The social worker is responsible for preparing family members for the conference.
As part of this preparation they should:
- inform the family about the purpose of the conference, the process that will be followed, the decisions that can be made and the complaints process;
- explain how a conference will run in terms of room layout, information on who will be present and the agenda;
- provide them with a copy of their assessment and give them an opportunity to make sense of the report and ask any questions related to its content; challenge points of accuracy and professional opinions;
- provide them with information as to who will attend conference and their role;
- clarify whether they require an interpreter and brief the interpreter;
- ensure they are aware of their rights and that they can bring a supporter who could be a solicitor;
- consider how best to secure the active participation of both parents and children through attendance at the conference unless it is detrimental to the welfare of the child;
- pay attention to identifying ways of promoting participation of family members where English is not the first language, they have a learning or physical disability that may impact on their ability to participate;
- help them prepare for the conference. For example, going over with them what they would like to say and if they are not going to attend, consider alternative ways in which their views can be presented;
- consider practical arrangements such as transport, child care.
It is important that practitioners recognise that the parent/s are likely to have a diverse range of feelings about the conference often linked to fear and anxiety. These might range from a sense of injustice, and anger to feelings of inadequacy, fear and trepidation. These feelings should be recognised and explored prior to conference. Practitioners can often allay many of these fears and anxieties but should never predict the outcome of the conference.