Responsibilities of agencies and others

Everyone has a responsibility to make sure children are safe and well looked after.  Social workers from Dundee City Council have a legal duty to make inquiries about any child or young person who is reported at being at risk of significant harm. Police officers have a duty to investigate if a crime may have been committed. Social workers and police officers do this work together under Dundee's child protection procedures.

Why might people be concerned about a child or young person?

Concerns may have been raised about a child or young person for a variety of reasons.  It may be believed that he or she has suffered, or is at risk of, harm.  There are different types of harm to children, and they include;

• Physical injury –being hit, kicked, punched, burned or scalded;
• Physical neglect – not being properly fed or clothed, poor hygiene, untreated illness or injury;
• Sexual abuse – being subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour, or language.  This could include exposure to or involvement in mobile phone or internet abuse of a sexual nature;
• Emotional abuse – being a victim constant criticism or “put downs”, ignored, humiliated or exposed to family violence;
• Failing to thrive – not growing or developing as expected with no obvious reason for this.

Concerns may also have been raised because a child or young person is, or may be, living in the same household or having contact with a person who presents a risk to children and young people.

What will happen during the inquiry?

When they first receive information that a child or young person may have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm, social workers and police officers will meet together, possibly with other people such as a health visitor or a teacher. They will consider the information that was given to them and decide whether they need to deal with the issue under child protection procedures.

If they do decide that child protection procedures are appropriate, they will arrange to carry out a child protection inquiry.

A child protection inquiry is carried out:

• to ensure the health and safety of a child or young person;
• to protect children and young people from the actions of any potential offenders;
• to inform parents and carers of the allegations which are causing concern.

At all times the welfare of the child or young person comes first.  Usually the police officer and social worker will want to:

• Speak to the child or young person in an interview.  The arrangements for this will be discussed with parents or carers
• Speak to parents/carers;
• Speak to any other person – other family members, teacher, health visitor - who may have information that will help make sure the child or young person is safe from harm;
• Make further enquiries, for example checking the conditions children or young people are living in;
• Arrange a medical examination if necessary.

Police officers may want to interview anyone suspected of abusing a child.

Depending on the child or young person's age and understanding, the social worker and police officer will usually ask a child or young person to agree to take part in an interview or a medical examination.

In most cases, they will ask a parent or carer to agree to a child or young person being interviewed.  However, sometimes, this might not be possible.  In such situations, the reason why the child or young person was interviewed, or other action was taken without knowledge or consent, will be fully explained. 

The best outcomes for children are achieved when parents/carers and professionals such as social workers and police officers can work together. Wherever possible, parents and carers will be kept fully informed.  If parents or carers need advice or support, this can be arranged.  If people feel they have not been treated fairly, they will be advised of their rights and given information on who to contact for further advice.

Medical Examinations

In some cases, a medical examination may be required.  The main reasons for this are to:

• Ensure the good health and welfare of the child or young person;
• Confirm whether child or young person has been injured;
• Establish how any injuries that may be found have been caused.

The results of any medical examination may be used later as one source of evidence in any proceedings involving a Children’s Hearing or a Court

The parent or carer,  or child or young person if he or she is old enough, will be asked to give consent for a medical examination. If a parent or carer refuses consent and the people carrying out the inquiry think it is necessary, they can go to Court and ask a Sheriff to grant a Child Assessment Order to allow a medical examination to take place.

After the medical the outcome will be discussed with the parent or carer and the child or young person if they are old enough to understand.

What will happen after the inquiry is finished?

The Social Worker and Police Officer will collect information regarding the child or young person's
circumstances and assess whether the child or young person is at risk of harm.  Depending on what they find out, one or more of the following might happen:

• Nothing more will be done;
• Support will be offered to the child or young person and his or her family;
• A Child Protection Case Conference will be held to decide whether further child protection action is required;
• The person who presents a risk to the child or young person may be asked to move out of the family home;
• Voluntary arrangements may be made for the child or young person to live with a family member or friend;
• Further legal action may be required to protect the child or young person;
• A referral may be made to the Children’s Reporter.

In the majority of cases, children are able to stay at home.  Children only need to be removed from home if the information gathered suggests the child or young person cannot be protected in his or her own home.

Where families can get help

If a person need legal advice on what their rights are in relation to a child protection inquiry, you can contact:

• A solicitor – legal aid may be available;
• The Citizens’ Advice Bureau;
• Scottish Child Law Centre;

If there is anything that a person does not understand, they should ask the workers involved.  They are used to being asked questions in these situations.  If they are not able to answer the questions, they will try to find the right person who can.

Children have a right to grow up in households where they feel safe, well looked after and protected.  If you would like further help or advice on caring for a child or young person, please speak to someone such as:

• Health Visitor;
• Nursery Teacher;
• Teacher;
• Social Worker;
• Family doctor.

Out of Office Hours – If you need to speak to someone urgently, please phone
01382 436430