Child Protection Plans

What is a Child Protection Plan?

Where a child is assessed as being at continuing risk of significant harm, a Child Protection Plan (CPP) will be put in place.

The plan:

• Sets out the risks to the child
• Identifies what needs to change to reduce those risks
• Details the actions required to safeguard the child
• Allocates responsibilities to specific agencies and practitioners
• Includes clear timescales and review arrangements

The plan is overseen through regular Core Group meetings and Review Child Protection Conferences.

What format does the plan take?

A Child Protection Plan is a formal, multi‑agency plan which:

• Is recorded in writing and shared with all relevant professionals
• Includes clear actions, ownership and timescales
• Is reviewed regularly to assess progress and impact

The plan must be specific, measurable and focused on improving the child’s lived experience.

Expectations from partner agencies

All partner agencies are expected to:

• Attend and contribute to Core Group meetings
• Complete agreed actions within timescales
• Share information promptly if risks change
• Maintain regular contact with the child and family, where appropriate
• Provide updates on progress and outcomes

Safeguarding remains a shared responsibility and agencies must work collaboratively to implement the plan.

How are decisions and plans communicated?

Following the conference:

• A written record of the meeting and decisions will be shared with all attendees
• The Child Protection Plan will be circulated to all relevant agencies
• Parents and carers will receive information about the outcome and plan
• The child will be informed in a way that is appropriate to their age and understanding

Communication must include:

• The outcome of the conference and rationale
• The identified risks and protective factors
• The agreed actions and responsibilities
• Timescales and review arrangements