What are the referral criteria for social services when I suspect a child is at risk of harm?

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' ¹.

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 ¹.

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 ¹.

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 ³.

Before sharing confidential information, seek consent from the child (if capable) or their parent/carer, unless sharing would increase harm ¹.

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 ¹.

Consider the safety of other children living with or in contact with the suspected perpetrator when making a referral ¹.