Most parents understandably feel very relieved if a review conference decides their child is no longer suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. But parents may still think it’s important to receive support or help to meet their child’s needs. Getting support is not dependent on a child being at risk of harm.
If the review conference decides the child is no longer at risk but does still need a social worker, a child in need plan will be made.
A child in need plan should set out what help will be offered to the family. It should set out what is expected of the parents or carers. But child in need support is voluntary. This means parents and carers can decide whether they think it will be helpful to take up that support. The social worker should give the parents or carers and child (where appropriate) an opportunity to contribute to the plan and to have a say in what extra help and support the family needs.
If a child doesn’t need a social worker but the parents or carers would like further support, there may be services available through Early help. Early help aims to provide extra support to prevent the child and family’s needs escalating. See our Early help page for more information about to access early help services.