9.1 Complaints about the Functioning of Child Protection Conferences and Escalation Policy Resolution Pathways

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This chapter outlines the procedure for parents / carers and children (if of sufficient age and understanding) who wish to complain about the process of a Child Protection Conferences or a Conference outcome.

AMENDMENT

In December 2024, minor amendments were made in line with local practice and terminology.

Complaints about the Functioning of Child Protection Conferences

Parents, carers, children and professionals or agency members may have concerns about which they wish to make representations or complaints, in respect of one or more of the following aspects of the functioning of Child Protection Conferences:

  • The process of the Conference;
  • The outcome, in terms of the child being subject of a Child Protection Plan;
  • Or a decision that the child should not be subject of a Child Protection Plan.

Complaints about individual agencies, their performance and provision (or non-provision) of services should be responded to in accordance with the relevant agency's complaints handling process.

Complaints about aspects of the functioning of Child Protection Conferences should be addressed to the Conference Chair and the Service Manager - Safeguarding of the Safeguarding Quality Assurance Service outside of the conference itself.

Where a complaint is not addressed to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant should refer to the Have your Say Complaints procedure.