Attending a child protection conference – a paediatrician’s contribution

Safeguarding children is a core part of being a paediatrician. During their career they will see children, who may be abused or neglected, and will be asked to give their opinion and provide a medical report. They also have a duty to contribute to the multi-agency safeguarding process. This will require them to attend strategy discussions and child protection conferences in cases where medical opinion is critical to the decision making with regards to safeguarding those children. This review gives the readers an understanding of the process leading up to the child protection conference, who may attend and what to expect at the conference, and what outcome may be achieved. Lastly, how paediatricians could contribute and discharge their responsibility in this key area of child protection.