Section 47 outcome

[Dandelion8]

I am hoping for some advice about the outcome of a S47. We have been told that the case was closed with no further action. We have then discovered that on the system, it has been recorded as ‘concerns substantiated’. Verbally we have been told by Social Care that we have done nothing wrong and that they have no concerns, hence why they closed the case. If it is recorded as ‘substantiated’, is the implication that we have in fact done the things that were alleged against us (which I stress we haven’t)? The two scenarios seem to totally contradict each other and I’m really confused.

Any help clarifying this would be really appreciated as I am having no success in getting an answer from Social Care.

Many thanks

[KatKat10]

Don't trust the verbal, ask for a letter that confirms this. If they refuse to send a letter then request a subject of access request for all documents. If for any reason social services are called out to your family in the future, they will use this matter against you.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Dandelion8

Welcome to Family Rights Group parents’ discussion forum and thank you for your post.

My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and. I will respond to your post. I see from your post that you are concerned about the information held by children’s services in respect of a closed case.

Your post states the children’s service carried out s47 investigation and the case was closed. You have not given any information about the circumstances that led to their involvement, but they were satisfied the case could be closed. A s47 investigation would normally be started when children’s services receive a referral that a child has suffered harm. Enquiries are carried out be the allocated social worker to find out if the child has suffered the alleged harm and at risk of further harm. If the outcome is that the child has suffered harm and there is concern about future significant harm, the case might go to an initial child protection conference. Alternatively, a child in need plan could be offered to the family.

In your case, it was closed, and no further action taken. You should have received a letter from the social worker confirming that the case is closed. In your post you mention that children’s services record show “concerns substantiated” and you find this confusing. As I do not know the details of the investigation carried out, I am not able to comment on this. However, you may have already requested children’s services records. If not, you can do so and there is a link HERE for your information.

It is important that you speak to the social worker about your concerns so you can have an explanation. There is a possibility that the issue of concern although substantiated the circumstances that led to it meant, because you worked openly with children’s services, it was not an ongoing concern requiring further children’s services involvement.

You can read information HERE about the process followed by children’s services when a referral is received.

I hope you find this helpful but if you wish to speak to an adviser, do telephone our free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)

Best wishes

Suzie