Section 47????

[ItWillAlwaysBeJustUsThree]

Hi can people please share their stories on having a section 47 from social services please?

I don’t know what to expect and I’m currently terrified.

Thank you

Means that enquiries will be made regarding a child who may be at risk of significant harm!!

It should be a joint investigation between the police and social services. The police will want to identify if there have been any child protection offences committed and the social workers will assess the welfare of the child / children regarding significant harm. The investigation can be triggered in a number of ways - a disclosure by a child eg “ my dad hit me “ or a referral by another professional raising concerns eg a Dr regarding an injury believed to be non accidental as examples. Once it has been agreed that the enquiry meets the threshold of S47 then agencies like health and education have statutory obligations to provide information if requested - this can include disclosure of medical records of you or the children for instance. A social worker will visit to conduct an assessment. They may visit with a police officer who in my experience is in plain clothes not uniform. They will be trained to speak to children and if they’re any good will spend time getting to know the children and maybe playing ( building rapport) before procedural matters are progressed. They can speak to the children without your consent and without you being present. There will be regular meetings among the relevant professionals to discuss the situation. You may be invited to participate at some point.

Section 47 enquiry means that CSC must carry out an investigation when they have 'reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found, in their area is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm'1. ... The aim is to decide whether any action should be taken to safeguard the child.

Just to add I’m studying law and I suggest you get a legal representation immediately