Summary1. Refer by telephone or in person to Children’s Social Care 2. Confirm referral in writing within 48hrs |
Child protection referrals must be made as soon as abuse or neglect is suspected, by a telephone call to, or a meeting with, staff from Children’s Social Care and must be followed up in writing within 48 hours on the agreed multi agency referral form.
The person making the referral (who may actually be the child in question or a member of their family) should provide the following details, wherever possible:
- the child’s name, including any alternatives known
- the child’s date of birth and gender
- the child’s address, any previous addresses, and any possible alternatives known
- identity of those with parental responsibility;
- the child’s school/nursery if registered
- the current whereabouts of the child
- any other information about the child
- all other children in the household
- any special needs of the child or children;
- names and dates of birth of all household members
- ethnicity, first language and religion of the children and parents/carers;
- any need for an interpreter, signer or other communication aid;
- any significant/important recent or historical events/incidents in the child or family’s life;
- family members who may present a risk to the child or workers
- other adults who have regular care of the child
- the child’s GP
- referrer’s relationship and knowledge of child and parents/carers;
- the referrer’s own contact details in case of the need to make further enquiries
- known current or previous involvement of other agencies/professionals;
- information regarding parental knowledge of, and agreement to, the referral.
- Information about whether the parent agrees to information being shared
If a common assessment has previously been completed this should be provided to support the referral and subsequent assessment by Children’s Social Care but completion of a common assessment is not a pre-requisite to referral.
Children’s Social Care will ensure that a qualified worker is available to receive referrals at all times either through the social work service or outside normal working hours, through the Out of Hours Service.
At the end of the referral discussions, the referrer and Children’s Social Care should be clear about what action is proposed, who is going to be taking it, and when. All this should be recorded by Children’s Social Care and by the referrer (if a professional in another service).
