What is our legal duty?
The Children Act 1989 places a duty on Social Services (and other agencies) to make enquiries into circumstances where they suspect that a child is at risk of 'significant harm' or is actually being harmed. We must assist with these enquiries and then take steps to ensure that the child is protected and supported.
In Northamptonshire (as in other areas of the country) all the agencies which have responsibilities for children's welfare are represented on a Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCBN), this is a legal requirement. The Board determines the child protection procedures and policies that all the agencies must follow in child protection cases (see Related Links below).
How do we investigate these concerns?
If an initial assessment by a social worker confirms that a child may be at risk or is suspected of being harmed there will be an investigation. If the allegation concerns sexual abuse, serious physical abuse or neglect the Police will also be involved.
This investigation may require interviewing the child, their parents or carer. If access to a child is refused legal orders (see Related Section Link below) can be obtained to allow this to happen.
A child will never be interviewed with the alleged perpetrator present the child should always be accompanied by a parent/teacher/friend.
After the investigation there may need to be a child protection case conference where the child's family and professional staff can share information and agree the best way to protect the child. It may be decided at this meeting to place the child's name on the Child Protection Register.
If the child's name is placed on the Child Protection Register a Protection Plan will be drawn up and specific professionals are given responsibilities towards the child. This core group of staff will meet regularly to review the child's needs with family members.
Are children always taken away from home if their name is on the Child Protection Register?
No. The majority of children remain living at home. Often the plan for protecting the child will involve keeping a child at home but with family members agreeing to work with professionals to achieve certain things.
If something has happened to reduce the risk to a child (for example if the alleged abuser has left the family home) the child may be left where they are.
Do children's names come off the Child Protection Register?
Yes. If the criteria for registering the child are no longer met because a child is not felt to be at risk then his/her name will be taken off the Register. Typically a child's name might remain there for about a year. Only in a few cases will they remain there for more than 2 years.
Related Section: