The matter will be referred to the appropriate authority by the CPLO. Any supporting paperwork will be sent to the relevant agency for assessment. The parent/guardian/carer will be informed of the concerns and will have sight of all documentation unless the allegation implicates the parent/guardian/carer directly.
If the CPLO thinks that the child may be at risk of significant harm by the parent/guardian/carer if the allegation is disclosed, they must make the protection of the child paramount.
If, after investigation, the CPLO does not believe a child is at risk of significant harm, then a record of the initial concerns will be made. The child’s well-being will continue to be observed, monitored and recorded on a regular basis.
Where the child is considered old enough, they will be kept informed on a regular basis of the outcomes of the investigation.
The CPLO will record all incidents in the Child Protection issue Log which should state:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Name of child/ren and adult/s involved
- The information disclosed
- The actual events taken place or seen
- The information recorded should be based on fact only and not assumption.
Any decision to deny parents/guardians/carers access must be made by the following only:
- Social Care
- South Yorkshire Police
- The Child Protection Liaison Officer (in consultation with the above)
Where they think appropriate, they will discuss any concerns in relation to a specific child protection issue with the appropriate board member responsible for safeguarding. Note: Recent legislation dictates that all documents relating to safeguarding will be kept until the child is twenty-five years of age or passed to the appropriate authorities.
