Child Protection Investigation

This page sets out the process should there be a need for a child protection investigation to take place when a child is placed out of jurisdiction.

Definition A Child Protection Investigation is an assessment which focuses not only on the needs of the child but also their safety.

Process

If a child or young person makes an allegation which requires investigation and this event took place in Guernsey then the Guernsey and Alderney Child Protection Guidelines will be followed. If the event took place outside of Guernsey then the guidelines for that local authority will be followed.

It is important that, as the authority responsible for the child, Guernsey ensures that the Local Authority required to undertake the investigation is notified. This will include direct telephone or email contact with that Local Authority who is responsible for this.

Involvement

The Team Manager will make a decision on whether it is necessary and appropriate for the child's Social Worker or a representative from the Department participates in the strategy discussion either by attendance or through conference calls.
Guernsey should receive a written account of the investigation process including outcomes.
If further resources are needed immediately to ensure the safety and well being of the child then the matter must immediately be referred to an appropriate manager who can make decisions on this issue.

Actions

Task	Responsible Officer	Record	Timescale
On receipt of allegation establish where and when	Social Worker	Computer	At time of referral
Guernsey
If allegation refers to an incident or event in Guernsey then the Guernsey and Alderney Child Protection Guidelines apply	Social Worker Team Manager	Computer	Within 1 Working Day
Strategy Meeting to be convened in Guernsey	Team Manager (Looked After Child Team) Team Manager (Assessment & Intervention Team)	Computer	Within 1 working day if there is immediate concern for child/children's safety
Out of Jurisdiction
Liaise with relevant Child Protection Agency in the UK	Social Worker Team Manager	Computer	Within 1 working day
Follow up telephone call if no definitive response	Social Worker Team Manager	Computer	Within 2 working days
Agree with Investigations Officer information required from Guernsey and ensure this is made available for Strategy Meeting	Social Worker	Computer	At time of referral being accepted
Decision made about what role Guernsey plays in Strategy discussions	Social Worker Team Manager	Computer	After acceptance of referral
Agree how outcome of investigation will be fed back to child, family and Guernsey	Social Worker	Computer	At / or following Strategy Discussion
Ensure communication occurs throughout process	Social Worker	Computer	Ongoing
Make representation to Local Authority if issues arise around non acceptance of referral or progression of investigation	Senior Practitioner/ Team Manager/ Service Manger	Computer	At time of issue being raised
Discussion if required with Local Authority or placement provider if additional resources are needed to ensure the child is safe	Social Worker/Team Manager	Computer	As investigation progresses
Referral to DMT and Services Contracts Manager if further resources are required	Social Worker/Team Manager	Computer	At earliest available opportunity
To ensure written account of investigation is made available to Guernsey	Social Worker	Computer	On conclusion of investigation
To confirm who notifies child and family on conclusion of investigation	Social Worker	Computer	On conclusion of investigation

Child Protection Investigation

Process

Involvement

Actions

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