Parental participation at child protection case conferences: An evaluation of practice in north and west belfast

Parental participation at child protection case conferences is still a relatively new and contentious phenomenon. In January 1994 a strategy for this process was implemented in North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust and this research was undertaken in order to monitor and evaluate this new way of working.

Structured interviews were carried out with twenty-two parents and a postal questionnaire was sent to six main professional groups (field social workers, non-field social workers, police, doctors, teachers, and community nurses). The questionnaire achieved a response rate of 68% (i.e. 108 returned out of 160).

The results indicate that a positive start has been made to the participation of parents at case conferences and that this was generally welcomed by parents and professionals. Parents do not appear to be “emotionally damaged” by participation and the results indicate that they have a clearer understanding of concerns and a greater commitment to plans as a result of attending. Parental participation also does not appear to affect the focus and purpose of case conferences and indeed, professionals mainly found the presence of parents helpful to conferences.

The research highlighted deficiencies in the preparation of parents, a general feeling of inhibition amongst professionals, and a divergence in the views of parents and professionals as to whether or not participation should be full or partial. A number of conclusions for policy and practice are reached in light of die findings.