Going to a case conference: the medical contribution

Abstract

Before considering in detail the role and contribution of the doctor at a child protection conference it is useful to review, briefly, the stages which precede the convening of a conference. Once concern about possible abuse has been referred to the appropriate statutory agency, usually the social services department, a decision is made about investigation unless urgent action is required to protect a child. At this stage the preferred option is to hold a strategy discussion which serves to inform the investigation process. A strategy discussion usually involves at the very least the police, social services and the referrer. When a medical consultation is requested, it may be met by the family practitioner or paediatrician depending upon the circumstances. An initial child protection conference is convened following investigation. The criteria used to decide whether to call a conference vary considerably but once the decision is made the conference is expected to take place within eight working days of referral although research suggests longer periods are usually involved. Approximately a quarter of referrals lead to a conference. 1 The conference brings together all those directly concerned with the care and protection of the child. It provides an opportunity to share and evaluate information, to decide whether the child's name should be entered onto the child protection register and, if so, to make a plan for the future and to appoint a key worker, in short how best to protect a child. It is not a forum whereby a decision is made that a particular