The decision as to whether an allegation is false should not be made without prior consultation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Whilst some behaviours reported or initially considered as allegations may not fall within the scope of these procedures, wholly falsified allegations by children are rare and may be an indicator of abuse from elsewhere which requires further exploration.
If an allegation made by a child does prove to be demonstrably false, the named senior manager should refer the matter to social care to determine whether the child is in need of services or might have been abused by someone else. If it is established that the allegation has been deliberately invented i.e. is malicious, the LADO should ask the police to consider what action may be appropriate.
During the initial consideration between the LADO or following an initial police enquiry or strategy meeting it may be concluded that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate an allegation. This decision, together with written confirmation, should be forwarded to the designated senior manager by the chair of the strategy discussion or designated police officer as appropriate, so that the designated senior manager can consider what further action, if any,may need to be taken.
The designated senior manager must ensure that all records are kept on the accused person’s confidential personnel file and a copy should be given to the person concerned.
These and any subsequent records are to be kept on file until the person reaches normal retirement age or for 10 years if that is longer. This is to enable accurate information to be given in response to any future request for a reference and to explain what took place if a future CRB check throws up police details of an allegation that was made that did not result in prosecution or conviction. It will also be relevant if further concerns are raised or allegations made in the future.
