---

---

What to do if you're worried about a child

All individuals working with children have a duty and responsibility to report any allegations and concerns of a child protection nature, which come to their attention.

This section sets out the processes in making a referral if there are concerns and the initial actions of Children's Social Care.

Unclear Situations

If it is unclear as to the level of concerns and to whether a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, discussions should be held with your agency child protection advisor and with the local Children's Social Care Service Manager. If the Service Manager is unavailable, contact the Senior Practitioner or Duty Social Worker.

Seeking advice is an essential part of working together and should be encouraged at all times.

Talking to Parents/Carers

In the vast majority of cases it is good practice to be open and honest at the outset with parents/carers about concerns, the need for a referral, information sharing between agencies and the accompanying need for a Child Protection Register check. Research shows that being open with parents/carers from the onset results in better protection for the child.

All reasonable efforts should be made to inform parents/carers of the referral beforehand. However, an inability to inform parents/carers should not prevent a referral being made. Consideration should be given to not informing them when a child expresses a wish that their parents are not informed at this stage.

There are cases where it would not usually be good practice to discuss concerns with parents/carers before referral. In these cases, who discusses the concerns with the parents, when and with whom should be agreed in advance with Children's Social Care and/or the Police. Concerns must not usually be discussed with parents/carers before referral in the following circumstances:

1. Where discussion would put a child at risk of significant harm
2. Where discussion would impede a Police investigation or social work enquiry
3. Where sexual abuse is suspected
4. Where organised or multiple abuse is suspected
5. Where the fabrication of an illness is suspected
6. Where to contact parents/carers would place you or others at risk
7. Where it is not possible to contact parents/carers without causing undue delay in making the referral

A reasoned judgement must be made in each case.

Reporting Concerns

If there are concerns that the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm then a referral should be made immediately. Urgent referrals should be made by telephone. A written referral is still required and should be completed and submitted within 48 hours.

Professional staff should contact Children's Social Care through the Customer Relation Unit or the Emergency Duty Team. The referrer should:

1. Clearly identify themselves, their agency and give details of where they can be contacted that day.
2. Give as much basic family information as possible, clearly stating the name of the child, the parents/carers and any other children known to be in the household, the dates of birth and addresses and any previous addresses known.
3. Give details of any special needs or communication needs of either the child or any family member.
4. State why they feel the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.
5. Share their knowledge and involvement of the child(ren) and family.
6. Share their knowledge of any other agency involved.
7. Indicate the child’s, parent’s/carer’s knowledge of the referral and their expectations.
8. Ensure they record within their own agency files their concerns and actions.
9. Follow the referral up in writing.

The referrer is entitled to:

• Receive an explanation from the Children's Social Care representative of what will happen next.
• Be given the name of a contact person within Children's Social Care who will be dealing with the referral.
• Receive information on the outcome of the referral within seven days

Children's Social Care Customer Relation Unit

Click here to read the Dfes updated What To Do If You're Worried A Child is Being Abused

Click here to read the Summary of What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused