What does a Child Protection Investigation Involve ?

The investigation of child abuse is a shared responsibility. It includes many agencies for example, Social Services, NSPCC, Police, Doctors, Nurses, Schools and the Probation Board. Each agency has agreed procedures which must be followed. These procedures are clearly set out in the Child Protection Policy and Procedures Handbook prepared by the Western Area Child Protection Committee.

The aim of the investigation is to decide what risk, if any, there is to the child/children. When an investigation takes place one or more of the professionals will arrange to see the parents in order to talk about the concerns and hear their views on the matter. This is usually a Social Worker. Sometimes the investigation will be a joint one involving a Social worker and Police Officer meeting with the family. They will also contact anyone else with parental responsibility and they will, of course, where appropriate, talk to the child/children.

Checks will be made with professionals who know the family well. Medical examinations may be needed. These require the consent of parents. The investigation has to be detailed in order to get as full a picture as possible about the family and to check all the information thoroughly in the interests of the child/children.

As far as possible parents are informed and consulted at every stage of the investigation. it is important that families are aware of the reasons for concern and understand the role of each of the agencies involved.

What happens if the investigation concludes there is no cause for concern ?

The Social Worker or Senior Social Worker will write to the family and tell them the outcome.

What happens if abuse is found ?

If it is considered that the child has been abused, arrangements have to be made to ensure that he/she is protected in the future. The Social Services and other professionals have to decide how best this can be achieved. They will consult with the family about this. It may be necessary to arrange an initial Child Protection Case Conference.

What is the purpose of a Medical Examination?

A child may need a medical examination. this may be needed to help in the investigation? More importantly it may be necessary to find out if any treatment is required. This examination could help ease anxiety on the part of the child and/or parents. The examination will be carried out by a Doctor who has had special training. Parents or someone who the child trusts may accompany the child to the medical examination.

Do parents have to agree to a medical examination?

The professionals involved are committed to working in partnership with families. They will, wherever possible, seek the views of parents and other family members at each stage of the child protection process. Parental consent to a medical examination will be sought. If the child is considered old enough to be able to understand and to act independently, his/her views will also be ascertained. During the investigation a child's interests must always come first. If a child is unwilling to undergo a medical examination or if it is considered to be too traumatic, it will not proceed. On the other hand if parents refuse to give permission and the Health & Social Services Trust thinks this is unreasonable, it may apply to Court for direction to interview or medically examine the child. When this happens, parents should seek legal advice.

Will children be taken away from their parents?

Many parents become worried and frightened that their children will be taken away from home. In most cases this does not happen. every effort is made to keep families together. The vast majority of children stay at home and are provided with appropriate services to help them and their families. Obviously parental agreement, co-operation and participation are very important. However, the safety and well-being of children must come first. If those at the Case Conference think a child is at serious risk at home, they may recommend that he/she be cared for by someone else. This can sometimes be the parents' agreement. At other times it may involve going to Court, which may still be with the agreement of parents. If this happens, parents and children depending on their age will be able to put their views to the Court. Families should seek legal representation to help them with the Court Hearing. The Case Conference doesn't make the final decision about going to Court. This is the Social Services' responsibility. This decision is never taken lightly. Cases are only taken to Court in exceptional circumstances always in the best interests of the child.

What is a Child Protection Case Conference?

This is a meeting of people who are concerned, in the course of their work, about the care of children. The conference is arranged by Social Services and the procedures identify the people who must be invited. Those invited to the Conference will include: Social Workers, Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Police, Education Welfare Staff and Probation Officers. The Case Conference is normally chaired by a senior member of Social Services staff.

Confidentiality

All professionals taking part in a Case Conference are bound by strict rules of confidentiality. They are not allowed to discuss the family's circumstances with anyone except people they work with who need to know.

What is the purpose of a Child Protection Case Conference?

The purpose of the Conference is: to share information, to identify problems the family may be experiencing, to assess the level of risk, if any, to child/children, to decide whether or not to place the child/children's name(s) on the Child Protection Register, to recommend the appropriate action to be taken for the protection of the child/ children.