SS referral

[Cookiemilk]

I heard you don’t have to consent to a social services referral, can anyone clarify if this is true? Thanks

They’ll normally ask for consent, unless it’s a very serious/life threatening situation.

Though if you refuse consent, you’ll no doubt raise eyebrows.

I gave consent with hesitation - probably different scenarios, though.

So is it SS that ask for consent or the person that refers?

SS to the family in question.

Schools etc need family’s consent to make a referral unless it is a safeguarding risk then they can override parents view-or not even tell them.
The purpose of gaining consent is to encourage a working together approach for the benefit of the child/ren. Having a shared goal with school/doctors/probation/whoever is raising the concern and to demonstrate the agency have first discussed it with parents and thought about steps to take in first instance.

You will be asked again by children’s services for your consent to an assessment and to share information.

Depends on the circumstances. Safeguarding requires no consent.

Ok thanks