Family Rights Group | Parents’ Forum

My grandson is on a child protection plan he has come to live with us his grandparents I have asked social services to remove the plan on the basis the child protection plan is serving no purpose he is not at significant harm now he is living with us his grandparents after much debate social services said " Unfortunately, I do not have the power or ability to end a child protection plan- a review conference is the vehicle to reconsider the level of risk and that is what I have requested. "
What can I expect from the conference meeting will this conference be used against me by placing my grandson in the local authority care and then remove him from the safety of my home will I be allowed to video the meeting it would also be helpful to know how top proceed and what to say at the meeting

Dear tanker7,

At the child protection review conference, the Chair will ask all attendees to give their views on the what they think is going well and what their concerns are. At the end of the conference, each attendee will be asked to scale what they think the level of risk posed to the child is on a scale of 1-10. At the end of the conference, the Chair will decide whether the child is still experiencing significant harm or is at risk of significant harm - if they think that this is the case, the child will remain subject to the child protection plan. If they do not think this is the case, a child in need plan may be recommended or the case closed.

As you are caring for your grandson, it is likely that you will be invited to the conference. Prior to the conference, it is important that you read a copy of the social worker's report so that you understand what children's services position is. If there is anything you disagree with, you can discuss this with the social worker prior to the conference. I would advise that you note down prior to the conference anything you would like to say, such as the reasons why you think your grandson no longer needs to be subject to the child protection plan. Be mindful to note what strengths and measures are in place to address the local authority's concerns.

Minutes of the conference will be taken and disseminated to all those in attendance. If you would like to record the conference, it is important you ask the Chair for permission in a timely matter. The Chair will likely escalate this request and it will be dealt with in line with the local authority's policies and data protection laws.

The local authority can only take your grandson into care if they have the consent of his parents with parental responsibility or if they apply to the courts for an order which gives them shared parental responsibility. For them to do this, they would have to have significant concerns about the safety of the child.

I hope you have found this helpful.

Best wishes,

Suzie.