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What is a child protection investigation?

A child protection investigation is a more formal investigation which takes place if it is confirmed that the child is it risk.  This could include the following:

Gathering Information
A social worker will talk to professionals and people already working with the family such as their health visitor, teacher or doctor.

Permission from the parents
We will ask for permission from the parents or carers (and, where appropriate, from the child) for any examination or interview to take place.  In most cases we invite the parents or carers to come to the examination with the child.   If the parents or carers do not give permission, we may get a legal order which allows us to interview, or medically examine the child without the parent’s permission, as we have a duty to think about the immediate safety of the child.

Interviewing a child
We can interview a child at home, school, or at one of our offices.  The social workers and police officers who talk to children are skilled in both listening to children, and helping them cope with the interview.  If we suspect a criminal offence has taken place, we may record the interview on video tape so that the child does not have to repeat their experiences if the case has to got to court.  If other children in the family are thought to be at risk, we may also interview them.

Medical Examination
During some investigations, the child needs to be examined to look for health and medical needs that may have been overlooked, and for possible evidence or harm.  This will only be done if it is thought to be in the child’s best interests, by a doctor trained in child protection.

Criminal Offences
If we identify a criminal offence, the police may arrest and interview people suspected of causing harm to a child

At the end of an Investigation
We will, with the help of the parents or carers, try to decide whether the child is at risk and needs protection.  If this is so, they will consider what support might be needed to keep the child safe from any harm.  If it is felt that we need a clear plan to protect the child, we will arrange a child protection conference.