Bracknell

The safety of children and young people was the theme of a conference which brought together professionals from across Bracknell Forest.

The Bracknell conference, entitled 'Families - how adults and children's services can work together to safeguard children', was held at The Grange Hotel in Bracknell on Thursday, June 5. The event was organised by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

The event held a variety of workshops with topics such as:

* Learning from the national review of Serious Case Reviews.
* Managing allegations or 'concerns about suitability' about professionals or volunteers.
* Working together to support 'vulnerable adults' and their families.
* Managing substance misuse and domestic abuse and its impact on families.
* Supporting families with emotional health needs.

Keynote speakers included a fascinating introduction to a new approach to assessing and supporting families by Guy Shennon from the BRIEF in London. BRIEF is Europe's largest provider of training with professionals from the NHS, local authorities, education and private sector attending courses each year.

Agencies which attended the Bracknell conference included Children's Social Care, Adult's Social Care, police, Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, GPs, local schools and various voluntary organisations. More than 110 delegates attended this year's event.

Tony Eccleston, Social Care and Learning director, said: "The Bracknell Forest LSCB has an important role to play ensuring that all agencies and organisations delivering services to children and their families in the borough are committed to keeping children safe.

"With this in mind the annual LSCB conference brought together professionals and volunteers from a wide range of services to learn about the latest developments in safeguarding policy and practice. The conference had a specific focus on how to work with colleagues from a variety of disciplines to support families and minimise the risks to children's welfare."

Bracknell Forest Council