrespective of their seniority are encouraged to say if they feel that decisions, practice or actions do not effectively ensure the safety or well-being of the child/children.

A Pre-Birth Conference  should be conducted as if it were an Initial Child Protection Conference concerning an unborn child.

A pre-birth Conference should be held where a:

• The pre-birth assessment gives rise to concerns that an unborn child may be at risk of Significant Harm
• Previous child has died or been removed from parent(s) as a result of Significant Harm
• A child is to be born into a family or household which already have children on Child Protection Plans
• A person identified as presenting a risk, or potential risk, to children, lives in the household or is known to be a regular visitor.

Other risk factors to be considered are:

• The impact of risk factors relating to mental ill-health, learning disabilities, substance misuse and domestic violence;
• A mother under 16 for whom there are concerns regarding her ability to self-care and/or to care for the child.

All agencies involved with a pregnant person and/or the putative father who have concerns should consider the need for an early Referral to Children's Social Care so that assessments are undertaken, and family support services provided, as early as possible in the pregnancy.

The pre-birth Conference should take place as soon as is practicable and ideally no later than 28 weeks gestation, so as to allow as much time as possible for planning support for the pregnancy and the birth of the baby.

Where there is a known likelihood of a premature birth, the Conference should be held earlier.

Those who normally attend an Initial Child Protection Conference must be invited (see Membership of Child Protection Conference Procedure). In addition representatives of the midwifery and relevant neo-natal services should also be invited.

Parents or carers should be invited as they would to be any other Child Protection Conferences and should be fully involved in plans for the child's future. 

If a decision is made that the child requires a Child Protection Plan, the main cause for concern must determine the category of concern and a protection plan be outlined to commence prior to the birth of the baby. Read more about implementing a Child Protection Plan at Chapter 6 - The Child Protection Plan . 

The Core Group must be established and is expected to meet prior to the birth, and certainly prior to the baby's return home after a hospital birth.

The Child Protection Plan only comes into effect when the child is born.

• In Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, the plan should be reviewed at a Review Conference within 3 months of the child's birth.
• In West Sussex, the Child Protection Plan should be reviewed at a Review Child Protection Conference (RCPC) scheduled to take place no later than 12 weeks (3 months) from the ICPC, ideally before the child is born. The chair should consider convening an RCPC sooner than 3 months after the ICPC if this is likely to fall close to the child’s estimated date of delivery. If the decision at the first RCPC is for the unborn or new-born child to remain on a child protection plan, consideration should be given to convening an earlier further RCPC (i.e. within 3 months of the child’s birth or first review) given the vulnerability of a new-born baby and importance of the early days of their life.

The Conference Chair will decide the date.

See here for further information - Pre-birth Planning for Care Leavers and Children/Young People Under 18 Who Become Parents 

Importance of Safer Sleep Conversations

It is crucial for social workers and practitioners to engage in meaningful conversations with parents and carers of babies and very young children about safer sleep practices. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), though rare, can often be prevented through informed and proactive measures. Educating parents and carers on how to reduce the risk of SIDS is a vital aspect of safeguarding infants. 

 Safer Sleeping - 9 minute briefing v2.pdf

SUDI STOP information - Pan-Sussex.pdf

Reducing the Risk of SIDS

To reduce the risk of SIDS, practitioners should convey the following key recommendations from The Lullaby Trust:

• Always place babies on their backs to sleep, both during day and night.
• Ensure the baby's head is uncovered while sleeping.
• Use a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress in good condition.
• Keep the baby in a smoke-free environment before and after birth.
• Place the baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as the parents for the first six months.
• Avoid co-sleeping with the baby, particularly on sofas or armchairs, and especially if the parent or carer has consumed alcohol, drugs, or is extremely tired.
• Do not let the baby get too hot; keep the room at a comfortable temperature (16-20°C is ideal) and use lightweight blankets.

The Lullaby Trust provides comprehensive guidelines and advice that can help in disseminating this critical information effectively. How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby - The Lullaby Trust.

Addressing Unplanned Sleeping Arrangements and Bed Poverty

Practitioners must be particularly vigilant in situations where there are unplanned sleeping arrangements or bed poverty. These conditions increase the risk of unsafe sleeping practices. It is essential to provide parents and carers with practical solutions and resources to create safe sleeping environments, regardless of their circumstances. This may involve:

• Providing or facilitating access to appropriate sleeping equipment, such as cots or Moses baskets.
• Offering guidance on setting up safe sleep spaces within the home.
• Connecting families with local services and charities that can assist with bedding and furniture needs.