INITIAL REFERAL

[anon0381]

anybody know the procedure when CS recieve a referal about a child please...its just that somethings dont add up. Would it he acceptable when a referral is made on the 14th March and take until 23rd March to intervene and then taking it to 14th April to hold a protection conference? ...also should there be a strategy discussion and would we know about this?...thanks in advance

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear anon0381

Welcome back to the Discussion Forum and thank you for posting.

There is a procedure regarding what happens when Children Services receive a referral. Usually, they should make a decision within a day of receiving the referral of what action they are going to take. In your case it appears that a decision was made to pursue the referral and carry out s.47 child protection enquiries.

Once the enquiries have been completed then a decision will be made usually at a strategy meeting/discussion to decide whether there should be an initial child protection conference. The strategy meeting is for professionals and parents do not attend. You can read more about the procedure in our advice sheet on child protection procedures here. I hope you will find the information in the Advice Sheet helpful.

Should you wish to speak to an Adviser, please do telephone our advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Suzie