When there is suspicion that a child is at risk of harm, a referral to children's social care should be discussed with local multi-agency safeguarding procedures if the level of concern increases to 'suspect' NICE CKS.
In cases where a child or young person is thought to be in immediate danger, they should be referred immediately to children's social care and/or the police NICE CKS.
If the concern is less urgent, contact children's social care to discuss the need for a referral, which may trigger a child protection investigation or a family assessment NICE CKS.
Referrals should include a detailed description of the reasons for concern, including emerging health and social care needs, and any reasons the family might need help accessing healthcare services NICE NG213.
Before sharing confidential information, seek consent from the child (if capable) or their parent/carer, unless sharing would increase harm NICE CKS.
Children's social care should decide within one working day of receipt of a referral and provide feedback on the decisions both to the family and the referrer NICE CKS.
Consider the safety of other children living with or in contact with the suspected perpetrator when making a referral NICE CKS.