5.12.1 | The chair of a Child Protection Conference will be a social work manager or an independent chair. (S)he must not have operational or line management responsibility for the case. The conference chair is accountable to the Director of Children's Services. |
5.12.2 | The chair must meet with the family, child and social worker prior to the conference to ensure they understand the purpose of the conference and how it will be conducted. |
5.12.3 | Where necessary, interpreters, etc. should be made available to facilitate family participation. |
5.12.4 | At the start of the conference the chair will:
- Set out the purpose of the conference;
- Confirm the agenda;
- Emphasise the need for confidentiality;
- Address equal opportunities issues e.g. specifying that racist, homophobic, religious hatred and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated;
- Clarify the contributions of those present, including supporters of the family.
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5.12.5 | During the conference the chair will ensure that:
- The conference maintains a focus on the welfare of the child(ren);
- Consideration is given to all the children in the household;
- All those present, including the parents and child(ren) if present, make a full contribution and that full consideration is given to the information they present. This may include the use of interpreters if English is not the first language of family members;
- Reports of those not present are made known to parties;
- The wishes and feelings of the child(ren) are clearly outlined;
- Issues of race, religion, language, class, gender, sexuality and disability are fully taken into account in the work of the conference;
- Appropriate arrangements are made to receive third party confidential information;
- All concerned are advised/reminded of the complaints procedure;
- Arrangements are made with the social worker for absent parents or carers to be informed of the decisions of conferences;
- A decision is made as to whether the child should become, remain or cease to be the subject of a Child Protection Plan.
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