London Borough of Croydon

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Child protection

Introduction

You need to know when Children's Services and other organisations which help families are going to hold a special meeting about you.  This meeting is called a Child Protection Conference. A social worker from Children's Services should have explained to you what this means. It is hard to remember everything you are told, especially if you are upset.

What is a child protection conference?

A Child Protection Conference is a meeting at which people talk about your family and problems you may be having. The people at this meeting will decide whether or not you need a Child Protection Plan. They will also talk about the sort of help and support your family may need. .

Who will be at the conference?

There may be many people there, sometimes 10 or more. There will be some people you know such as parents, social worker, teacher and some people you may not know. Your social worker can explain to you exactly who will be at your conference.

Can I come?

The meeting is about you and we do want to know what you think. We normally invite children over 12 to the meeting. Even if you don't come, you should talk to your social worker about what you want to happen. The decision about whether you can come to the meeting will be made by your social worker and the person who is in charge of the meeting (called the chairperson) who will normally talk to your parents before they decide.

The chairperson will offer to talk to your family just before the meeting to explain what is going to happen, answer any questions you might have and bring you into the room. If you are not going to be at the meeting, you might want to write down or tape record what you want, and that can be read out or played.

You can also tell your social worker, or someone you trust who is going to be at the meeting, what you want them to say for you. Remember that this person will hear details about you and your family. Croydon also has an independent rights service for children, which will make sure the views of children and young people are included in service planning and will advocate on their behalf.

How long will the conference last?

Most of these meetings last between one and two hours. You might not want to stay for all of it, or the people at the meeting might decide that you should be there for only part of the time. Tell your social worker what you think should happen about this.

What will they talk about?

People will talk about you and your family and what has been happening. You might not like all the things they say and, if you say that you disagree, then your opinion will be listened to and written down.

Many children and young people worry that child protection conferences will decide that they should be taken away from home. In fact, nearly all children with a Child Protection Plan stay at home. A special court order is needed before a child or young person can be taken away from home.

Will they really listen to me?

Yes. What you say or write is very important. You will be listened to by those at the meeting and your opinions written down just like everybody else's.

However, the meeting may decide that they need to do things with which you don't agree.

What happens if I don't agree?

If you don't agree with what those at the meeting decide, say so. Afterwards, talk with your social worker. If you still don't agree you might want to make a complaint and your social worker can give you information about how to proceed. You might also want to talk with someone else about what has happened.

The telephone numbers below will let you talk to people who may be able to advise you.
Childline is a free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. You can also contact the NSPCC.  

Croydon supports a Children and Young People’s Rights Service called Rightfully Yours run by the charity NCH.  Call 0800 234 6275 or text 07725782114 for advice, they can also match you with an advocate – someone who can help you get your views across.

Contact Details

Contact name
Child Protection
Department
Croydon Children's Services
Telephone
0208 726 6400 (24 Hours)
Contact name
NSPCC - Kidzone
Telephone
0808 800 5000
Website
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/kidszone
Contact name
Childline
Telephone
0800 1111
Website
www.childline.org.uk
Contact name
Children's Legal Centre
Telephone
01206 873820
Contact name
NSPCC Child Protection
Telephone
0808 800 5000
Website
www.nspcc.org.uk

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