Child Protection Conferences

Important information about new changes to the

local child protection conference arrangements

The Strengthening Families Framework for Child Protection Case Conferences is about to be implemented on the Isle of Wight in December of 2011.

We are fortunate to have Alec Parsons acting as the interim Child conference chair. Alec has successfully implemented the strengthening families approach to CP conferencing in Ealing.

Background:

Current research indicates that the present traditional model for conducting child protection conferences is effective at enabling the sharing of professional information in relation to risk but tends to focus on the negative aspects of family life and is often more problem focused rather than solution focused. Feedback from families and professionals suggests that participants often experience the conventional conference arrangements as intimidating and punitive.

The new Strengthening Families Model:

This was originally developed in the U.K. by West Berkshire Council and currently being implemented by a number of local authorities across England.

The main aim of using the new model in child protection conferences is to establish a partnership between families and professionals so that they will cooperate and work towards mutually agreed goals. Families attending conferences should feel respected, listened to and actively involved.

We are now taking bookings for professionals from all agencies likely to be involved in child protection conferencing to attend a 30 minute workshop in applying the new model. These workshops are already running (see timetable attached).

To book your place on this training please contact eileen.connolly@iow.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Times for strengthening families workshops

Start / Finish Time
Monday 21-11-11

9.30am - 10.00am

10.15am - 10.45am

11.00am - 11.30am

11.45am - 12.15pm

Tuesday 22-11-11

11.30am - 12.00pm

12.15pm - 12.45pm

1.00pm - 1.30pm

1.45pm - 2.15pm

Wednesday 23-11-11

1.30pm - 2.00pm

2.15pm - 2.45pm

3.00pm - 3.30pm

3.45pm - 4.15pm

Thursday 24-11-11