I just had to make my first safeguarding referral

[alittleshaken]

Obviously I can’t share details but I feel so upset for the poor child and family, and feel filled with guilt even though we’ve all agreed it was the right thing to do. It’s just not a pleasant thing to do at all

I certainly don’t think it’s at all appropriate for you to have started a thread about it! Maybe that’s why people are picking holes in your comments.

I think the “hole picking” is due to the 10 page form that really should be completely by a professional to make a safeguarding referral. It takes me up to an hour to do one and ensure I’ve referred to the levels of need document and used correct wording to get the information right.

It sounds more like you’ve sent an email or a call to someone to share a concern rather than make a referral?

Our admin team wouldn’t be making referrals, but they might personally email the safeguarding team a concern.

Hope family get the help if needed and wee one can be returned to family as quickly as possible.

I'm not picking holes but I'm enquiring as your post is titled 'just done my first safeguarding referral'. This intimates there's a child at risk NOW that is not receiving any support. That is a scary situation to manage. However if this child already has involvement from other agencies you're not the one raising the alarm and shouldn't feel bad about adding additional information.
It might be helpful for you to discuss with your line manager the different ways information is shared depending on if a child is already open to SS or not.
I'm trying to help you feel better about the unease you have after sharing this information.
As an aside you do need to know if you've made an actual referral or not as there is a duty for an outcome to referrers for new referrals.

Also, it doesn't feel your team have been that supportive if you've had to post on here.

Oh, OP I don't know why you are getting a hard time from some. I work in a primary school and have had to do several safeguarding referrals following disclosure at varying levels and it's never nice to think about the circumstances. In some cases, there is a cycle/circumstances that anyone with any iota of empathy can extend to the whole family, even if the child and their well being is obviously the primary concern. Be kind to yourself and know you did the right thing, I'd rather refer and nothing come of it 100 times than not refer and have a bad outcome. Referral doesn't always mean awful things for the family, lots of times it can mean greater support and a better chance of everyone's needs being met. You did great.

Well done OP. It’s not easy, you’ve done a great thing for a family who now will be on the radar for support. It does feel difficult, it’s not an easy call to make.

This.

There is 0 identifying information about me or the child. Literally impossible for you to know anything.

Agree not sure what point was.

I’m sorry you’re feeling upset OP. I’ve been there and I did too. But you know you did the right thing.

Don't feel awful the referral may get them all the help and support they need.

If the child is at risk there’s no real question as to what to do?
It sounds as though you can see a justification for the situation the child’s family have put them in, I can only wonder why?

Your human you have empathy its not a bad quality to have i understand this has felt hard but hopefully its the right thing to do

Maybe advise your manager you’re not able to cope with this in future so they can allocate to someone more suitable.

Even though it is the right thing to do, social services involvement isn't a neutral thing. It sets a bomb off in family life. It's normal to have worries, guilt or mixed feelings about referring.

Feeling uncomfortable feelings doesn't mean you can't cope with something, get a grip 🙄

This is the point....
The OP doesn't even know if she made a referral or if it's already an open case so she is adding information to the bigger picture!
Hence if already open it really isn't throwing a bomb into this family's life although may still feel a scary thing to do.

Op says the child is already on a safety plan. I don’t know why she’s then going on about making referrals, the child’s circumstances are already known to the authorities.
She’s probably just reported a further incident.

I hear you. I've made a few in my job. It's just knowing a child is in a horrible situation, coupled with worries about whether you've done the right thing. Should you have acted sooner? Should you have acted at all? What's happening in that kid's life right now?

It would be a cold person who dealt with that situation and just shrugged it off.

i dont think you should be posting anything, not matter how vague, about it to be honest.

Aww, you did a good thing OP. Keeping children safe is everybody's responsibility! Your information may have tipped the scales to make sure the family gets the support they need to take better care of that child.

You might save their life.

I've worked in roles where safeguarding is part and parcel (although not children's services for a long time). I have seen struggling families at last given the support they desperately need.
It isn't always a negative outcome. I've seen income maximised because people were unaware of certain benefits or grants, I've seen families get heat turned on and be given beds, bedding and food that was previously absent. I've seen worn out carers get funded support. I always try to use safeguarding positively.

Bravo, OP. It must feel horrible for you and no surprise you feel a bit shocked and shaken.

Console yourself with the knowledge that you have been a good citizen and find a responsible thing. People who are paid to be more expert in these situations will now take over - and they will put the little one’s needs first.

Have a bubble bath, an easy dinner and curl up and watch something light and absorbing on telly. You might have a funny night’s sleep if it’s all still rattling around but get out tomorrow morning for a run or a walk in the fresh air and I hope you’ll start to feel stronger and more settled in yourself soon.

Well done.

I hade to make one for a child I didn't know. School asked me to come in, make a statement and confirm all of the details. Very professional.

When I asked what would happen, she said she couldn't tell me but she was confident that what I reported would 'finally tip the scales' and they would now get extra intervention. I was very worried and she re-assured me that this was something that had been building for a while and now outside services couldn't ignore it any longer. She was very clear that I had done the right thing.