We were on a Child Protection Plan for 12 months last year, nothing really came of it and the case was closed in December 24. There was some risks around myself as I had been through a criminal hearing with allegations against me over my stepdaughter at the time but this was 22 years ago and I was found NG.
I have a new wife been together 19 years and have an 11 year old daughter who has Autism and other complex needs. Social Care were involved and because of my past they said I had never had an investigation done they said it was their fault as they had missed opportunities to do and they didn't. my daughter then 10 had to go for a Medical Check and she really kicked off around professionals when we got there but she's been like this since she was little so it's nothing new and documented on her medical records.
In any event she refused to be seen and the DR decided the way she was behaving showed signs of being sexually abused or some other reasons. Because I had a past history of allegations I was asked to leave the house as a potential abuser even though no allegations had come my way. They wanted my daughter to go for a SERC medical but the SW present said if she won't be seen for a general checkup then she will refuse a Serc medical and we also have to respect her wishes unless she makes a deceleration.
2 SW came to see her a few days later and had a conversation with her she was really angry at them and proceeded to tell them I hadn't don't anything to her and she knows about that stuff and who to tell if someone did something. The Social Worker was happy that she appeared to be competent enough to understand what she was saying and investigation took place and I was allowed to return home some months later.
All was well until June this year when our daughter now 11 started to decline again, She started to refuse food and shower herself despite repeated attempts by ourselves to help her but unless we get psychical with her she has been refusing. We know its down to a massive flair up of her sensory issues and water touching her skin but she's not washed herself for 3 months.
With the food she's becoming really thin it was a concern enough that I contacted the GP worried and I also contacted Social Care again.
This clearly triggered them and we wanted our daughter to get looked at in a CAT unit at our local hospital because she's so violent around professionals and uncooperative we discussed with the GP that they might have to sedate her or make her drowsy to take simple things like blood and blood pressure. There might be an underlying condition. The GP said the cat unit refused to take her sighting not an emergency but then all of a sudden the SW has decided a child protection medical again.
It's a different SW and manager this time and we are due to go down on Tuesday this week 30 September. She's already said I'm not going because of what they did to me last time and I won't lie I'm worried they are going to go down the allegation route again even though nothing is different from last time other than our daughter neglecting herself again and needs a proper assessment .
Can the DR's go down the same route again of allegations even if she says all the same stuff again and trigger a new investigation? so I have to leave again as we feel like they'll try this again and how does it work if nothing has changed no new evidence.
I might just be jumping the gun again but we want to prepare ourselves as we don't trust them as we know and have told SS that you know she won't consent to any investigations she'll just scream and kick off at them. She's already said I know my rights to say NO if I don't want them to do anything.
Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Hi there,
I've just read your post. Your fear that they are about to repeat the same traumatic and unjust process is completely understandable and, based on your experience, entirely rational. It is a terrifying position to be in.
But before we get into a plan, you need to hold on to one critical fact: this entire situation was triggered because you acted as a responsible and protective father. You identified a health crisis with your daughter and you reached out to professionals for help. This is not a point of weakness; it is your greatest strength and your most powerful piece of evidence.
Answering Your Questions Directly
"Can the DR's go down the same route again of allegations even if she says all the same stuff again?"
Yes, they can try. An ignorant or biased doctor can write whatever they want based on a misinterpretation of your daughter's behaviour. However, this time you are prepared, and their argument is significantly weaker than it was last time.
"How does it work if nothing has changed no new evidence?"
This is the core of your legal argument. For them to start a new investigation and remove you from the home, there must be new evidence of significant harm. Your daughter's well-documented behaviour, which is a known symptom of her Autism and sensory needs, is not "new evidence." It is a medical issue that they are wrongly viewing through a child protection lens.
Your Battle Plan for the Medical on Tuesday
You are not walking into this blind like you were last time. You have the power of foresight, and you must use it to control the narrative before the appointment.
Step 1: The "Pre-emptive Strike" Email (Send Today/Tomorrow)
You need to send a formal, professional email to the new social worker and their Team Manager. This email puts them on notice and frames the situation correctly before the doctor even sees your daughter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Regarding Child Protection Medical for [Daughter's Name] - 30th September - Important Contextual Information
Dear [Social Worker's Name] and [Team Manager's Name],
I am writing to confirm our attendance at the child protection medical for our daughter, [Daughter's Name], on Tuesday. As you know, we instigated contact with both our GP and Children's Services as we are deeply concerned about her recent health decline and self-neglect, and we are desperate to get her the right medical help.
The purpose of this email is to provide essential context to the examining doctor to avoid a repeat of the flawed assessment process that our family was subjected to in [Year of last medical].
As you will know from her extensive medical and educational records, [Daughter's Name] has a long-documented history of finding interactions with unfamiliar professionals highly distressing. This is a known manifestation of her Autism and sensory needs, and it typically results in a loud and physical "fight or flight" response.
Last year, this known and predictable behaviour was incorrectly interpreted by the examining doctor as an indicator of abuse. This led to a baseless investigation that caused immense trauma to my daughter and our entire family before it was rightly closed, with me returning home.
You will also be aware that during that investigation, [Daughter's Name] was assessed by your own social workers as being competent to voice her own wishes and feelings. She is now 11 and even more aware of her rights, including her right to refuse consent to medical examinations.
We are attending this medical because we sought your help for our daughter's health. We expect the examining doctor to be fully briefed on her medical history and her specific communication needs to ensure her predictable and documented distress is not misinterpreted again as a safeguarding concern.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Step 2: During and After the Appointment
Take a printed copy of this email with you. If the doctor starts making assumptions, you can refer to it. If your daughter refuses to be seen, you must support her right to do so. After the appointment, send another brief email to the social worker thanking them for their time and documenting anything of concern that was said.
You are not walking into the same trap as last time. You are walking in prepared, with a documented history, and with the moral high ground. You are not a suspect; you are a concerned father trying to get help for his child.
===============================================================================
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
I've just read your post. Your fear that they are about to repeat the same traumatic and unjust process is completely understandable and, based on your experience, entirely rational. It is a terrifying position to be in.
But before we get into a plan, you need to hold on to one critical fact: this entire situation was triggered because you acted as a responsible and protective father. You identified a health crisis with your daughter and you reached out to professionals for help. This is not a point of weakness; it is your greatest strength and your most powerful piece of evidence.
Answering Your Questions Directly
"Can the DR's go down the same route again of allegations even if she says all the same stuff again?"
Yes, they can try. An ignorant or biased doctor can write whatever they want based on a misinterpretation of your daughter's behaviour. However, this time you are prepared, and their argument is significantly weaker than it was last time.
"How does it work if nothing has changed no new evidence?"
This is the core of your legal argument. For them to start a new investigation and remove you from the home, there must be new evidence of significant harm. Your daughter's well-documented behaviour, which is a known symptom of her Autism and sensory needs, is not "new evidence." It is a medical issue that they are wrongly viewing through a child protection lens.
Your Battle Plan for the Medical on Tuesday
You are not walking into this blind like you were last time. You have the power of foresight, and you must use it to control the narrative before the appointment.
Step 1: The "Pre-emptive Strike" Email (Send Today/Tomorrow)
You need to send a formal, professional email to the new social worker and their Team Manager. This email puts them on notice and frames the situation correctly before the doctor even sees your daughter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Regarding Child Protection Medical for [Daughter's Name] - 30th September - Important Contextual Information
Dear [Social Worker's Name] and [Team Manager's Name],
I am writing to confirm our attendance at the child protection medical for our daughter, [Daughter's Name], on Tuesday. As you know, we instigated contact with both our GP and Children's Services as we are deeply concerned about her recent health decline and self-neglect, and we are desperate to get her the right medical help.
The purpose of this email is to provide essential context to the examining doctor to avoid a repeat of the flawed assessment process that our family was subjected to in [Year of last medical].
As you will know from her extensive medical and educational records, [Daughter's Name] has a long-documented history of finding interactions with unfamiliar professionals highly distressing. This is a known manifestation of her Autism and sensory needs, and it typically results in a loud and physical "fight or flight" response.
Last year, this known and predictable behaviour was incorrectly interpreted by the examining doctor as an indicator of abuse. This led to a baseless investigation that caused immense trauma to my daughter and our entire family before it was rightly closed, with me returning home.
You will also be aware that during that investigation, [Daughter's Name] was assessed by your own social workers as being competent to voice her own wishes and feelings. She is now 11 and even more aware of her rights, including her right to refuse consent to medical examinations.
We are attending this medical because we sought your help for our daughter's health. We expect the examining doctor to be fully briefed on her medical history and her specific communication needs to ensure her predictable and documented distress is not misinterpreted again as a safeguarding concern.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
-----------------------------------------------------------
Step 2: During and After the Appointment
Take a printed copy of this email with you. If the doctor starts making assumptions, you can refer to it. If your daughter refuses to be seen, you must support her right to do so. After the appointment, send another brief email to the social worker thanking them for their time and documenting anything of concern that was said.
You are not walking into the same trap as last time. You are walking in prepared, with a documented history, and with the moral high ground. You are not a suspect; you are a concerned father trying to get help for his child.
===============================================================================
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Thank you for the reply. We had the meeting yesterday and our daughter kicked off as we knew she would and took a good 30 minutes to calm her down.
At this point we were all separated. I was taken into a room with the DR, 2 social workers (one a trainee) and the other a family support worker. My wife was sectioned off in a room to talk to one of the nurses and our daughter was in a room with other nurses although she had calmed herself down to a normal level to talk to them.
As we progressed to talk about her eating and other events in her life I explained to the Dr one of the reasons she acted the way she did was because last year when we came to this place for the same thing allegations were made against myself and I had to leave the family home for around 8-12 weeks and my wife had to have a conversation with our daughter that night and ask her questions she's never been asked before if I had done anything to her or touched her private parts. I said she was then questioned by 2 social workers a few days later asking the same things. So you can imagine nothing came of it but she was upset by the whole thing and she thought it was going to be the same things again today and didn't want to come.
The Dr said we don't need to talk about that today but then proceeded later on in the conversation to half drop it in so there was no way to avoid talking about it.
We left the unit some hours later but our daughter didn't really want to talk about but seemed happy in herself.
She's woken this morning and I asked her if everything was ok yesterday and she said to me well yes and no, They wouldn't stop asking me in the room if I had been touched by anyone or abused by anyone and every time I said no they kept asking me so I went quiet and didn't want to answer them anymore so they kept asking me if I was ok I've gone quiet is there something I want to tell them and told them I said no so many times but you keep asking me.
So yes I think I will be taking it further it's almost like they were backing her into a corner to force a yes out of her to appease themselves I'm just so glad she can speak her own mind.
At this point we were all separated. I was taken into a room with the DR, 2 social workers (one a trainee) and the other a family support worker. My wife was sectioned off in a room to talk to one of the nurses and our daughter was in a room with other nurses although she had calmed herself down to a normal level to talk to them.
As we progressed to talk about her eating and other events in her life I explained to the Dr one of the reasons she acted the way she did was because last year when we came to this place for the same thing allegations were made against myself and I had to leave the family home for around 8-12 weeks and my wife had to have a conversation with our daughter that night and ask her questions she's never been asked before if I had done anything to her or touched her private parts. I said she was then questioned by 2 social workers a few days later asking the same things. So you can imagine nothing came of it but she was upset by the whole thing and she thought it was going to be the same things again today and didn't want to come.
The Dr said we don't need to talk about that today but then proceeded later on in the conversation to half drop it in so there was no way to avoid talking about it.
We left the unit some hours later but our daughter didn't really want to talk about but seemed happy in herself.
She's woken this morning and I asked her if everything was ok yesterday and she said to me well yes and no, They wouldn't stop asking me in the room if I had been touched by anyone or abused by anyone and every time I said no they kept asking me so I went quiet and didn't want to answer them anymore so they kept asking me if I was ok I've gone quiet is there something I want to tell them and told them I said no so many times but you keep asking me.
So yes I think I will be taking it further it's almost like they were backing her into a corner to force a yes out of her to appease themselves I'm just so glad she can speak her own mind.
-
Suzie, FRG Adviser
- Posts: 4782
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 1:57 pm
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Dear finaldj0finaldj0 wrote: Sun Sep 28, 2025 5:19 pm We were on a Child Protection Plan for 12 months last year, nothing really came of it and the case was closed in December 24. There was some risks around myself as I had been through a criminal hearing with allegations against me over my stepdaughter at the time but this was 22 years ago and I was found NG.
I have a new wife been together 19 years and have an 11 year old daughter who has Autism and other complex needs. Social Care were involved and because of my past they said I had never had an investigation done they said it was their fault as they had missed opportunities to do and they didn't. my daughter then 10 had to go for a Medical Check and she really kicked off around professionals when we got there but she's been like this since she was little so it's nothing new and documented on her medical records.
In any event she refused to be seen and the DR decided the way she was behaving showed signs of being sexually abused or some other reasons. Because I had a past history of allegations I was asked to leave the house as a potential abuser even though no allegations had come my way. They wanted my daughter to go for a SERC medical but the SW present said if she won't be seen for a general checkup then she will refuse a Serc medical and we also have to respect her wishes unless she makes a deceleration.
2 SW came to see her a few days later and had a conversation with her she was really angry at them and proceeded to tell them I hadn't don't anything to her and she knows about that stuff and who to tell if someone did something. The Social Worker was happy that she appeared to be competent enough to understand what she was saying and investigation took place and I was allowed to return home some months later.
All was well until June this year when our daughter now 11 started to decline again, She started to refuse food and shower herself despite repeated attempts by ourselves to help her but unless we get psychical with her she has been refusing. We know its down to a massive flair up of her sensory issues and water touching her skin but she's not washed herself for 3 months.
With the food she's becoming really thin it was a concern enough that I contacted the GP worried and I also contacted Social Care again.
This clearly triggered them and we wanted our daughter to get looked at in a CAT unit at our local hospital because she's so violent around professionals and uncooperative we discussed with the GP that they might have to sedate her or make her drowsy to take simple things like blood and blood pressure. There might be an underlying condition. The GP said the cat unit refused to take her sighting not an emergency but then all of a sudden the SW has decided a child protection medical again.
It's a different SW and manager this time and we are due to go down on Tuesday this week 30 September. She's already said I'm not going because of what they did to me last time and I won't lie I'm worried they are going to go down the allegation route again even though nothing is different from last time other than our daughter neglecting herself again and needs a proper assessment .
Can the DR's go down the same route again of allegations even if she says all the same stuff again and trigger a new investigation? so I have to leave again as we feel like they'll try this again and how does it work if nothing has changed no new evidence.
I might just be jumping the gun again but we want to prepare ourselves as we don't trust them as we know and have told SS that you know she won't consent to any investigations she'll just scream and kick off at them. She's already said I know my rights to say NO if I don't want them to do anything.
Suzie (FRG Adviser) here, thank you for your two recent posts.
I am sorry to read that you are worried that you may find your family involved in another section 47 inquiry or in the child protection process.
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 may be a helpful document to read, pages 76 and the chart on 103. Page 14 ‘asks’ professionals to work in partnership with parents and carers. From what you say, in the past you worked cooperatively with the professionals and agreed to all requests they asked of you and your family including your leaving the family home for a number of months.
The NSPCC has some information that may help a child or young person express their views and The Mix, has helpful pages for young people covering a wide range of topics.
I hope that the medical professionals you met yesterday will ‘report’ back to you soon.
Best wishes
Suzie
Do you have 3 minutes to complete our evaluation form ? We would value your feedback on the parents’ forum.
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
I wanted to add a bit more information to this thread. After we had a child protection medical the Dr called the next day and wanted to do a 2 week follow up, we explained that this would be ok but we need to fit this in around our sleep and our daughters as she's mainly awake all night and sleeps during the day (she has a lot of mental health issues above her poor eating) the Dr said this was fine the clinic will call and we can sort out a date for them. Well we had planned 3 weeks instead of 2 so it give a bit of a break for our daughter and give us enough time to sort out her sleep arrangements and chat to her about going back to see them giving us enough time to work on her.
They decided to book the appointment anyway for 2 weeks time at 15.30 which wasn't a good time at all. My wife said she would call them to arrange a different day not knowing at the time that an appointment had been made for Tuesday just gone at 15.30.
I woke up to an email from the Support Worker that works under the Social Worker that sent this email.
Copy of email removed
Can you imagine the Dr didn't say any of this she said my daughter 11 who has developed an eating disorder and the reasons we were there to start with asked what her weight was 8 weeks prior and I said it was 35kg during that time she had dropped to 32kg but she said she wasn't concerned at the moment over the weight but would need a dietician to be involved, a food diary and she will need lots of mental health support so she will work with professionals as she won't talk to them and attacks me and her mum at appointments and just shouts, screams and swears at professionals and won't answer any questions.
The family support worker tried to bully me into a corner on the phone call when I said we aren't attending that day she said the Dr said she needs to see her urgently which she didn't say that on the day or the day after about a follow up appointment "must be 2 weeks" or that a dietician would be present. This was never organised around our needs but rather theirs and put is in a difficult position for attending as our daughter would have been awake 21 hours before the appointment time and I said we can't keep her awake that long. She wasn't bothered and just said our daughter can't always get her own way and if we don't attend there will be a child protection conference. My wife called her and told her to do the CPC then we had one last year and you did naff all then.
We eventually attended an appointment on Thursday with no change to her weight because she has started eating more so it's stable at the moment. The social worker came the day before with her lacky completely upset my daughter and asked if we would be attending the Thurs appointment and I said probably but we have to take into account we have to forcefully hold M down to get her dressed and get her out of the house. She said to me well if I have to come round and force her to get dressed with you I can do this. I found this totally unethical considering they are trying to build my daughters trust up around professionals and they want to invade her safe space to help force her out of the house.
I've threatened legal action and I basically got so what. They never followed up the CPC despite the threat of one not that we actually care.
With regards to a Child Protection Medical can anyone confirm are these more than one appointment when I have looked online it says they are only allowed to do one of these with a 2 week follow up so I want to know if we can now be flexible with the appointments rather than threats of it has to be 2 weeks or else?
Post edited by Suzie as in breach of rule 11: posts cannot contain information copied from a third party without their permission
They decided to book the appointment anyway for 2 weeks time at 15.30 which wasn't a good time at all. My wife said she would call them to arrange a different day not knowing at the time that an appointment had been made for Tuesday just gone at 15.30.
I woke up to an email from the Support Worker that works under the Social Worker that sent this email.
Copy of email removed
Can you imagine the Dr didn't say any of this she said my daughter 11 who has developed an eating disorder and the reasons we were there to start with asked what her weight was 8 weeks prior and I said it was 35kg during that time she had dropped to 32kg but she said she wasn't concerned at the moment over the weight but would need a dietician to be involved, a food diary and she will need lots of mental health support so she will work with professionals as she won't talk to them and attacks me and her mum at appointments and just shouts, screams and swears at professionals and won't answer any questions.
The family support worker tried to bully me into a corner on the phone call when I said we aren't attending that day she said the Dr said she needs to see her urgently which she didn't say that on the day or the day after about a follow up appointment "must be 2 weeks" or that a dietician would be present. This was never organised around our needs but rather theirs and put is in a difficult position for attending as our daughter would have been awake 21 hours before the appointment time and I said we can't keep her awake that long. She wasn't bothered and just said our daughter can't always get her own way and if we don't attend there will be a child protection conference. My wife called her and told her to do the CPC then we had one last year and you did naff all then.
We eventually attended an appointment on Thursday with no change to her weight because she has started eating more so it's stable at the moment. The social worker came the day before with her lacky completely upset my daughter and asked if we would be attending the Thurs appointment and I said probably but we have to take into account we have to forcefully hold M down to get her dressed and get her out of the house. She said to me well if I have to come round and force her to get dressed with you I can do this. I found this totally unethical considering they are trying to build my daughters trust up around professionals and they want to invade her safe space to help force her out of the house.
I've threatened legal action and I basically got so what. They never followed up the CPC despite the threat of one not that we actually care.
With regards to a Child Protection Medical can anyone confirm are these more than one appointment when I have looked online it says they are only allowed to do one of these with a 2 week follow up so I want to know if we can now be flexible with the appointments rather than threats of it has to be 2 weeks or else?
Post edited by Suzie as in breach of rule 11: posts cannot contain information copied from a third party without their permission
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Hi finaldj0,
Everything you have described is deeply concerning, and your instincts are absolutely right. You have not been “difficult” or “uncooperative” you have acted exactly as a responsible parent should when a child with complex needs is deteriorating.
What you are experiencing is not genuine safeguarding practice, it is professionals trying to control the situation through pressure and fear rather than lawful, collaborative planning.
Key Points You Need to Know
1. Your daughter’s behaviours are recognised medical symptoms, not safeguarding indicators
Her distress, refusal, and sensory reactions are long-documented effects of Autism and sensory processing disorder. Under the Equality Act 2010, these must be treated as disability-related needs requiring reasonable adjustments, not assumed to be signs of abuse.
2. Child Protection Medicals are tightly regulated and not open-ended
A CP medical is a single assessment, with one follow-up only where medically necessary (e.g. to complete physical checks). It cannot be repeatedly used as a tool for ongoing investigation or pressure when no new safeguarding evidence exists.
3. Refusing or rearranging an unsuitable appointment is not a safeguarding risk
Child protection intervention (including threats of a Child Protection Conference) must be based on new, credible evidence of significant harm, not on scheduling disputes or failure to comply with times that are not suitable due to disability needs.
4. Threats to escalate because of disability-related needs are unlawful
Refusing to accommodate your daughter’s sleep pattern, sensory distress, or medical needs, and using that refusal as grounds for escalation—constitutes disability discrimination. Professionals are legally required to make reasonable adjustments.
5. You are the one who initiated medical support
This is critical. You approached the GP and services out of genuine concern for your daughter’s health. That is evidence of safe, responsible parenting and places you in the strongest possible legal position. You are not being “investigated”; you are seeking help.
6. Your concerns about coercion are justified
The pattern of threats (“attend at our time or face CPC”) indicates procedural misuse, not safeguarding practice. This behaviour creates fear rather than support and is contrary to statutory guidance requiring partnership with parents.
I will post you the draft email you can use under this message as its to long for one post
====
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
Everything you have described is deeply concerning, and your instincts are absolutely right. You have not been “difficult” or “uncooperative” you have acted exactly as a responsible parent should when a child with complex needs is deteriorating.
What you are experiencing is not genuine safeguarding practice, it is professionals trying to control the situation through pressure and fear rather than lawful, collaborative planning.
Key Points You Need to Know
1. Your daughter’s behaviours are recognised medical symptoms, not safeguarding indicators
Her distress, refusal, and sensory reactions are long-documented effects of Autism and sensory processing disorder. Under the Equality Act 2010, these must be treated as disability-related needs requiring reasonable adjustments, not assumed to be signs of abuse.
2. Child Protection Medicals are tightly regulated and not open-ended
A CP medical is a single assessment, with one follow-up only where medically necessary (e.g. to complete physical checks). It cannot be repeatedly used as a tool for ongoing investigation or pressure when no new safeguarding evidence exists.
3. Refusing or rearranging an unsuitable appointment is not a safeguarding risk
Child protection intervention (including threats of a Child Protection Conference) must be based on new, credible evidence of significant harm, not on scheduling disputes or failure to comply with times that are not suitable due to disability needs.
4. Threats to escalate because of disability-related needs are unlawful
Refusing to accommodate your daughter’s sleep pattern, sensory distress, or medical needs, and using that refusal as grounds for escalation—constitutes disability discrimination. Professionals are legally required to make reasonable adjustments.
5. You are the one who initiated medical support
This is critical. You approached the GP and services out of genuine concern for your daughter’s health. That is evidence of safe, responsible parenting and places you in the strongest possible legal position. You are not being “investigated”; you are seeking help.
6. Your concerns about coercion are justified
The pattern of threats (“attend at our time or face CPC”) indicates procedural misuse, not safeguarding practice. This behaviour creates fear rather than support and is contrary to statutory guidance requiring partnership with parents.
I will post you the draft email you can use under this message as its to long for one post
====
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Draft email you can use, add the parts that are personal to you like names and dates - search online for the director of children services in your council
-----
Subject: Formal Complaint Stage 1and Request for Case Review – Conduct and Handling of Medical Appointments for [Daughter’s Full Name, DOB]
Dear [Social Worker Name], [Team Manager Name], and [Director of Children's Services],
This email is to be recorded as a Stage 1 formal complaint under the statutory children’s services complaints process. Please confirm receipt within 3 working days, and provide a full response within 10 working days as required.
I am writing to make a formal complaint and to request an urgent review of my daughter [Daughter’s Name]’s case. We originally contacted Children’s Services and medical professionals because we are genuinely concerned about her health, weight loss, and self-care difficulties related to her Autism and sensory processing needs.
Instead of being offered supportive, child-focused intervention, we have been subjected to coercive threats, misrepresentation of medical advice, and practices that have caused further distress to our daughter and family.
My specific concerns are as follows:
1. Coercive Threats of a Child Protection Conference
On [date], the Family Support Worker stated that if we did not attend an appointment at the time set by the clinic, despite us explaining it was medically unsuitable due to our daughter’s sleep cycle, this would be escalated to an Initial Child Protection Conference. This was said despite no new safeguarding concerns being raised. Using child protection procedures as a form of pressure is not lawful or appropriate.
2. Misrepresentation of Medical Urgency
We were told that Dr [Name] had stated the appointment was “urgent” and must be attended on a specific date. This contradicts what the doctor actually said in the consultation, where no such urgency or time restriction was stated. This raises serious concern about accuracy and transparency.
3. Unethical and Distressing Threat Toward My Daughter
On [date], the allocated social worker stated that she could attend our home to “force her to get dressed” if necessary. My daughter has diagnosed Autism and sensory difficulties, and this kind of threat is wholly inappropriate, damaging, and in breach of her rights under the Equality Act 2010.
4. Repeated Questioning in the Medical Appointment
Our daughter reported that during the recent appointment, she was repeatedly asked if she had been touched or abused, even after clearly saying “no.” This caused her to shut down. This goes beyond reasonable questioning and risks pressuring a vulnerable child into distress or confusion.
What I am requesting:
A written assurance that no further child protection escalation will take place unless there is clear new evidence that meets the legal threshold of significant harm.
A commitment that all future medical appointments will be arranged in collaboration with us, taking account of our daughter’s disability and sleep pattern as required under the Equality Act 2010.
Written confirmation that no professional will attempt to physically force my daughter to comply with examinations or dressing.
A case review by a senior manager to ensure this matter is addressed appropriately going forward.
I have acted entirely as a responsible parent in seeking medical help. I expect to be treated as a partner in my daughter’s care, not as a suspect.
Your team's actions have not only failed to support our daughter but have actively caused her further distress and have completely broken our trust.
*I am now formally requesting:
*An immediate management review of our case
*A written apology for the inappropriate and coercive conduct directed toward our daughter
*A written assurance that from this point forward, all actions will be conducted in a collaborative, lawful, and disability-informed manner, with reasonable adjustments made in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
If this matter is not addressed appropriately, I will be escalating it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and submitting a fitness-to-practise referral to Social Work England regarding the individuals involved.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
-----
If they continue to threaten CPC without evidence:
That then becomes maladministration and harassment. You would have grounds for a formal complaint, citing:
1Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 - failure to work in partnership with parents.
2 Equality Act 2010 - failure to make reasonable adjustments.
3 Causing psychological harm to a child through repeated, unnecessary questioning.
If you want any personal help you can DM here, use the speech bubble next to my name!
===
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
-----
Subject: Formal Complaint Stage 1and Request for Case Review – Conduct and Handling of Medical Appointments for [Daughter’s Full Name, DOB]
Dear [Social Worker Name], [Team Manager Name], and [Director of Children's Services],
This email is to be recorded as a Stage 1 formal complaint under the statutory children’s services complaints process. Please confirm receipt within 3 working days, and provide a full response within 10 working days as required.
I am writing to make a formal complaint and to request an urgent review of my daughter [Daughter’s Name]’s case. We originally contacted Children’s Services and medical professionals because we are genuinely concerned about her health, weight loss, and self-care difficulties related to her Autism and sensory processing needs.
Instead of being offered supportive, child-focused intervention, we have been subjected to coercive threats, misrepresentation of medical advice, and practices that have caused further distress to our daughter and family.
My specific concerns are as follows:
1. Coercive Threats of a Child Protection Conference
On [date], the Family Support Worker stated that if we did not attend an appointment at the time set by the clinic, despite us explaining it was medically unsuitable due to our daughter’s sleep cycle, this would be escalated to an Initial Child Protection Conference. This was said despite no new safeguarding concerns being raised. Using child protection procedures as a form of pressure is not lawful or appropriate.
2. Misrepresentation of Medical Urgency
We were told that Dr [Name] had stated the appointment was “urgent” and must be attended on a specific date. This contradicts what the doctor actually said in the consultation, where no such urgency or time restriction was stated. This raises serious concern about accuracy and transparency.
3. Unethical and Distressing Threat Toward My Daughter
On [date], the allocated social worker stated that she could attend our home to “force her to get dressed” if necessary. My daughter has diagnosed Autism and sensory difficulties, and this kind of threat is wholly inappropriate, damaging, and in breach of her rights under the Equality Act 2010.
4. Repeated Questioning in the Medical Appointment
Our daughter reported that during the recent appointment, she was repeatedly asked if she had been touched or abused, even after clearly saying “no.” This caused her to shut down. This goes beyond reasonable questioning and risks pressuring a vulnerable child into distress or confusion.
What I am requesting:
A written assurance that no further child protection escalation will take place unless there is clear new evidence that meets the legal threshold of significant harm.
A commitment that all future medical appointments will be arranged in collaboration with us, taking account of our daughter’s disability and sleep pattern as required under the Equality Act 2010.
Written confirmation that no professional will attempt to physically force my daughter to comply with examinations or dressing.
A case review by a senior manager to ensure this matter is addressed appropriately going forward.
I have acted entirely as a responsible parent in seeking medical help. I expect to be treated as a partner in my daughter’s care, not as a suspect.
Your team's actions have not only failed to support our daughter but have actively caused her further distress and have completely broken our trust.
*I am now formally requesting:
*An immediate management review of our case
*A written apology for the inappropriate and coercive conduct directed toward our daughter
*A written assurance that from this point forward, all actions will be conducted in a collaborative, lawful, and disability-informed manner, with reasonable adjustments made in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
If this matter is not addressed appropriately, I will be escalating it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and submitting a fitness-to-practise referral to Social Work England regarding the individuals involved.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
-----
If they continue to threaten CPC without evidence:
That then becomes maladministration and harassment. You would have grounds for a formal complaint, citing:
1Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 - failure to work in partnership with parents.
2 Equality Act 2010 - failure to make reasonable adjustments.
3 Causing psychological harm to a child through repeated, unnecessary questioning.
If you want any personal help you can DM here, use the speech bubble next to my name!
===
For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.
-
Suzie, FRG Adviser
- Posts: 4782
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 1:57 pm
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
finaldj0 wrote: Fri Oct 17, 2025 11:43 pm I wanted to add a bit more information to this thread. After we had a child protection medical the Dr called the next day and wanted to do a 2 week follow up, we explained that this would be ok but we need to fit this in around our sleep and our daughters as she's mainly awake all night and sleeps during the day (she has a lot of mental health issues above her poor eating) the Dr said this was fine the clinic will call and we can sort out a date for them. Well we had planned 3 weeks instead of 2 so it give a bit of a break for our daughter and give us enough time to sort out her sleep arrangements and chat to her about going back to see them giving us enough time to work on her.
They decided to book the appointment anyway for 2 weeks time at 15.30 which wasn't a good time at all. My wife said she would call them to arrange a different day not knowing at the time that an appointment had been made for Tuesday just gone at 15.30.
I woke up to an email from the Support Worker that works under the Social Worker that sent this email.
Copy of email removed
Can you imagine the Dr didn't say any of this she said my daughter 11 who has developed an eating disorder and the reasons we were there to start with asked what her weight was 8 weeks prior and I said it was 35kg during that time she had dropped to 32kg but she said she wasn't concerned at the moment over the weight but would need a dietician to be involved, a food diary and she will need lots of mental health support so she will work with professionals as she won't talk to them and attacks me and her mum at appointments and just shouts, screams and swears at professionals and won't answer any questions.
The family support worker tried to bully me into a corner on the phone call when I said we aren't attending that day she said the Dr said she needs to see her urgently which she didn't say that on the day or the day after about a follow up appointment "must be 2 weeks" or that a dietician would be present. This was never organised around our needs but rather theirs and put is in a difficult position for attending as our daughter would have been awake 21 hours before the appointment time and I said we can't keep her awake that long. She wasn't bothered and just said our daughter can't always get her own way and if we don't attend there will be a child protection conference. My wife called her and told her to do the CPC then we had one last year and you did naff all then.
We eventually attended an appointment on Thursday with no change to her weight because she has started eating more so it's stable at the moment. The social worker came the day before with her lacky completely upset my daughter and asked if we would be attending the Thurs appointment and I said probably but we have to take into account we have to forcefully hold M down to get her dressed and get her out of the house. She said to me well if I have to come round and force her to get dressed with you I can do this. I found this totally unethical considering they are trying to build my daughters trust up around professionals and they want to invade her safe space to help force her out of the house.
I've threatened legal action and I basically got so what. They never followed up the CPC despite the threat of one not that we actually care.
With regards to a Child Protection Medical can anyone confirm are these more than one appointment when I have looked online it says they are only allowed to do one of these with a 2 week follow up so I want to know if we can now be flexible with the appointments rather than threats of it has to be 2 weeks or else?
Post edited by Suzie as in breach of rule 11: posts cannot contain information copied from a third party without their permission
Do you have 3 minutes to complete our evaluation form ? We would value your feedback on the parents’ forum.
-
Suzie, FRG Adviser
- Posts: 4782
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 1:57 pm
Re: Due for another child protection medical a a year later
Dear Finaldj0
Thank you for your further post.
I am sorry to hear that you and your family are continuing to experience difficulties. You remain worried about your daughter’s health, she has had another child protection medical appointment which was arranged and managed without meaningful consultation with you, and which caused distress. You and your wife are unhappy about the way children’s services are working with you, with comments that the social worker made and that you felt they threatened you with another child protection conference.
Despite these challenges, you successfully supported your daughter to attend the medical appointment where the doctor confirmed that your daughter’s weight had not changed and was stable.
You are wanting clarification about child protection medicals, their frequency and whether you can be more flexible with the appointments.
It is not possible for me to provide a definitive answer.
My understanding of your situation is that there may be a child protection investigation taking place and the medical/s were required as part of that process. If so, then the need for and timing of any child protection medicals should have been considered and decided at the strategy meeting, in consultation with a paediatrician, or by arranging with them afterwards. I also understand that where possible a child should only have one child protection medical examination which must be carried out by a consultant paediatrician and that a multi-agency group should discuss requests for further child protection medicals in a short space of time.
However, I would suggest that as a parent it is reasonable for you to ask your social worker and the paediatrician to provide you, as soon as possible, with a copy of their policy and procedures on child protection medicals so that you are fully informed.
It may also be important to confirm if the next appointment is classed as a child protection medical or a follow up health assessment (but not necessarily a child protection medical).
Children’s services should try to minimise distress to children and their families and to work in partnership with them, including during child protection processes, where possible. You may want to request that your daughter has an advocate to assist her while children’s services are involved. Please see this guide to children working with advocates for information and for contact details of advocacy services.
As your daughter is a young autistic person children’s services should be aware of and take account of her needs when working with her. Your daughter may already have an ‘All About Me’ document or tool that sets out her communication and sensory needs and how best to support her but if not, that is something you can ask to be put in place.
You have shown that you worked cooperatively in the past with children’s services and that you contacted them for support when needed. It is important that you continue to do so, even if you are making a complaint or considering legal action, as you mentioned. We have produced tips for parents on working with a social worker to help where the relationship or communication is poor.
Please see below for additional advice, information or support services that may be helpful to you and your family:
• Child sexual abuse
• Children with disabilities or special educational needs
• National Autistic Society
• Contact
• Family Line
• Young Minds
• Lucy Faithfull Foundation advice on keeping children safe from child sexual abuse.
I hope this helps.
As your family’s situation is quite complex, it might be helpful to discuss it with an experienced adviser on our freephone helpline 0808 8010366; it is open from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm, Mon to Fri. If you prefer, you can post back or send an advice enquiry form .
Best wishes
Suzie
Thank you for your further post.
I am sorry to hear that you and your family are continuing to experience difficulties. You remain worried about your daughter’s health, she has had another child protection medical appointment which was arranged and managed without meaningful consultation with you, and which caused distress. You and your wife are unhappy about the way children’s services are working with you, with comments that the social worker made and that you felt they threatened you with another child protection conference.
Despite these challenges, you successfully supported your daughter to attend the medical appointment where the doctor confirmed that your daughter’s weight had not changed and was stable.
You are wanting clarification about child protection medicals, their frequency and whether you can be more flexible with the appointments.
It is not possible for me to provide a definitive answer.
My understanding of your situation is that there may be a child protection investigation taking place and the medical/s were required as part of that process. If so, then the need for and timing of any child protection medicals should have been considered and decided at the strategy meeting, in consultation with a paediatrician, or by arranging with them afterwards. I also understand that where possible a child should only have one child protection medical examination which must be carried out by a consultant paediatrician and that a multi-agency group should discuss requests for further child protection medicals in a short space of time.
However, I would suggest that as a parent it is reasonable for you to ask your social worker and the paediatrician to provide you, as soon as possible, with a copy of their policy and procedures on child protection medicals so that you are fully informed.
It may also be important to confirm if the next appointment is classed as a child protection medical or a follow up health assessment (but not necessarily a child protection medical).
Children’s services should try to minimise distress to children and their families and to work in partnership with them, including during child protection processes, where possible. You may want to request that your daughter has an advocate to assist her while children’s services are involved. Please see this guide to children working with advocates for information and for contact details of advocacy services.
As your daughter is a young autistic person children’s services should be aware of and take account of her needs when working with her. Your daughter may already have an ‘All About Me’ document or tool that sets out her communication and sensory needs and how best to support her but if not, that is something you can ask to be put in place.
You have shown that you worked cooperatively in the past with children’s services and that you contacted them for support when needed. It is important that you continue to do so, even if you are making a complaint or considering legal action, as you mentioned. We have produced tips for parents on working with a social worker to help where the relationship or communication is poor.
Please see below for additional advice, information or support services that may be helpful to you and your family:
• Child sexual abuse
• Children with disabilities or special educational needs
• National Autistic Society
• Contact
• Family Line
• Young Minds
• Lucy Faithfull Foundation advice on keeping children safe from child sexual abuse.
I hope this helps.
As your family’s situation is quite complex, it might be helpful to discuss it with an experienced adviser on our freephone helpline 0808 8010366; it is open from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm, Mon to Fri. If you prefer, you can post back or send an advice enquiry form .
Best wishes
Suzie
Do you have 3 minutes to complete our evaluation form ? We would value your feedback on the parents’ forum.
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