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The child protection system in the UK

NSPCC factsheet

April 2010

The child protection system in the UK (PDF, 229KB) is an introduction to the key elements of the child protection process.

This factsheet deals mainly with England, but reference is made to other UK jurisdictions, who have their own systems, legislation and procedures, which work in similar ways.

It does not cover the legislation that relates to preventing unsuitable adults from working with children, but aims to provide brief answers to the following questions:

• Who are the key agencies involved in child protection?
• What laws govern the child protection system in the UK?
• What is the relevance of Every Child Matters to child protection?
• What is the role of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) in child protection?
• How are child protection concerns reported?
• What happens after a referral?
• What is involved in an initial assessment?
• What is a ‘section 47’ enquiry?
• What is a core assessment?
• What are child protection conferences and why are they held?
• What is involved in care proceedings?
• What circumstances warrant a serious case review?
  

Download The child protection system in the UK (PDF, 229KB)

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Contact the NSPCC Information Service for further information on the child protection system in the UK or any other topic

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