Question: I have just seen a child that I am worried about. Who can I talk to about my concerns?
Answer: There are a health professionals with expertise in child protection who can talk through your concerns and advise you what to do. The Named Nurses and Doctors for Child Protection work Monday to Friday 9-5. Outside of normal office hours you should telephone the out of hours number for social services and ask for a consultation (Do not ask for advice). An experienced Social Worker will contact you. View telephone numbers of Named Nurses, Doctors and Social Services.
Question: I have just seen a child with bruising and marks. How do I record this?
Answer: Complete a body map. Remember to send a copy of your body map with any referral to children’s social services.
Question: A child has just told me something that I am worried about. What do I do?
Answer: you should tell the child that you are worried and that you need to get advice. Remember that most children are telling you because they want you to do something. Write down factually what has been said and do not ask probing questions. You need to make a decision as to whether you should refer the child to children’s social services. It may be helpful to discuss your concerns in a consultation with a Named Nurse or Doctor or children’s social services. See question 1.
Question: I need to refer a child to Children’s Social Services. What do I do?
Answer: If your concerns are urgent and grave you should telephone the Kent Contact and Assessment Services in the first instance and verbally refer the child. You must the complete the Child in Need and Child Protection referral form Link 5.
This must be sent within 48 hours to the Kent County Assessment Service. NHS Information governance requirements apply. If possible your referral should be completed electronically and sent via nhs.net to casssecure@kent.gcsx.gov.uk
Question: Do I tell the child or parents about my concerns?
Answer: Generally, you should discuss your concerns with the parents / carers or young person if they are old enough to understand. In a minority of cases it is not appropriate to discuss concerns initially if you think it will put yourself at risk, the child or other person at risk or impede the investigation of a crime. If you are unsure and need advice contact a Named Nurse for Child Protection or Out of Hours Social Services.
Question: I have just received a telephone call from social services requesting information about a child or family that I have or have had professional contact with. Do I share information?
Answer: It is lawful to share information in order to safeguard a child. If the inquiry relates to child protection (section 47 inquires) you are required to share information promptly. You will be required to review your records and decide which information is relevant to social services in order to assess risks to the child and the level of support needed for the family. You do not have to share all of the information you hold if you do not think it is relevant but it is helpful to discuss with the social worker why they are requesting information as it will help your decision making. If Social Services are responding to the child as a child in need it is good practice to obtain permission from the parent / carer to share information. However the referral form to children’s social services requires consent so social services may already have it. If you need advice re whether to share information you may wish to contact a Named Nurse for Child Protection or in exceptional cases you may need to consult legal advice. Remember time is of the essence and delay in sharing information is dangerous. Further guidance on sharing information is available within the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Children Procedures www.kscb.org.uk or in the 7 Golden Rules of information Sharing Need link to document accompanying this FAQ sheet.
Question: Do I need child protection training?
Answer: All staff working in services contracted by the NHS must have an agreed level of training in child protection, depending on their role. In addition to this, most professional bodies require an appropriate level of child protection training. Child Protection training is a requirement for Care Quality Commission registration. Generally, it is agreed that child protection training should be updated every three years with annual updating in between. If you are unclear as to the level of training you should have contact either your professional body or a Designated or Named Nurse who will be able to assist you.
