What Happens Next

The local authority (Children’s Services) must take all reports (or Referrals) seriously.

This summarises the procedures that will be followed.



Stage 1 - Initial Assessment

All Referrals will be considered by a Social Worker in Children’s Services, and an Initial Assessment may be conducted.

It may be necessary to take immediate action to protect you or the child(ren) involved, in extreme circumstances. This can result in children being temporarily cared for by a Foster Carer. If this happens to you and your brothers and sisters, you’ll usually be cared for by the same foster carers.

See the Peterborough SCB Procedure re Initial Assessments.
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Stage 2 – Strategy Discussion

If it looks like abuse has happened or might happen, the social workers and others, like teachers or the Police, will hold a meeting called a Strategy Discussion to decide whether a Child Protection Enquiry is necessary (see the next stage).

See the Peterborough SCB Procedure re Strategy Discussions.
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Stage 3 – Child Protection Enquiry

If a Child Protection Enquiry is started, this will involve a Social Worker and the Police assessing the concerns or allegations, the Child(ren) and Parents will be involved in this process.

See the Peterborough SCB Procedure re Child Protection Enquiries.
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Stage 4: Initial Child Protection Conference

At the end of the Child Protection Enquiry, an Initial Child Protection Conference will be conducted, chaired by an Independent Manager. You might be invited to this meeting.

See the Peterborough SCB Procedure re Initial Child Protection Conference.

 


You have rights too...

You should be provided with information about what is happening, and given the chance to have your say and ask questions. Your children, if they are old enough and capable of understanding, should be kept informed and involved.

Only in exceptional circumstances should this right be withdrawn e.g. where involving you might increase the risk of harm to your child.

If you feel you haven’t been properly informed or involved, seek advice from a Solicitor, Peterborough Citizens Advice Bureau or you can make a Complaint (see Contact us);


Peterborough Citizens Advice Bureau
16-17 St Marks Street,
Peterborough
PE1 2TU

Telephone number:
0844 499 4120
01733 558383

 

More Information:

The Child Protection Conference leaflet- This leaflet gives detailed information on the process of a Child Protection Conference.

What Happens In a Child Protection Enquiry leaflet- Child protection information for parents and carers.