Where a child is not considered to be a possible child in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 the practitioner should consider what other types of services, including possibly a common assessment, should be offered. If it is agreed that the child may be a child in need under the Children Act 1989 (see paragraph 1.25), then a referral to children’s social care should be discussed with the child and parents. If they consent, then the child should be referred to local authority children’s social care and the processes set out in this chapter followed. If the child is believed or suspected to be suffering significant harm a referral should always be made to children’s social care (see paragraph 5.17 below). If concerns arise about a child who is already known to local authority children’s social care the allocated social worker should be informed immediately of these concerns.
