Information of Parent/Carers

The information on this page will help you as a parent or carer understand why social workers, the police, health staff or others are working with you and your family to help keep your child safe. It explains the actions which are taken by social workers, the police or others to investigate concerns raised about a child’s safety, care and protection as well as providing you with useful contacts.

 

Where families can get help

Agencies working with families recognise that caring for children can be demanding and stressful. However, children have a right to grow up in households where they feel safe, protected and well cared for.

If you would like further help or support on caring for your child, please speak to someone such as:

  • Health visitor or school nurse
  • Early Years Centre/nursery staff
  • Social worker
  • Education staff
  • GP

If you feel you or your child have not been treated fairly during the child protection process, you have the right to make a complaint. The social worker or another professional can advise you on how to do this or who to contact for further advice.

Social work has a duty to ensure that any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child are fully considered and that any support required is put in place.

Where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm and a crime may have been committed, Social Work and Police will jointly investigate.  They work with health staff and others to make sure that your child is safe and protected and ensure you get the help you need to do this.

At all times the safety and welfare of your child comes first.  Usually social work or Police will want to:

  • speak to your child
  • speak to you
  • speak to any other relevant person (for example, other family members, teacher, health visitor or school nurse)
  • make further enquiries if necessary
  • take further action if necessary (for example, arrange a medical examination for your child)

We know this could be a stressful time for you and it is important that you are clear about what is happening, and that you and your child’s views are listened to.

You will be given advice on the best way your child can be supported during this time.

Usually, social workers, police and a doctor will seek your child’s permission before any interview or medical examination is carried out dependent on their age and level of understanding.  In most cases your permission is also sought however, on occasions this might not be possible.  In these situations the reason your child was interviewed, or any other action taken without your knowledge or consent, will be fully explained to you.

A full written assessment of the risks, protective factors and needs of your child will always be completed.  Your views and your child’s views will be considered as part of this. This helps people to decide what needs to happen next. This could be:

  • no need for any further action
  • the offer of family support
  • arrangement of a meeting (called a child protection planning meeting) to decide whether further action to protect your child is required. You will get further information about this prior to any meeting and can bring a representative with you
  • arrangements made in partnership with you for your child to live with a family member or friend
  • referral of the concerns about your child to the Children’s Reporter
  • further legal action to protect your child
  • emergency measures in some circumstances to protect children where there are concerns about their immediate safety and no voluntary agreement can be reached

 

You will be told what decisions have been made and given additional information to help you understand what is happening and what is likely to happen next.

If you have any questions during this time, you should discuss this with the social worker.

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