What are my responsibilities and rights?

Social Workers, Police Officers, Doctors and others will want to work with you to protect your child. Your child’s welfare comes first.

You do have the right to seek legal advice; the right to give or refuse permission for your child to have a medical examination and the right not to co-operate with the Social Workers or Police investigating the concerns. However, it is important for your child that we work together to put your child’s welfare and protection first.

If you decide not to co-operate or refuse permission for a medical examination, then it is likely the Social Workers will seek legal advice about going to Court.

You have the right to make a formal complaint to the employer of any of the workers involved, if you feel they have not acted properly.

If English is not your first language you should ask for an interpreter to be present so that everything can be properly and clearly explained to you.

the right to be protected from abuse and neglect;

the right to consent to or refuse permission for a medical examination, if they are old enough to do this responsibly;

the right to be separately represented in any Court hearings;

the right to make a formal complaint to the employer of any workers involved if she/he feels they have not acted properly.