The core group is a task-focused group and members must work collaboratively for the child is on the register. The group is most likely to achieve this task if:
- it is functional, informal and practical - ideally it should not have more than six members (Firth, 1999 out of print);
- all participants understand their roles and responsibilities as core group members;
- the contributions of both practitioners from children’s and adult services are recognised and valued;
- members are not afraid to challenge other practitioners and/or the family;
- practitioners avoid professional jargon such as ‘demonstrates a disorganised attachment’ and presuming that everyone understands what initials stand for, such as ‘ICPC’ (initial child protection conference);
- the venue is neutral and meets the needs of the family. They should feel comfortable and should be able to access the venue easily. It is important not to make presumptions about an appropriate venue without actively consulting the family. For example, the child’s school may appear to be an obvious venue, but the child may not want this as it draws peers’ attention to their situation;
- meetings are held at a time which makes attendance easy for the family.
In the past few years increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of working in co-production with families. If this is to be achieved, practitioner members must be clear about their roles and responsibilities. This includes recognising:
- The difference between joint decision-making and lead agency, social services, accountability
- The role of each practitioner, whether from adult or children’s services, in supporting the family meet the needs of the child
- Differing perceptions of risk of significant harm and the implications for core group practice
- The importance of each practitioner actively engaging with parents and children
- Practitioners anxieties and concerns about parental conflict and aggression
- Joint responsibility for sharing chairing and minuting.
(Adapted from Safeguarding children: challenges to the effective operation of core groups Harlow, Elizabeth; Shardlow, Steven M. Child & Family Social Work, February 2006, Vol.11(1), pp.65-72)