ICPC Minutes

[Panny]

Is there a specified timescale of when parents/carers should receive the minutes from an ICPC?

[KatKat10]

Depending on the LA it can take months. Keep emailing them asking where the minutes are. I am still waiting for minutes from 4 months ago + other documents. LA's tend to outsource minutes to 3rd party providers.
KK10

[Panny]

Thanks. Do you know if there is actually legislation that specifies a timescale? I will certainly keep emailing them but can't hold them accountable if there's no specified time.

It's probably a good thing if the minutes are by a 3rd party. I don't know who it was at this ICPC but previous meetings have had social workers taking the minutes, which obviously resulted in them being complete nonsense.

[KatKat10]

Not sure if there is a time limit on when they should be prepared. If there is a delay, this does not look good on the LA if they go to court, you can also include this for any complaints you make to the LA.
KK10

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Panny

Thank you for your further post. I can appreciate that it must be frustrating to be kept waiting for minutes of a child protection meeting where decisions were made about your child and which will be very important for you to read. It is important that they are completed, signed by the Chair and distributed to you and the core group in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, legislation would not address this and government guidance (Working Together 2018) does not specify the arrangements or timescales for minutes.

However, your Local Safeguarding Children Partnership should have a policy setting out the expectations in this respect. You may be able to find this information by searching for online procedures in your area.

If you continue to struggle you should ask the social worker or the Chair to clarify this point and to provide you with a copy of the policy; they can also clarify that the minute-taker is not directly involved in your case, they are often an administrator from the safeguarding children partnership, but based in the local authority. It will always be the Chair’s responsibility to ‘sign off’ the minutes.

I hope this helps and that you receive the minutes or are informed when you will receive them very soon.

Best wishes

Suzie