Strategy discussion

This is a meeting that takes place between a social worker and the police when they are worried a child may be at risk of significant harm. Other professionals who know a child, such as their teacher or a health visitor may also be involved.

Its purpose it to share information and decide whether:

• Children’s services need to start child protection enquiries. If it is felt that this is necessary, the strategy discussion should focus on how the matter should proceed.
• Any immediate steps need to be taken to keep the child safe.

The strategy discussion may be a face-to-face meeting, or it could be a discussion that takes place over the phone or in a series of phone calls.

Parents are not normally invited to a strategy discussion. However, they should be told soon afterwards what the plan is for the child, as long as this does not cause any risk to the child.