ABSTRACT
The chapter looks at the organizational framework of the public care system and the investigative process. The current framework consists of three principal structures: Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs); Child Protection Registers (CPRs); and Child Protection Conferences (CPCs). The ACPC has overall responsibility for coordinating current practice and developing, monitoring and reviewing child care policy within a particular area. The CPR is a central record of all children who are considered by a relevant agency to be at risk. The CPC commonly referred to as a 'case conference' is central to child protection procedures. A guardian ad litem (GAL) is normally an independent social worker selected from a panel established and administered by local authorities. The role of GALs is essentially proactive and protective. They are not supposed to be just advocates for the child in court but are expected to safeguard and represent the child's interests.
