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When someone tells social services or the police that they think a child or young person is being abused or neglected, social services must investigate the situation. They are legally bound to do so, by the Children Act 1989, section 47. This is known as a child protection enquiry.
Initially, social services will contact professional agencies that know the family. For example, a health visitor, headteacher or family doctor. They will ask the family's permission before they do this, unless asking the family would put the child at more risk. If this is likely, social services can ask professional agencies about the family without its consent.
A specially trained social worker and /or police officer usually make these enquiries. It's their job to find out more about the family and about the allegations made. If they then decide that the child has not been harmed and is not at any risk of harm, no further action will be taken.
The social worker and /or police officer will contact the family again to gather more information. This may involve asking the family a lot of questions.
They will ask to see the child and to speak to them alone if they are old enough. The parents may be asked to give their permission for this interview with the child to be videoed.
The child may need to be examined by a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in treating children). This will be to find out whether the child has been physically harmed in any way or has other medical needs. The parents will be asked to give their permission. If the child is "of an age of understanding" (able to understand what is happening and give informed consent) they will be asked to give their permission as well. If it is vital that the child is examined but the parents refuse, then a court order may be sought so that the examination can take place.
Social services and /or the police will bring an interpreter with them, so that they understand the family's cultural background and make fully informed decisions about the situation.
If you are the parent or carer of the child(ren) you will be kept informed about what's happening at each stage of the inquiry.
If you are the person who reported the possible abuse, it is unlikely that social services will be able to tell you about their work with the child or family, for reasons of confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
But if you are worried that your concerns have not been investigated, or you disagree with a decision made, contact the social services office undertaking the enquiry and ask for the name of the team manager responsible for the case. Tell them why you are unhappy and repeat your concerns. You should receive a written reply from the department.
If you are still dissatisfied, or don't want to contact social services directly, write to the complaints department of the local authority that is conducting the enquiry. The contact details are available from your local town hall.
For further information on how to complain, contact CARELINE on 020 8875 0500 and request a copy of their leaflet Your Right to Complain .
If the child is in severe danger the most important priority is to make them safe. So if a particular adult presents that danger, the adult may be asked to move out of the family home voluntarily or stay away while the enquiry takes place.
If they will not move out then social services can apply for an emergency protection court order. This would enable the child to live away from home until it was safe for them to return.
If the situation is extremely urgent the police can remove the child into police protection for up to 72 hours. The police have to tell the parents why and where they are taking the child.
Wherever possible, social services and /or the police do their best to work with the family to make it safe for the child to stay at home.
People who are involved in a child protection inquiry often feel anxious, which can then come out as anger or distress. Try to keep calm and to co-operate as much as you can. Here are some things to remember:
If the child has not been harmed in any way and it has been decided that he or she is not at risk, the enquiry ends there. The family will be told this as soon as possible and should receive confirmation in writing. If the child has been harmed or is at risk of harm, a child protection case conference will be arranged. What has been found out during the enquiry will be discussed at the conference and a protection plan will be drawn up for the child's safety.
Yes. During the enquiry the social worker (and police if they have been involved) will have written down what happened and what everyone said. There will be confidential files, either written or on computer, which the family has a right to see.
Ask about the social services' "open files policy". The policy explains how to gain access to information held about you. You will not be able to see information that relates to other people unless they have given social services their permission. If you want to see information about your child, the social services department will allow this if they think it is in the child's best interest.
NSPCC Helpline
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Email: Helpline@nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC Asian Helpline
Bengali 0800 096 7714
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NSPCC Cymru/Wales Helpline
Freephone: 0808 100 2524.
Email: helplinecymru@nspcc.org.uk in English or Welsh.
Textphone: Freephone 0808 100 1033. This is for people with hearing difficulties.
Fax: 01248 361085
Family Rights Group
Freephone 0800 731 1696
Monday - Friday 1.30pm-3.30pm
www.frg.org.uk
Advice service and helpline for parents and carers who have children in care or who are in contact with Social Services.
Children's Legal Centre
01206 873 820
Monday - Friday 10am-12.30pm, 2pm- 4.30pm
www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children.
Local Citizens Advice Bureau
Contact details of your local CAB are in the phone book or at www.nacab.org.uk.
Parentlineplus
Freephone 0808 800 2222
24-hour helpline
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Family law solicitors
Details can be found in the phone book or Yellow Pages.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.