What to do if you have concerns about a child

Step 1

Practitioner has concerns about a child record information accurately in records complete a body map if required.

• Body maps

• What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused 

• NICE guidance - when to suspect child maltreatment and neglect

• Kent and Medway Safeguarding Children Procedures 

• General Medical Council guidance for doctors on safeguarding children.

• Guidelines for General Practitioners in east Kent regarding children with signs and symptoms suggestive of sexual abuse. 

• Child abuse injuries

Step 2 

Practitioner consults with either:

• Named doctor and nurse for Child Protection for locality in which the child lives
• Designated Doctor or Nurse for Child Protection
• Out of hours – Social Services (0845 7626777) NB the practitioner must ask for a consultation and not advice.  

Step 3 

If advised to make a referral to children’s social services:

• Child in need and child protection referral form

• Inform the parents / carer or young person unless advised not to.
• For urgent referrals telephone Kent Contact and Assessment Service 01233 652100  
• For urgent referrals out of hours telephone social services 0845 762 6777
• Complete referral form and send to: Specialist Children's Services - Central Duty Team, Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8XU. Whenever possible, this should be sent via nhs.net to CentralDutyTeam@kent.gcsx.gov.uk  

• Send a copy of referral form to the named doctor and nurse for child protection for locality in which child lives.

• Send copy to child’s GP if known

• It is the responsibility of the referrer to clarify outcome for the referral with social services if they have not been contacted within one week.  If the referrer does not agree with the decision regarding the outcome, they must discuss their concerns with the Named Nurse for Child Protection for the area in which the child lives.  

Step 4

• The practitioner may be invited to subsequent multi-agency meetings on the child, including a strategy discussion and child protection conference.  See section regarding multi-agency meetings on children.