Information for Workers & Volunteers

If you are a worker with information or concerns, you should refer your concerns to Children Services or the police and confirm your referral in writing within 24 hours using the Referral Form for Other Agencies.

If you are in doubt about making a referral to Children Services, you should consult, within your agency, with the manager or practitioner with designated responsibility for child protection.  If this is not possible or if you need further advice, you should consult with your local Children Services office.

Whenever possible, you should also discuss your concerns with the child (as appropriate to their age and understanding) and with their parents, seeking their agreement to making a referral to Children Services unless you consider that such a discussion would place the child at risk of significant harm.

What to do flow chart (May 11)

For more detailed information, please refer to the South West Child Protection Procedures at www.swcpp.org.uk

Please also refer to the SWCPP & Local Guidance/Protocols page.