Action to be taken when making a referral

TEAM MEMBER WHO FIRST NOTICED ABUSE   CPLO & MANAGER­: Caroline Laidlaw Ph: 07503 114489     Natalie Chrystie 07789 268241     DEPENDING ON SERIOUSNESS OF ABUSE                                                                Police                                  Surrey Safeguarding Hub 999 or 101                           0300 200 1006 (office hours)                                               01483 517898 (out of hours)   If you are concerned that the Manager or CPLO is involved in the abuse go straight to the director

Action to be taken when making a referral

 

Any member of staff who is concerned for a child’s welfare or where a child discloses or attempts to disclose should take the following action:

 

a.    Listen to the child.  If the child is distressed then comfort and reassurance should be given.

b.    Don’t make false promises like “everything will be fine” but make sure they know you are taking them seriously

c.    Seek immediate medical attention if injuries are severe

d.    Record any conversations that the child has made with adults or children.  These should be accurate and objective. 

e.    Do not interrogate the child; simply repeat the child’s words to confirm that they have been heard correctly.

f.      Discuss the situation with your DCPO

g.    Inform and involve the parents/main carers UNLESS there is evidence to suggest the child will be at serious risk if they are informed

h.    Follow the concern flow chart.

 

When a referral is made, specific information will be requested: -

·       Child’s name, age, address

·       Parents’ contact address and telephone number

·       It would be useful to have the child’s documentation record at hand for any other information

·       The cause of concern (during discussions with the DCPO any previous relevant observations or concerns should be noted and passed on during the referral)

·       Any record of conversations that the child has made with adults or children. 

·       Reasons why the referral went ahead without parental permission, if applicable.

 

The DCPO must immediately inform the Operations Manager of their actions and forward a written report copied to OFSTED within 24 hours.

 

Once a referral is made, the external agencies will advise on what happens next. If further action is required, the Child Protection Officer will initiate it.