What Happens Next?

If the Social Workers are satisfied that the concerns about your child are not true, or that any injuries were accidental, things may go no further.

If it is likely that the child has suffered significant harm, the enquiries will carry on.

Further enquiries regarding other children and family members may be made dependent on the nature of the concerns. It will sometimes be important to have other children in the family medically examined to ensure that no harm has happened to them.

The Children & Young People's Service and the Police may decide together to interview your child formally on video. This is because the Police in some situations may decide to pursue Criminal Proceedings and video evidence can assist in this. If this is necessary the Social Workers and Police, who are trained in these procedures, will explain fully to you and your child what is taking place.

If someone is suspected of causing harm to your child they may be questioned by the Police.

In some circumstances it may be necessary for the Children & Young People's Service to apply to court for authority to safeguard your child’s protection and welfare. If this involves removal from your care other family members can, when appropriate, be asked to help.

The Children & Young People's Service may call a Child Protection Conference if it is likely your child has suffered significant harm. You will be invited to this conference unless there is a strong reason for you not to be there. You will be given further information at the time.