What Happens Next?

Stage 1 - Initial Assessment

If a referral is made, it will usually be dealt with within 24 hours, having collected some key information about the concern or allegation – if it appears that the concern or allegation is founded - a Social Worker in Children’s Services will be asked to start Initial Assessment which could take up to 10 days but may be completed very quickly (e.g. if it appears that a Child is seriously at risk)

If there are serious risks to a Child, it may be necessary to take immediate action to protect the child (ren) concerned, in the extreme, this can result in children being temporarily cared for by a Foster Carer.

Stage 2 – Strategy Discussion

If it looks like abuse has happened or might happen, the social workers and others, like teachers or the Police, will hold a meeting called a Strategy Discussion to decide whether a Child Protection Enquiry is necessary (see the next stage).

The purpose of a Strategy Discussion is to:

• Share information between the social worker, Police and other key agencies about the concern that has been raised;
• Decide whether there are sufficient concerns to warrant a Child Protection Enquiry (see below);
• Decide how the Child Protection Enquiry will be conducted e.g. whether the Child(ren) will be medically examined;
• Agree if the Child(ren) require immediate protection e.g. provided with temporary Foster Care;
• Decide what information can be shared with the Parent(s) – sometimes it is best to keep some information confidential i.e. if divulging it would place the Child(ren) at further risk.

Stage 3 – Child Protection Enquiry

If a Child Protection Enquiry is started, this will involve a Social Worker and the Police assessing the concerns or allegations. Parents, carers and the Children involved (if they are old enough) will be kept informed of what is happening and will have a say about what has been happening.

The enquiry includes the following:

• Collecting information from people who know the Child and his/her family - such as GP, Teachers, Nursery Staff, Youth Workers or Healthcare Professionals;
• Talking to the Child(ren) concerned, and other Children close to them;
• Interviewing the Parents/Carers;
• It may be necessary for the Child(ren) to see a doctor, if injuries require treatment and also to help explain them;
• If it looks like a crime has been committed, the Police will wish to formally interview those involved.

Stage 4: Initial Child Protection Conference

At the end of the Child Protection Enquiry, an Initial Child Protection Conference will be conducted, chaired by an Independent Manager.

In most circumstances, parents, carers and children (if old enough) will be invited to this meeting and will be able to have a say/contribute to the decisions that are made.

If it is felt that the Child(ren) are at risk of being harmed or abused in the future, a Child Protection Plan will be drawn up – the aim of this Plan will be to protect the Child(ren) from further harm. Everyone involved, including the parents, carers and Children and key agencies such as Children’s Services, Teachers, Healthcare workers, will play a part in making sure the Plan works.