ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the key components that should be considered when developing post-registration policies and procedures. It explores ways in which explicit guidance could result in greater clarification regarding the tasks and the ways in which these should be managed, for professionals, children and families. Local arrangements will determine whether parents and/or children are eligible to attend the conference and the core group meetings. Family participation is important as 75–80 per cent of children placed on the child protection register remain at home with at least one parent with no statutory order in force. The child protection procedures should set out clearly the frequency with which core groups should meet, so as to discharge their delegated responsibilities. Issues can also arise regarding the time scale for circulating case conference minutes. The relationship between the conference and the core group needs to be made explicit and clear.
