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The NSPCC is the only charity with the statutory power to undertake child abuse investigations and can be called upon by the police and local authorities to assist them.
The NSPCC's Independent Enquiry and Assessment Service (IEAS) is a network of ten teams of child protection social workers across England and Wales. These teams make independent child protection enquires into allegations of abuse. Some of these cases may involve organised networks of sex offenders, which could have thousands of members.
The service can assist the police in determining whether there is enough evidence to secure a criminal conviction against the alleged abuser. NSPCC social workers can also appear as expert-witnesses in court or if children are subject to care proceedings.
Why is there a need for independence in child abuse investigations?
In some circumstances it is essential that an independent child protection agency with no affiliation to the police or local authority assists with the enquiry into abuse allegations. This may be due to a local authority's ability to investigate a case being compromised; an example would be if a mother who is a drug addict refuses to deal with the local authority because her children have been taken into care. The NSPCC may then be brought in to give an independent view on whether the mother can safely parent her children.
The NSPCC may also be called in where there is a conflict of interest such as an allegation has been made against a professional in a position of trust. This could be a member of staff at a children's home having an accusation of sexual abuse made against them. As part of the enquiry the NSPCC would ensure that the child could speak to an adult, independent of the children's home, who would then act as an advocate on their behalf.
How is a risk assessment carried out?
The risk assessment determines how vulnerable a child's situation is and whether they are at risk of further abuse. The assessment will include observing the child's behaviour and observing their interaction with their family.
Following the initial risk assessment the IEAS can recommend whether subsequent action should be taken. For example, that a child is placed on the child protection register and whether they can safely remain with their parent or carer. If the latter is not possible, the IEAS will work with other child protection agencies, such as the police and local authorities, to identify what support the child and their family need.
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.