ABSTRACT
This chapter explores in more detail some of the lessons from research about how groups operate and look at some of the problems associated with working in core multi-agency groups. The principle of multi-agency working through child protection conferences is well established amongst agencies which have a child protection remit. Subsequent central government guidance advocated more structure surrounding the processes which followed on from an initial child protection conference and led to the establishment of multi-agency core groups, initially as a forum for parental participation in planning for children at risk and more recently as a vehicle for inter-agency communication and planning. The roles of social workers and health visitors were seen by many to have some overlap, again perhaps because they are the two professions which characteristically have most face-to-face contact with families. Core groups are identified at an initial child protection conference, often without any detailed discussions regarding membership, objectives or time scales.
