Practitioner receives initiation to multi-agency meeting and confirms whether able to attend.
For strategy discussions only
These are held very quickly under child protection procedures after concerns about a child are identified.
Practitioners may be asked to participate by sharing relevant information on the child and other relevant family members / carers known to the practitioner with the social worker by telephone.
In some cases, practitioners will be asked to attend a formal meeting and should make every effort to do so. If they are unable to attend, they should ensure the social worker is provided with relevant information on the child and other relevant family members or carers.
Practitioners who are unclear which information to share on a child, their family or carers can contact a named nurse for child protection for advice.
For other multi-agency meetings, including child protection conferences. practitioners will be formally invited to the meeting, this is usually in writing.
Practitioners should make every effort to attend. If they are unable to do so, they must complete a report. A report must also be completed if the practitioner will attend. This must be shared with the family prior to the meeting.
For child protection conferences, the agreed multi-agency format should be used:
For child in need meetings, the agreed child in need report format should be used:
If you need assistance in preparing for the meeting or would like to discuss what will happen at the meeting, contact a named nurse for child protection who will be able to advise you.
What happens at the meeting?
Detailed guidance and procedures for child protection conferences can be found in the Kent and Medway safeguarding children procedures.
You will be asked to provide information from your report.
If you would like to discuss what will happen at the meeting, contact a Named Nurse for Child Protection.
You will need to record brief notes during the meeting using the outcome form.
What happens after the meeting?
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You need to complete your records
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You should receive minutes from child protection conferences and child in need meetings
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If you do not receive a copy you should request them from social services
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Check the minutes carefully and clarify any discrepancies in writing to the chair as soon as possible
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Child protection conference minutes will indicate the date of the review meeting, if you will be providing ongoing care, you should note the date of the review conference and prepare a report in advance of this date. This should be shared with the family.
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If you do not agree with the outcome of the meeting you must discuss your concerns with a named nurse for child protection.
