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.

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 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 the child is in need of a Child Protection Plan. If the child becomes the subject of a Child Protection Plan, an action plan will be agreed and identified professionals will be given specific tasks and responsibilities towards the child.

Are children always taken away from home if they are the subject of a Child Protection Plan?

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 ever stop being the subject of a Child Protection Plan?

Yes. If the criteria for child planning protection is no longer met and all professionals agree the child is no longer at risk of significant harm, then the child will no longer need to be subject to a Child Protection Plan. Typically a child may be subject to a plan for about a year. Only in a few cases will they remain there for more than 2 years.