Child Protection (Section 47)
In some circumstances where a child or children are at risk or are currently experiencing significant harm, local authorities have a duty to make enquiries. The local authority should hold a Strategy Discussion to enable it to decide, with other agencies, whether it must initiate enquiries under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989. It is important that children are appropriately safeguarded, protected from harm and grow up in safe environments that allow them to grow, develop, and achieve their potential.
A Section 47 enquiry is undertaken by a qualified Social Worker under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989. The Lead Practitioner should always be a social worker for child protection enquiries. The enquiry is initiated to decide whether, and what type of, action is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child who is suspected of suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.
During these enquiries you should expect the social worker to see the child who is at the centre of the enquiry, to ascertain their wishes and feelings; assess their understanding of their situation; assess their relationships and circumstances more broadly and understand the child’s experiences and interactions with others. There may be times when Section 47 enquiries are completed jointly with the police, on these occasions the Social Worker and police would want to see your child.
As a parent or carer, it should be explained to you what the purpose, process and potential outcome of the enquiries is. You should be prepared to answer questions openly and support the Social Worker to understand your family history and the wider social and environmental factors that might impact on you and your child.
The police, health practitioners, teachers and school staff as well as other relevant practitioners should help the local authority in undertaking its enquiries. Once the Social Worker has gathered the information, they will analyse the findings of the Assessment and any evidence about what interventions are likely to be most effective with other relevant practitioners, to determine the child's needs and the level of risk or harm faced by the child to inform what help should be provided and act to provide that help.