Section 47 Children's Services

[ConfusionAndDelay]

Child Services have informed us that they are carrying out a Section 47 on my husbands daughter. This follows an allegation he made of being slapped hard by her Mother across the back. She was left with a red mark which went within 24 hrs.

Would this be enough to instigate a Section 47? What does this involve? Child Services want to do a home visit here- what will this involve? I'm imagining someone inspecting the house for dust and other ridiculous things :(

Google it? I just did. Tells you all you need to know

Allegation he made about being slapped - did his ex wife slap him or he is reporting his ex wife because she allegedly slapped her daughter? Seems a bit of an extreme reaction rather than sorting it all out within the family. No good comes of this kind of thing.

I don't understand op, who slapped who?

Sorry missed a "s" allegations she made. My 7 yr old step daughter made an allegation that he mother slapped her.

Social Worker is visiting in two days and has said she is carrying out a section 47.

It's not usual to go straight to sec 47 is it?
They usually make an initial visit to talk to family before escalating.
Has anything else happened? Is there history?

They need to talk to all significant adults and agencies involved in the child's life.
That is why they need to talk to you.

Thanks all. There have been some past incidents involving police attendance whereby step daughters mother has become angry and verbally abusive but no social service involvement. Step daughter has said her mum cries lots and tells her she's sad and her Mother has a long history of Mental health problems, threatening suicide etc so perhaps they looked into that?

I would be surprised if you are getting the whole story here (from mother).
If the police have been called to a house where there are children due to a violent incident they will inform SS.

For this to reach S47 (which is child protection) I would expect there to be either a history of concerns or a very serious accusation with some proof.

For example. If a child makes an accusation, even one of quite a serious nature, and there have been no previous concerns, the school/nursery have never noted anything untoward etc SS will usually visit and talk to the family. If they see that all looks well they can close the case there and then. If they don't feel able to close the case they can proceed but not on a sec47, there is stuff before you get to that stage.

It sounds as if SS have done some initial work on this issue.

A SW can come along and tell me I am wrong, this is based on previous experience and an intense course I did a couple of years ago and professional experience but I am NOT a SW so am happy to stand corrected.