What Happens if I Am Reported to Social Services?

If a referral is made to the local authority regarding the safety of a child, the local authority must acknowledge receipt of such referral and decide the way forward within 1 working day of that referral being received.

If the local authority considers there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, the local authority will undertake an assessment under section 47 of the Children Act 1989.

The definition of significant harm within the Children Act 1989 is: "ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another."

If the local authority identifies actual or likely significant harm, a strategy discussion must be convened.

What Is a Strategy Discussion?

A strategy discussion involves all professionals involved in the child's life, such as their GP, school, nursery, etc.

The discussion allows these professionals to discuss what assessments may be necessary to promote the child’s safety and welfare and who should complete these assessments. The professionals will also determine whether there has been any evidence of crime that requires investigation and whether a Child Protection Conference should be arranged.

What Is a Child Protection Conference?

A Child Protection Conference is a meeting where all professionals involved are invited to meet. Parents and sometimes family members who play a significant role in the child’s life will also be invited to attend this meeting. In some rare cases, the child is invited to attend as well.

A Child Protection Conference is chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer. The chair will meet with the parents and family prior to the conference to explain the procedure.

The attendees will discuss the concerns raised and determine how the child can be better protected moving forward. Professionals will individually voice their concerns, and parents will also have an opportunity to put forward their comments.

Professionals and parents then decide whether it is necessary for the child to be placed under a Child Protection Plan. Each individual will explain their reason for their decision.

What Is a Child Protection Plan?

If professionals believe that the child is at continuing risk of harm, a plan will be prepared to assist in promoting that child’s welfare and improving their safety. It will outline the nature and source of each harm identified, what is required to minimize that harm, who is responsible for implementing that work, and when it is expected to be completed.

A lead professional, usually the social worker, will be chosen. It is the lead professional’s job to ensure the plan is adhered to once put in place.

A Review Child Protection Conference should occur within 3 months of the initial conference date to review the progress of the plan. If further review conferences are required, these should take place every 6 months.

Disclaimer: The material contained in this fact sheet is for general guidance only. It is specific to the law of England and Wales, and represents a brief outline of the law current as at the date of the fact sheet. It is not intended to constitute, or to be a substitute for, legal advice specific to your case.

Information up to date as at 10/03/2023