The Police should be informed of any case in which a criminal offence may have been committed.
If the allegation is not patently unfounded and there is cause to suspect that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm the LADO should advise that an immediate referral is made through the Contact Centre to Children’s Social Care. A strategy discussion should then be held.
If the significant harm threshold is not reached, but a police investigation might be needed, the LADO should inform the police immediately and initiate an initial discussion with the Police, employer and other agencies involved with the child to evaluate the complaint/allegation and decide how the case should proceed.
The LADO and the designated senior manager should discuss and agree what action is appropriate in all cases where it is clear at the outset or decided by a strategy discussion that investigations by the police or enquiries by children’s social care are not necessary.
If the allegation is patently and demonstrably unfounded the LADO and Senior Manager will agree, and record how their decision was reached, for no further action to be taken
A strategy discussion or initial evaluation may take the form of several phone discussions which should be recorded.
