In response to a number of requests the King's Fund College and the National Institute of Social Work hosted a forum day for senior managers, professionals and policy members for statutory and voluntary services. The intention was to provide a briefing on the thinking behind the report of the Butler Sloss Inquiry team and an opportunity to identify and debate courses of action to improve the quality and effectiveness of child protection systems. This report provides commentary on the presentation of John Chant and records the main points made by participants during discussions in small groups, the plenary sessions and submitted in writing at the end of the proceedings. Suggestions for action came throughout the day and clearly, progress is being made on many of the issues identified; section III closes with an indication of the potential future contributions available from the College and the Institute.