Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

Children
Some older children may wish to attend a Case Conference and should be enabled to
do so but generally, younger children are likely to be overwhelmed by attendance and
their views should be represented by someone else.
In deciding whether it is appropriate for older children to attend, the following
considerations should be made by the Social Worker in consultation with the Team
Leader:
• The ability of the child to understand;
• The purpose of the child’s attendance i.e. a child should not be asked to give
information about alleged or suspected abuse in a Case Conference. This is
likely to cause discomfort and embarrassment, and may involve the child in a
serious conflict of loyalty, particularly if a parent is the alleged or suspected
perpetrator.
• There may be information to be shared which a child should not hear e.g.
information about parents;
• Although account should be taken of the child’s wishes about future action, the
child may not have freedom of choice about the action to be taken;
• Are there alternative ways for the child to express his/her view to the Case
Conference e.g. in writing, or through another adult of their choice, which would
be more appropriate?
If the above considerations have been made, and it has been ensured that the child is
fully aware of what attendance would involve, it is decided that the child’s attendance
is appropriate, consideration must be given to the timing of this, and to ensuring
adequate support to the child both before and afterwards.
Other Relatives
There may be other relatives who play a significant role in a child’s life, but who does
not have parental responsibility or full-time care of the child e.g. grandparents.
Usually it would only be appropriate for them to be invited to a Case Conference at the
parent’s request or with the parent’s agreement.
Enabling other Professionals to Prepare for Case Conference
All attendees will need an opportunity to prepare in advance for the Case Conference,
so that they can prepare the information which they will share, give consideration to
the implications of the involvement of family members and, if necessary, make
representation to the Case Conference Chairperson. The letter of invitation must
show clearly which family members have been invited to the Case Conference and
also whether they have been invited to stay for the whole of the Case Conference.
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