When a child or young person is considered to be at risk of significant harm - such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect - Independent Safeguarding and Standards (ISS) is responsible for creating a plan to address that risk.
The initial conference
ISS will arrange and chair a conference which decides if the child is at significant risk. It is attended by:
- the family's social worker
- the parents
- the Children’s Service
- the police
- the child's doctor or healthcare professional
- a representative from the child's school
- the child (if they are old enough)
The parents may also invite one adult to attend, although that person cannot speak for the parents but can listen and observe.
If the conference decides there is significant risk, the child is placed on the child protection register and a plan is prepared.
After the conference
A copy of the child protection plan and the conference minutes are distributed within 10 working days.
A lead social worker is appointed, and a core group of professionals start to work with the family to finalise and implement the plan. Most children who have a plan continue to live at home, but occasionally the agencies at the conference will think it is too risky and consider having the child cared for by a member of their extended family, a foster family, or an alternative.
The plan stays in place until a review conference, arranged by ISS, decides it is no longer needed.
The child protection register
The ISS manager is the custodian of Jersey’s child protection register.
The register is never made public and is only accessed by authorised professionals.
If the child leaves Jersey, the register's information is shared with the relevant authorities where they are staying.
Concerns
If you have concerns about anything that has happened at a child protection conference, you should contact the chairperson at ISS.
You should be sent a feedback form following each child protection conference.
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