Working Together 5.86

Before a conference is held, the purpose of a conference, who will attend, and the way in which it will operate, should always be explained to a child of sufficient age and understanding, and to the parents and involved family members. Where the child/family members do not speak English well enough to understand the discussions and express their views, an interpreter should be used. The parents (including absent parents) should normally be invited to attend the conference and helped to participate fully. Children’s social care staff should give parents information about local advice and advocacy agencies, and explain that they may bring an advocate, friend or supporter. The child, subject to consideration about age and understanding, should be invited to attend, and to bring an advocate, friend or supporter if s/he wishes. Where the child’s attendance is neither desired by him/her nor appropriate, the LA children’s social care professional who is working most closely with the child should ascertain what his/her wishes and feelings are, and make these known to the conference.