Protection plans

[claireds]

How long can childrens services keep a child on a protection plan ???

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hello Claireds

Welcome to the parents’ discussion board and thank you for posting.

Once it has been decided (at an initial child protection conference) that a child should have a child protection plan, the plan remains in place until a decision is made (at a later conference) that it is no longer needed.

The first review conference must be held within 3 months of the initial child protection conference. After that, review conferences should be held at least every 6 months.

At each conference, the decision being made is whether the child remains at risk of significant harm. While ever it is assessed by the conference that the child is at continued risk, the plan will remain in place so this could continue for many months.

The purpose of a child protection plan is to reduce risk so that a child is no longer at risk of harm and the plan is no longer needed. If risks are not reducing over a long period of time (1 ½- 2years for example) children’s services would need to consider whether different steps need to be taken.

Do have a look at our advice sheet about child protection procedures for more detailed information or post back if you have any further questions.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes

Suzie
FRG Adviser