Difficulties in obtaining a specialist assessment for children involved in protection proceedings include different professional frames of reference and agency functions, individual influences and power differentials, communication and decision-making at child protection conferences, court proceedings, "sensitive costs," and resources. The discussion particularly notes difficulties associated with the multiagency nature of the child protection process. Possible solutions to the problems and difficulties are discussed under the following headings: structures and procedures, communication and role clarity, interpersonal relationships, the role of the key workers, consultation, and the responsiveness of specialists to referrer needs. The authors advocate a comprehensive strategy designed to improve the input of specialist services to child protection proceedings. This strategy uses a combination of structural, procedural, and interpersonal approaches. It advocates clarification of structures, roles, and procedures by using a network model; improving interpersonal relationships through training and increased informal contact; improving communication at child protection conferences; and increased consultation and service evaluation. 29 references