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The first Child Protection Review Conference must be held within 3 months of the Initial Child Protection Conference and any further reviews within 6 months of the last Conference, whilst a child remains subject of a Child Protection Plan. Where necessary, reviews should be brought forward to address changes in the child's circumstances.

The issues of membership and quorum for the Conference are the same as for the Initial Child Protection Conference (See The Initial Child Protection Conference Procedure)

The purposes of the Child Protection Review Conference are to:

• review whether the child is continuing to suffer, or is likely to suffer, significant harm and their health and developmental progress against planned outcomes set out in the Child Protection Plan,
• ensure that the child continues to be safeguarded from harm; and consider whether the Child Protection Plan should continue in place or should be changed . 

The child's wishes and feelings should be sought and taken into account during the reviewing process.

Each member of the Core Group has a responsibility to produce an individual agency report on the child and family for the Child Protection Review Conference.   Children's Social Care will provide a written report for the Review Conference, normally prepared by the Lead Social Worker, which should provide an overview of the work undertaken and an evaluation of the progress made in respect of the planned outcomes set out in the Child Protection Plan. The format should follow the Conference agenda.   (See Appendix 9.3, Child Protection Conference Agenda)

Any agency unable to attend should send their report to the lead social worker prior to the Core Group meeting and where possible, delegate attendance to a well briefed colleague.

The Child Protection Review Conference will consider whether the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, Significant Harm, and hence continues to require safeguarding from harm through adherence to a formal Child Protection Plan.  The same criteria should be used to reach a judgement on a Child Protection Plan as is used at the Initial Child Protection Conference.

If the child remains subject of a Child Protection Plan for 18 months, the Child Protection Review Conference should be chaired by a different Principal Officer.  This is to enable a fresh perspective on the Child Protection Plan and all available information.

End