Child protection inquiries explained
When someone contacts us with concerns about a child we start our child protection inquiry process.
Children and young people have the right to feel safe and well cared for and when a concern is raised we and/or the police have a responsibility to investigate.
What we do
We'll arrange to assess the child or young person's situation. The assessment will also involve speaking to their parents or carers. We may also speak to other people like other family members, teachers or health visitors.
We will always:
- clearly explain to the child or young person what is happening
- clearly explain to the parents and carers what is happening
- carefully listen to everyone involved
- note everyone's views
- offer help and support through the process
- make it clear how to contact the allocated social worker
Wherever possible we will always inform everyone involved of what's going on, their rights, and offer support and advice.
What happens next
Our aim is to keep a child or young person safe. After our assessment we may:
- take immediate action to keep them safe
- call a child protection case conference to discuss what needs to be done
- offer support and advice to the family
- provide a service to the child or the family either from us or another agency
- investigate any criminal behaviour
- no further action required by social work services
Contact us to make a comment or complaint about a child protection inquiry.
