Information

If there is reason to believe a child may be at risk of significant harm, Children’s Services must carry out an investigation. Sometimes this is just Children’s Services, Sometimes it’s jointly with the police. This investigation will be referred to as a Section 47.

During this process, you have the right to:

• Be told what the concerns are
• Take part in the assessment
• Have the investigation completed within 45 working days

You have the right to know:

• What the concerns are
• Why we are involved
• What assessments or meetings will take place
• Who to contact
• What the possible outcomes might be

Social workers must explain this clearly and keep you informed throughout.

You have the right to:

• Share your views and information about your child
• Have your voice heard in all meetings
• Have your views included in assessments and plans

You will be invited to meetings with relevant professionals and to child protection conferences if one is agreed to take place.

You can seek legal advice at any time.

For many child protection processes, Legal Aid is available from a family solicitor.

Your personal information will be kept private unless:

• Sharing it is necessary to keep a child safe, or
• The law requires us to share it

You can request to see:

• Assessments
• Reports
• Notes and decisions

If you disagree with:

• How you have been treated
• How a decision was made
• Facts within an assessment

You have the right to use the council’s complaints procedure or seek independent legal advice.

Under the Human Rights Act, you have the right to family life.

Intervention should only happen when necessary, lawful, and proportionate.

You and your family must be treated:

• With dignity and respect
• Without discrimination
• In a way that minimises distress