Child protection plan

Also called CP plan, Section 47, Child protection conference

A plan where a child is judged at risk of significant harm. Serious, and the family is entitled to take part.

What it is

Where a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, it must make enquiries under section 47 of the Children Act 1989.

If an initial child protection conference decides the child is at continuing risk, the child becomes subject to a child protection plan under one of four categories: physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or neglect.

Where it applies

Children under 18. Schools are core group members and attend conferences.

How it works

An initial conference is held within 15 working days of the strategy discussion, with a review within three months and then at least every six.

Parents are normally invited and can bring a supporter or an advocate. Reports should be shared with them in advance.

A plan has a named social worker, a core group and specific actions.

What you can ask for

Ask for the reports before the conference. You are normally entitled to see what will be said about you in advance, and reading it cold in the room is not fair to anyone.

Ask to bring somebody. Family Rights Group provides advocacy information and you can bring a friend, a solicitor or an advocate.

Ask what specifically has to change for the plan to end, in writing. A plan whose exit conditions nobody can state is one that drifts.

Get legal advice. Free legal aid is available for parents in care proceedings, and advice earlier is better than advice later.

Where to get help

Family Rights Group's free advice line is the best national resource. A solicitor on the Law Society's Children Panel for anything approaching proceedings.