Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

his or his wishes and feelings and give due consideration to them,
having regard to his or her age and understanding.
4.8.2 Consideration should always be given to whether it is appropriate for
children and young people to attend Case Conferences and Review
Case Conferences. The Chairperson should discuss the
appropriateness of their attendance either at all or part of the Case
Conference. Consideration should be given to the child/young
person’s level of understanding and the child/young person’s best
interests. If it is felt appropriate children/young people should be
actively encouraged to attend by the key worker.
4.8.3 Where the child/young person is attending the Case Conference the
key worker should explain who will be in attendance and the purpose
and format of the meeting. The child/young person should be
advised that if they wish they can bring an adult representative to
support them, someone they feel comfortable with e.g. a Who
Cares? Worker.
4.8.4 It the child/young person does not wish to participate in the Case
Conference the key worker where appropriate should ascertain the
views and wishes of the child/young person and represent these at
the Case Conference. If the child/young person does participate in
the Case Conference a copy of the minute should be given to the
child/young person unless it is considered not to be in their best
interests. Where the child does not participate the Chairperson will
decide who should meet with the child/young person to explain the
outcome.
4.9 Dissent
4.9.1 The Chairperson of a child protection conference has the
responsibility to identify underlying conflicts of information or opinion ,
to highlight them and ensure that they are discussed and resolved
where possible. If dissent persists, it must not be allowed to
prejudice any child’s safety and welfare, which must remain the
paramount consideration. The chairperson must ensure that the
precise nature of the dissent is recorded. The Service Unit Manager
must bring dissent to the attention of the Principal Officer
immediately and agree a course of action.
4.9.2 The Principal Officer should respond to the dissenting person in
writing within 28 days.
4.9.3 Appeals against registration by a child/young person or a parent
4.9.3.1 A parent or young person may record dissent in relation to
particular decision and this will be responded to as outlined
in the section on dissent.
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