Review Child Protection Conference (RCPC) Report Guidance
This guidance supports professionals in preparing thorough, child-focused reports for Review Child Protection Conferences. All sections must be completed, including details of the child, parents, carers, and significant family members.
What’s Working Well Since the Last Conference?
- Describe how the child is currently being kept safe from harm.
- Highlight family strengths that positively impact the child’s wellbeing, even if they don’t directly relate to safety.
- Identify any improvements in parenting or home life that reduce risk and increase safety.
- Is the child protection plan progressing? What changes have occurred, and how have they been achieved?
- Has there been improvement in attending appointments or school? What are the benefits to the child?
- Are parents engaging in direct work? What changes in understanding or behaviour have you observed?
Your Involvement with the Family?
- What work have you done with the family during this review period?
- What is planned, and how have the child and family responded?
- When was your last contact, and how often are you seeing the family?
- Are the family and children engaging well?
- Are parents showing concern and motivation to change?
- What support is available from extended family or community?
What Are We Worried About?
- Describe any current harm the child is experiencing and its impact.
- What are the risks if no changes are made?
- If there is a lack of progress or understanding from parents, what support or adjustments have been offered?
- What does continued non-engagement mean for the child?
- Have missed health or education appointments been addressed? What is the impact?
- Have concerns been discussed with the family, and what was their response?
- What barriers are preventing change, and what support is needed?
Support Network?
- Outline the child and family’s wider support network—grandparents, extended family, friends, school staff, or voluntary agencies.
- Are these individuals or groups able to provide meaningful support?
Voice and Lived Experience of the Child
- Describe the child’s lived experience using observations and interactions.
- Never write “too young to comment”—use your professional judgement to assess the child’s environment and emotional state.
- Consider the parent-child bond, home environment, and whether it supports rest, play, and development.
- For older children, consider how home life affects sleep, learning, and emotional wellbeing.
- Has the report been shared with the child? What was their feedback?
- Ensure there are no surprises at the RCPC—discuss all concerns with the family beforehand.
Professional Analysis – So What?
- Provide a clear, evidence-based analysis of the situation.
- Do you believe the child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm? Why?
- Avoid vague statements—use critical analysis to explain the impact and risks to the child.
- If there are concerns about missed appointments or school absences, explain what has been discussed with parents and what reasonable adjustments have been considered.
- Detail the consequences of unmet health or educational needs, including potential neglect.
What Needs to Happen?
- What help and support does the family need to keep the child safe?
- What actions can you take as part of the child’s plan?
Views of the Family
- What are the views of the parents or carers?
- Make every effort to share your report with the family and include their feedback.
- Note whether they agree with the report or feel it does not reflect their situation accurately.