The difference we make

We have been driving improvement in child protection for 40 years by working with those in the field to influence policy and practice. We exist to help children by supporting the professionals who work with them. We provide access to research, quality and affordable CPD, and peer support to anyone working in child protection.

We are the only organisation specifically devoted to supporting child protection professionals and researchers in the field.

We’ve held over 170 events since 1986 and 10 Congress since 1991! That’s hundreds of delegates, speakers, and subjects, coming together in our name to learn, share and develop child protection practice.

Over the years we have consulted on various subject matters with among others, NICE, the College of Policing, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of Education and the government.

Testimonials

It is always fantastic to hear about the impact we have had on our members, delegates and trustees. We are proud to share some of your feedback to highlight the great work that we do and to promote the difference we really can make to professionals in the field of child protection.

The Child’s World: Good Assessment Practice in Challenging Times

In March 2019 over 100 students, practitioners and researchers gathered in York to hear from authors of the third edition of The Child’s Word, a “go to” for busy practitioners, to discuss particular challenges for assessment practice. The conference provided an opportunity to hear an overview of the latest developments as well as considering ways of applying learning to practice in these challenging times.

"The conference provided a wonderful opportunity, in addition to hearing the speakers, for delegates to network with colleagues from across the UK“

Read a delegate perspective of the event kindly supplied by Daphne Rose
(Designated Nurse, National Safeguarding Team, NHS Wales).

If you would like to share with us how we have had a positive impact on you as child protection professional then please share your feedback with us via email.

Latest

Have we over-complicated safeguarding and created a self-serving industry?

As a safeguarding manager I need to be assured and to provide assurance that we are getting it right, that we are equipping colleagues with the skills to ensure safeguarding is core to their practice, providing them with advice and support when they need it, and opportunity for supervision and reflection if required. And all of that, collectively, should mean we ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe in our care and when discharged home.
Disruptors and child protection training

In common parlance the term ‘disruptor’ can have a negative connotation, but forward-thinking innovators are changing our understanding of what this word means and the behavior it can be used to describe. ‘Disruptors’ are increasingly being seen as people or ideas that challenge the status quo and ultimately replace it with more effective and efficient ways of doing things.
Our language matters – Why we should stop using the term ‘Disclosure’ in child protection

As a former child abuse investigator from the Metropolitan Police, I am familiar with the word ‘disclosure’. The term is regularly used when receiving or providing a referral and I would often ask or be asked ‘Has the child made a disclosure?’.
Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews: Reflections from the first year of the National Panel

Join us for a seminar with Peter Sidebotham and Karen Manners, both members of the National Panel, where they will reflect on the first year’s work of the Panel and feedback on learning from the cases that have been notified, the rapid reviews submitted and the completed SCRs and CSPRs that have been received.

What we mean by "Child Protection"

Protecting children from the risk of harm is our core mission and what all our members work for, but there’s more to it than the narrow definition of “child protection”. We understand there are a range of factors involved in keeping children safe.
About us

The Association of Child Protection Professionals is a registered charity and membership association. We provide education and professional development opportunities for those working in child protection.
Join now

The Association of Child Protection Professionals is a charity which has been driving improvement in child protection for 40 years. We exist to help children by supporting the professionals who work with them. We provide access to research; quality and affordable CPD; and peer support to anyone working in child protection. Join the Association of Child Protection Professionals as a member today.
Leave a gift in your will

By remembering the Association of Child Protection Professionals in your Will, your gift will enable us to continue to support and work with child protection professionals towards a world in which all children can grow up in safety and security and without risk of being abused or neglected – now and for many years to come.
Who we help

We support anyone whose work is involved with protecting children or young people from harm. With backgrounds in social work, paediatrics, nursing, psychology, police, law, education, or research, our members and those we work with come from a wide range of disciplines. We help those who want to meet other like-minded professionals to share research, practice, and knowledge do just that.
Where we work

We are proud to support child protection research and practice across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The issue

The abuse and neglect of children is a huge and growing issue. We exist for those working in and researching child abuse and neglect. We provide access to the latest research, share best practice from the front line, provide affordable advanced practitioner CPD and training, and enable practitioners and researchers to connect as part of a national community working to support children and families.
Volunteering

There are many ways you can volunteer for the Association; if you are interested in donating your time or skills then please check our website regularly for current opportunities or contact the us at [email protected]
Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews: Reflections from the first year of the National Panel

Join us for a seminar with Peter Sidebotham and Karen Manners, both members of the National Panel, where they will reflect on the first year’s work of the Panel and feedback on learning from the cases that have been notified, the rapid reviews submitted and the completed SCRs and CSPRs that have been received.
Benefits of membership

We are the only organisation specifically devoted to supporting child protection professionals and researchers in the field. Join us to broaden your perspective, gain access to cutting edge research, and become part of a community sharing best practice for children.