Factors affecting parental engagement in the child protection arena

Objective To identify factors that influence parental engagement in the child protection conference process in the UK Method Critical literature Review Results Through a process of critical review the researcher identified... [ view full abstract ]

Objective
To identify factors that influence parental engagement in the child protection conference process in the UK

Method
Critical literature Review

Results

Through a process of critical review the researcher identified that factors influencing parental engagement at child protection conference are complex and numerous and can be attributed across three overarching themes:
• Professional Determinants
• The Child Protection Conference process (environment)
• Parental features influencing engagement

Conclusions
The first distinct theme concerns the professional determinants that influence parental engagement, namely personal qualities, professional attributes and training needs of professionals.

The second theme identifies specifics related to the actual conference itself including use of parental advocates and the role of the independent chair.

The final theme concentrates on parental influences which include parental attitude to allegations, parental fear, specific parental demographics and the perceived decision making influence.

Research tells us that the child protection conference process continues to be a highly stressful and emotional encounter where parents can feel intimidated, frightened and in some cases unable to attend.

This research highlights that engagement is more likely when there is perceived to be a positive relationship between parents and workers, where parents feel that their opinion is valued, and where professionals have taken time to find out more about their story and life experiences.

Ultimately it demonstrates that parents are involuntary participants in the child protection conference process

In summary the expression of care and compassion by all those working with children and families is not complicated but may create an essential foundation with which to enable parents to positively engage in the child protection conference process.