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Worried about a child

This page provides basic guidance about who to call when you have a concern....

Points to consider when making a referral

It will help if you consider:

  • why you think it is necessary to discuss the matter with social work services
  • what information you can give them about the child's world
  • what the child is receiving to grow and develop,
  • what the child needs from the people who look after him or her
  • what this child needs from their wider world
  • how you will remain involved with the family
  • what you want the Children and Maternity Services' social worker to do.

  • It is important that you make your referral as soon as you are aware that this is the best course of action.

Avoid "how" and "why" questions.

 
To establsih 
WhatWhat happened?
Where 
Who 
When 

 

  • the purpose or reasons for the particular conference and the tasks of the conference,
  • introductions, apologies, confidentiality, explanation of extent of each agencies role with the family,
  • circulation of reports,
  • details of the events leading up to the child protection conference,
  • information from the initial inquiry and any assessment to date,
  • background information from all agencies, including past and present involvement,
  • the views of children and family members,
  • an analysis of the implications of all the information shared for the child's future safety, health and development . This should be considered alongside the domains in the My World Triangle.
  • consideration of the risks of harm if the child's care remains the same and explicit recommendations for how the risks can be managed,
  • a summary of all the main information provided by the chair
  • consideration of the need for legal advice
  • consideration of the need to make a referral to the Children's Convenor

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