Solicitors representing parents
Parents, who have been invited to attend an Initial or Review Child Protection Conference, may bring an advocate, friend, or supporter, who may be their Solicitor, to assist them in the meeting. The role of such a person is to help the parent understand the process of the Conference and the concerns being expressed for the child. It is hoped that the solicitor will have discussed the situation with the parent prior to the conference and will help the parent to contribute to the meeting. Solicitors acting in this role are encouraged to read "Working Together to Safeguard Children" as amended in 2006 and to refer to the Law Society Guidance.
A copy of the letter and attached guidance to be sent to parents represented by a solicitor, who intend to ask the solicitor to fulfill the role of advocate, supporter, or friend is included in the document library of these procedures.