4.06 Assessment of Need

 

4.6.1 On receipt of a referral suggesting that a child may be suffering from, or is at risk of significant harm in the future, the relevant Social Care team will need to take the following steps:-

• Clarify with the referrer (including family or concerned members of the public) the nature of the concerns, i.e. do they amount to concerns about abuse or neglect; how and why they have arisen; and what appear to be the needs of the child and family

• Speak to the child concerned within 24 hours of the allegation being made. If this timescale is not met, the reason for the failure must be recorded in the case file

• Make a judgement about the immediate safety of the child or children at the earliest opportunity.

• Make a decision about the next course of action within 24 hours. This decision would be taken following a discussion with the referring agency, looking at existing records, and involving other professionals and agencies (including the police) This decision is taken by the Service Manager of that team, or if they are not available, the Duty Manager.

4.6.2 The outcomes at this stage can be:-

• No Further Action – Inform the referrer if the decision is to take no further action of the reason why it has been made and inform the family that an enquiry has taken place and of its outcome. This should be done in writing. In exceptional circumstances this may not be appropriate. If this is the case, reason for not informing the family should be clearly recorded.

• Initial Assessment – Initiate an initial assessment under Section 17 of the Children Act if the judgement is that there are no child protection issues, but that the family may be in need of services.

• Child Protection Procedures – Initiate Child Protection Procedures.

4.6.3 Whatever the decision taken, it should be agreed by the Service Manager and recorded in writing, with the reasons for them. The referrer, if a professional, should be informed of the decision.