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Hertfordshire County Council

Professionals – report a concern about a child or young person

If you're concerned that a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

Call 0300 123 4043 for urgent out of hours safeguarding support.

If there's no immediate danger, choose the level of need and risk.

How to make a referral

Intensive and specialist – level 4 and 3

There are immediate safeguarding concerns and a referral is required.

Additional – level 2

No immediate safeguarding concerns but additional support is required.

Universal – level 1

No safeguarding concerns. Needs can be met within the community.

Being clear about the level of need

Parental consent

 

Read the full continuum of need document (PDF, 464KB)

 

How to make a referral guidance

Turnaround program

Refer a child or young person to the Turnaround Programme

How to make a Safeguarding Referral
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How to use the Safeguarding Information Sharing system

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Additional – level 2

Children, young people and families that need additional help are best supported through existing relationships with those who already work with them. That includes their school or a health professional, who can organise support from local partners.

You must have consent from the parents, and the child when relevant, for services at Level 2. 

Consider completing a Families First Assessment

If your concern does not meet criteria to make a request for support, but requires a higher level of intervention than Universal Services can offer, contact your local Senior Families First Coordinator for an Early Help case discussion. This will help identify the most appropriate way to support the family going forward.

It may be that a Families First Assessment could be the most appropriate way to support a family. If you are trained on the Early Help Module and can initiate a Families First Assessment, please do so. Alternatively, contact your local Senior Families First Coordinator.

Consider signposting the family to specialist community resources

Earlier, solution-focused interventions will likely prevent problems from escalating. The starting point should be open and honest communication between the family and practitioners to share concerns.

By working in collaboration with the child, young person, their family and other practitioners, working with the family’s strengths, can ensure that any agreed activity reflect the family’s priorities and focus on preventing problems before they occur.

Hertfordshire has a wealth of specialist services who work in our community and can provide early support for families.

Families First – services that support families who need extra help.

Consider making a request for early help support

Your concern requires a collaboration of multi agency services. Community resources have been tried but have not been able to meet the family’s needs.

This is a formal referral for Children’s Services specialist Early Help support. It supports families whose needs have been persistently at Level 2 and are bordering on the need for Level 3 Intensive services.

Make a referral about a child (professionals)

 

 

Universal – level 1

If your concerns are at Level 1, please explore universal services.

Families First – services that support families who need extra help.

 

Being clear about the level of need

In 23-24, 47% of referrals didn't meet the level of need for Children's Services and were signposted back to community resources. This means:

  • those children's needs were delayed
  • other referrals were delayed by the sheer overall volumes
  • we received some children's sensitive information unnecessarily.

Do check the following potential indicators of need at each level first.

Use the Families First directory of community resources with the family to see what support is available and try these first 

Health

Level 4

  • The child has complex health problems which are attributable to the lack of access to health services. Carer denying professional staff access to the child.
  • Carers’ level of anxiety regarding their child’s health is significantly harming the child’s development. Strong suspicions / evidence of fabricating or inducing illness in their child.
  • The carer neglects to access antenatal care and there are accumulative risk indicators.
  • The carer is suffering from severe mental health difficulties, including post-natal depression, which is causing serious risk to themselves and their child / children.
  • Pregnant parent with significant learning needs.
  • Pregnancy in any child under 13. Young person and baby to be referred as individual children.
  • A vulnerable young person who is pregnant where there is risk of significant harm or there are known significant risk factors that will impact on their capacity to meet baby’s needs. Includes domestic abuse incidents, substance misuse and homelessness. Young person and baby to be referred as individual children.
  • A child attending an acute or urgent care setting who does not have a school place / is not attending, and factors surrounding their presentation indicate there is risk of significant harm.

 

Level 3

  • There is no evidence that the child has accessed health services and suffers chronic and recurrent health problems as a result. Or when diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and not accessing required health services.
  • Parent is not meeting needs of child’s health despite additional support. Carer displays high levels of anxiety regarding child’s health.
  • Needs of the carer / other family members significantly affect the care of child.
  • The carer is not accessing antenatal and / or post-natal care, significant concern about prospective parenting ability, resulting in the need for a pre-birth assessment.
  • The parent is suffering from post-natal depression and their mental health needs are impacting on parental access to health services, engagement, concerns surrounding baby. Infant / child appears to have poor growth – growth falling 2 centile ranges or more, without an apparent health problem. Newborn affected by maternal substance misuse.
  • A Child Looked After who is pregnant.
  • A care leaver who is pregnant and has additional vulnerabilities.
  • A vulnerable young person who is pregnant and for whom there is concern they will be unable to meet baby’s needs without professional support. Young person and baby to be referred as individual children.
  • A child attending an acute or urgent care setting who does not have a school place / is not attending, and factors surrounding their presentation raise questions about whether there is a risk of impairment.

 

Level 2

  • The child rarely accesses appropriate health and health advice services, missing immunisations
  • Additional help required to meet health demands of the child including disability or long-term serious illness requiring support services.
  • Needs of the carers are affecting the care and development of the child.
  • The carer demonstrates ambivalence to ante-natal and post-natal care with irregular attendance and missed appointments.
  • The parent is struggling to adjust to the role of parenthood, post-natal depression is affecting parenting ability.
  • A young person who is pregnant and deemed in need of support, including care leavers. Young person and baby to be referred as individual children.
  • A vulnerable adult is pregnant and unborn baby is deemed in need of support.
  • A child attending an acute or urgent care setting who does not have a school place/is not attending, and the child and family agree that they may need additional support.

 

Level 1

  • Child appears healthy and has access to and makes use of appropriate health and health advice services.
  • All child’s health needs are met by parents.
  • Carer does not have any additional needs.
  • Parent accesses antenatal and / or post-natal care.
  • Parent is coping well emotionally following the birth of their baby and accessing universal support services, where required.
Mental / emotional health

Level 4

  • Relationships between the child and carer have broken down to the extent that the child is at risk of significant harm / frequently exposed to dangerous situations and development significantly impaired.
  • Child has suffered long term neglect due to lack of emotional support from parents.
  • Child expressed suicidal ideation with intent or psychotic episode or other significant mental health symptoms. Refuses medical care or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt or significant mental health issues.
  • Carer unable to manage child’s behaviours related to their mental health, increasing the risk of the child suffering significant harm.
  • Child or young person has ongoing suicidal ideation following attempt or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt.
  • Evidence of exploitation linked to child’s vulnerability.
  • Child frequently exhibits negative behaviour / activities that place self or others at imminent risk.
  • Carer's mental health needs significantly impacting the care of their child, placing them at risk of significant harm.
  • Carer has ongoing suicidal ideation following attempt or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt.
  • Child has suffered bereavement and is missing, self-harming, disclosing suicidal thoughts, risk of exploitation, involvement in gang / criminal activity.
  • Concern that the child is a victim of exploitation, domestic slavery or being physically abused in their private foster placement.

 

Level 3

  • Carers' inability to engage emotionally with child leads to developmental milestones not met.
  • Family environment is volatile and unstable resulting in a negative impact on the child, leading to possible vulnerabilities and exploitative relationships, parent / carer unable to judge dangerous situations / set appropriate boundaries.
  • Allegations of parents making verbal threats to children. Child rarely comforted when distressed / under significant pressure to achieve / aspire.
  • The child has a mental health condition which significantly affects their everyday functioning and requires specialist intervention in the community. Parent has not been able to present child for treatment, increasing risk of mental health deterioration problems as a result. No evidence child has accessed mental health advice services and suffers recurrent mental health problems as a result. Child is known to be accessing harmful social media sites. Child experiences episodes of self-harm and parent responds appropriately. Child has expressed suicidal thoughts. Child is under the care of hospital engaging with mental health services.
  • Child has a negative sense of self and abilities, suffering with low self-esteem and confidence which results in child becoming involved in negative behaviour / activities by those exploiting / grooming them.
  • Mental health needs of the carer (subject to a section under MHA) is impacting on the care of their child and there are no supportive networks and extended family to prevent harm. Carer has expressed suicidal ideation or intent.
  • Mental health needs of the carer, including presentation at acute care settings where the parental care and impact on the child, needs to be explored and understood. This may be due to mental health / capacity needs or drug / substance misuse. The carer may not be in a position to give informed consent but the need of the child means that the referral can be accepted without consent.
  • Child has suffered bereavement recently or in the past and recent there has been a deterioration in their behaviour. It has not been possible to meet the needs through early intervention.
  • Some concern about the private fostering arrangements in place for the child, there may be issues around the carers’ treatment of the child. The local authority hasn’t been notified of the private fostering arrangement.

 

Level 2

  • Parenting often lacks emotional warmth and/or can be overly critical and / or inconsistent, occasional relationship difficulties impacting on the child’s development. Struggles with setting age-appropriate boundaries, occasionally not meeting developmental milestones and occasionally prioritises their own needs before child’s.
  • The child has a mild mental health condition which affects their everyday functioning but can be managed in mainstream schools and parents are engaged with school / health services including accessing remote support services to address this. Child is accessing social media sites related to self-harm, has expressed thoughts of self harm but is not believed to have experienced an episode of self-harm. History of mental health condition but have been assessed and discharged home with safety plan and follow up.
  • Child has a negative sense of self and abilities, suffering with low self-esteem and confidence making them vulnerable to those who wish to exploit them resulting in becoming involved in negative behaviour / activities.
  • Sporadic / low level mental health of carer impacts care of child, however, protective factors in place.
  • Child has suffered a bereavement recently or in the past and is distressed but receives support from family and friends and appears to be coping reasonably well – would benefit from short term additional support from early help services.

 

Level 1

  • The child is provided with an emotionally warm, supportive relationship and stable family environment providing consistent boundaries and guidance, meeting developmental milestones to the best of their abilities.
  • Child has good mental health and psychological wellbeing and can function well at home, in school and in their community.
  • The child engages in age-appropriate activities and displays age appropriate behaviours, having a positive sense of self and abilities reducing the risk of those wanting to exploit them.
  • The child learns healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems.
  • Mental health of the carer does not negatively affect / impact care of the child.
  • Child has not suffered the loss of a close family member or friend.
  • Local Authority notified the child is privately fostered by adults who are able to provide for their needs and there are no safeguarding concerns.
Education

Level 4

  • Child’s achievement is seriously impacted by lack of education. Regular breakdown of school placements. Lack of trust in education system (young person or parents / carers). Repeated concerns about school’s management of behaviour.
  • Developmental milestones are significantly delayed or impaired causing concerns regarding ongoing neglect (not in the case of those with a disability).
  • The child’s inability to understand and organise information and solve problems is adversely impacting on all areas of his/her development creating risk of significant harm, concerns of carer neglect.
  • The carer actively discourages or prevents the child from learning or engaging with the school.

 

Level 3

  • Child’s attendance is varied with missing absences and exclusions. Recurring issues raised about child’s home education. Inappropriate behaviour from carer / school has not been managed.
  • Some developmental milestones are not being met which will require support of targeted / specialist services.
  • Child’s ability to understand and organise information and solve problems is very significantly impaired and the child is seriously under-achieving or is making no academic progress despite learning support strategies over a period of time.
  • Carer does not engage with the school and actively resists suggestions of supportive interventions.

 

Level 2

  • Child experiences frequent moves between schools, or professional concerns regarding home education. Reports of bullying but responded to appropriately. Peer concerns managed by the school.
  • Some developmental milestones are not being met which will be supported by universal services.
  • Child’s ability to understand and organise information and solve problems is impaired and the child is under-achieving or is making no academic progress.
  • Carer is not engaged in supporting learning aspirations and/or is not engaging with the school.

 

Level 1

  • Child is in education or training with no barriers to learning. Planned progressions beyond school / college. Behaviour issues are managed by the school.
  • Developmental milestones met.
  • Child possesses age-appropriate ability to understand and organise information, solve problems and makes adequate academic progress.
  • Carer positively supports learning and aspirations and engages with school.
Abuse and neglect

Level 4

  • Carer is unable to protect their child from harm, placing their child at significant risk. Allegations of harm by a person in a position of trust.
  • Child shows physical signs of neglect which are attributable to the care provided by their carers.
  • Any allegations of abuse or neglect or any injury suspected to be non-accidental injury to a child. Repeated allegations or reasonable suspicion of non-accidental injury. Any allegation of abuse / suspicious injury in a pre-mobile or non-mobile child. Child has injuries more frequently which are not accounted for and the child makes disclosure and implicates parents or older family members.
  • Carer uses an implement causing significant physical harm to a child.
  • Family has rejected / abandoned / evicted child. Child has no available parent and the child is vulnerable to significant harm. Child not living with a family member.
  • Inappropriate, high level of self-sufficiency for child / young person’s age and stage of development resulting in neglect.
  • Medical confirmation that a child has suffered significant harm due to fabricated or induced illness.
  • Neglect of the child or young person’s medical needs by parent / care giver, not provided with the appropriate treatment for an illness / medical need. Significant harm is likely if medical needs are not addressed.

 

Level 3

  • Carer frequently neglects / is unable to protect their family from danger / significant harm. Parents or carers persistently avoid contact / do not engage with childcare professionals.
  • Child consistently shows physical symptoms which clearly indicate neglect.
  • Child has injuries which are accounted for but are more frequent than would be expected for a child of a similar age / needs. Carer does not know how injuries occurred or explanation unclear.
  • Carer uses physical assault (injuries) as discipline but is willing to access professional support to help them manage the child’s behaviour.
  • Family is experiencing a crisis likely to result in the breakdown of care arrangements – no longer want to care for child.
  • High level of self-sufficiency is observed in a child / young person that is not proportionate to a child / young person’s age and stage of development.
  • Suspicion child has suffered or is at risk of fabricated or induced illness.

 

Level 2

  • Carer on occasion does not protect their family which if unaddressed could lead to risk or danger.
  • Child occasionally shows physical symptoms which could indicate neglect.
  • Child has occasional, less common injuries which are consistent with the parents’ account of accidental injury – carers seek out or accept advice on how to avoid accidental injury.
  • Carer uses physical assault (no injuries) as discipline but is willing to access professional support to help them manage the child’s behaviour.
  • Concerns regarding ongoing conflict between family and child.
  • Pattern emerging of self-sufficiency which is not proportionate to a child / young person’s age and stage of development.
  • Child has an increased level of illnesses with the causes unknown.

 

Level 1

  • Carer protects their family from danger/ significant harm.
  • Child shows no physical symptoms which could be attributed to neglect.
  • Child has injuries which are consistent with normal childish play and activities.
  • Carer does not physically harm their child including physical chastisement.
  • No concerns regarding conflict / tensions within the family.
  • No concerns of inappropriate self-sufficiency.
  • No concerns of fabricated or induced illness.
Sexual abuse / activity

Level 4

  • Concerns regarding possible inappropriate sexual behaviour from carer / carer sexually abuses their child. Offender who has risk to children status is in contact with family. Child who lives in a household into which a registered sex offender or convicted violent offender subject to MAPPA moves.
  • Suspicions of sexual abuse / sexually activity of a child. Direct report of sexual abuse / assault by child and belief that child is in imminent danger and in need of immediate protection.
  • Child is exhibiting harmful, sexual behaviour despite interventions already offered. Early teen pregnancy (under 16). Concerns exist that the child may have been coerced, exploited, raped or sexually abused.
  • Excessive, secretive, compulsive, coercive, degrading or threatening; involving significant age, developmental or power differences.
  • 0-5 years; persistently touching genitals of other children or adults, simulation of sexual activity in play, sexual behaviour involving penetration with objects, forcing other children to engage in sexual play.
  • 5-9 years; frequent masturbation in front of others, sexual behaviour engaging significantly younger or less able children, forcing children to take part on sexual activities, simulation of oral or penetrative sex, sourcing pornographic material online.
  • 9-13 years; exposing genitals or masturbating in public, distributing naked or sexually provocative images of self or others, sexually explicit talk with younger children, sexual harassment, arranging to meet an online acquaintance in secret, genital injury to self or others, forcing children of same age, younger or less able to take part in sexual activities, sexual activity e.g. oral sex or intercourse, presence of sexually transmitted infection, evidence of pregnancy.
  • 13-17 years; exposing genitals or masturbating in public, preoccupation with sex interferes with daily function, sexual degradation / humiliation of self or others, attempting / forcing others to expose genitals, sexually aggressive / exploitative behaviour, sexually explicit talk about younger children, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual activity, use of / acceptance of power and control in sexual relationships, genital injury to self or others, sexual contact with others where there is a big difference in age / ability, sexual activity with someone in authority and in a position or trust, sexual activity with family members, involvement in sexual exploitation or trafficking, sexual contact with animals, receipt of gifts or money in exchange for sex.

 

Level 3

  • Report of non-recent sexual abuse but no longer in contact with perpetrator.
  • 0-5 years; preoccupation with adult sexual behaviour, pulling other children’s clothes down against their will, preoccupation with touching genitals of other people, talking about sexual activities seen on TV / online.
  • 5-9 years; questions about sexual activity which persist or repeated despite being answered, sexual bullying face to face or online, mutual masturbation, persistent sexual images and ideas on talk, play and art, the use of adult slang language to discuss sex.
  • 9-13 years; uncharacteristic and risk-related behaviour e.g. sudden and/or provocative changes in dress, withdrawal from friends, mixing with new or older people, having more or less money than usual, gone missing; verbal, physical or cyber / virtual sexual bullying involving sexual aggression, bullying targeting sexual identification, viewing pornographic material, worrying about being pregnant or having sexually transmitted infections.
  • 13-17 years; accessing exploitative or violent pornography, uncharacteristic and risk-related behaviour e.g. sudden and / or provocative changes in dress, withdrawal from friends, mixing with new or older people, having more or less money than usual, gone missing; taking and sending naked or sexually provocative images of self or others, joining adult-only social networking sites and giving false information, arranging a face to face meeting with an online contact alone.

 

Level 2

  • Emerging concerns of possible sexual activity with a child, including that a child is being sexually exploited.
  • Sexual behaviour that could have been harmful to the child / young person or another person.
  • Age-appropriate attendance at sexual health clinic.

 

Level 1

  • Safe and healthy sexual development.
  • Displayed between children or young people of similar age or developmental ability.
  • Reflective of natural curiosity, experimentation, consensual activities and positive choices.
Police attention

Level 4

  • Re-occurring / frequent attendances by the police to the family home. Family member within household’s criminal activity significantly impacting on the child, child is currently involved in persistent or serious criminal activity and / or is known to be engaging in gang activities leading to injury caused by a weapon.
  • Child habitually entrenched / actively criminally exploited. There is a risk of imminent significant harm to the child because of their criminal associations and activities. They may not recognise they are being exploited and / or are in denial about the nature of their abuse.
  • Charged or convicted of aggravated robbery / use of offensive weapon / possession of large quantities of Class A drugs. Intentional harm of others / animals.
  • Young person consistently stopped and searched with risk factors suggested they are being exploited.

 

Level 3

  • Family member has a criminal record relating to serious or violent crime, known gang involvement, child is involved in anti-social behaviour and may be at risk of gang involvement, early support not having the desired impact. Starting to commit offences / re-offend or be a victim of crime.
  • Child appears to be actively targeted/coerced with the intention of exploiting the child for criminal gain.
  • Arrested for possession of offensive weapon, drugs, multiple thefts / going equipped / motoring offences. Non-compliance of conditions.
  • Young person regularly stopped and searched indicating vulnerability, exploitation or criminality. Young person arrested as a result of a stop and search.

 

Level 2

  • History of criminal activity within the family including gang involvement, child has from time to time been involved in anti-social behaviour.
  • Child is vulnerable and at potential risk of being targeted and / or groomed for criminal exploitation, gang activity or other criminal groups / associations.
  • Attention of anti-social behaviour team or police. Talks about carrying a weapon. Reports from others that involved in named gang. Glamorises criminal or violent behaviour.
  • Young person has been stopped and searched in circumstances that cause concern such as time of day and others present but no previous concerns.

 

Level 1

  • No history of criminal offences within the family.
  • Young person has no involvement with crime or anti-social behaviour.
  • Young person has been stopped but not searched.
  • Young person has been stopped and searched with no obvious safeguarding concerns or criminality.
Harmful practices

Level 4

  • Evidence the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices.
  • There is specific evidence to indicate a child has been subjected to honour based abuse or the child has reported they have been subjected to honour based abuse.
  • Reports that female child has had female genital mutilation / child requests help as suspects she is at risk of female genital mutilation. Upon return from country where practice is prevalent, noticeable changes in child – dress code, excusing from PE, discomfort in walking, frequenting toilet facilities.
  • Evidence child may be subject to forced marriage or has been subjected to forced marriage.
  • Disclosure from child about spirit possession or witchcraft, parental view that child is believed to be possessed.

 

Level 3

  • Concern the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices.
  • There is evidence to indicate the child is at risk of honour based violence.
  • Any female child born / unborn to a mother who has had female genital mutilation and is from a prevalent country, family believe female genital mutilation is integral to cultural or religious identity. Female child talks about a long holiday / confirmed travel to her country of origin or another country where the practice is prevalent. Female child or parent from household where female genital mutilation is known or suspected to have previously been a factor state that they or a relative will go out of the country for a prolonged period with female child.
  • There are concerns that a child may be subjected to forced marriage.
  • Evidence child is exposed to issues of spirit possession or witchcraft.

 

Level 2

  • Concern the child is in a culture where harmful practices are known to have been performed, however, parents are opposed to the practices in respect of their children.
  • There are concerns that a child may be subjected to honour based abuse or forced marriage.
  • History of practising female genital mutilation within the family including female child is born to a woman who has undergone female genital mutilation, older sibling / cousin who has undergone female genital mutilation. Family indicates that there are strong levels of influence held by elders and / or elders are involved in bringing up female children. Female child where female genital mutilation is known to be practiced is missing from education for a period without school’s approval.
  • Suspicion child is exposed to issues of spirit possession or witchcraft.

 

Level 1

  • No concern the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices
  • No concerns that the child is at risk of honour based violence.
  • No concerns that the child is at risk of female genital mutilation.
  • No concerns a child is at risk of forced marriage.
  • No concerns that the child is at risk of witchcraft.
Extremism and radicalisation

Level 4

  • The child expresses beliefs that extreme violence and terrorism should be used against people who disrespect their beliefs and values. The child supports people travelling to conflict zones for extremist / violent purposes or with intent to join terrorist groups The child expresses a generalised non-specific intent to go themselves. Child, family and friends have strong links / are members of proscribed organisations.
  • A child is sent extreme imagery / taken to demonstrations or marches where violent, extremist and / or age-inappropriate imagery or language is used. The child/carers/ close family members / friends are members of prescribed organisations, promoting the actions of violent extremists and/or saying that they will carry out violence in support of extremist views including child circulating violent extremist images.
  • Child is known to have viewed extremist websites and is actively concealing internet and social media activities. They either refuse to discuss their views or make clear their support for extremist views. Significant concerns that the child is being groomed for involvement in extremist beliefs / activities.
  • Child expresses strongly held beliefs that people should be killed because they have a different view and idolises terrorists. Child is initiating verbal and sometimes physical conflict with people who do not share their religious or political views.
  • Child has strong links and involved in activities and being educated / encouraged by those with individuals or groups who are known to have extreme views / links to violent extremism or terrorist activity.

 

Level 3

  • The child expresses sympathy for ideologies closely linked to violent extremism but is open to other views or loses interest quickly. Child and family have indirect links to proscribed organisations.
  • The child is expressing verbal support for extreme views some of which may be in contradiction to British law.
  • A child is known to live with an adult or older child who has extreme views. Child may inadvertently view extremist imagery.
  • Child is known to have viewed extremist websites and has said they share some of those views but is open about this and can discuss the pros and cons or different viewpoints.
  • Child is refusing to co-operate with activities at school that challenge their religious or political views, they are aggressive and intimidating to others who do not share their religious or political views.
  • Concerns child has connections to individuals or groups known to have extreme views and they are being educated / encouraged to hold intolerant, extremist views.

 

Level 2

  • Child refers to own and family ideologies.
  • Child refers to own and family extreme views.
  • Child is at risk of becoming involved in negative internet use that will expose them to extremist ideology, expressing casual support for extremist views.
  • Child is expressing strongly held and intolerant views towards people who do not share their religious or political views.

 

Level 1

  • Child and family’s activities are legal with no links to proscribed organisations.
  • Child and family doesn’t express support for extreme views or child is too young to express such views themselves.
  • Child engages in age-appropriate use of internet, including social media.
  • Child engages in age-appropriate activities and displays age-appropriate behaviours and self-control.
Drug / substance misuse

Level 4

  • The child’s substance misuse dependency is putting the child at such risk that intensive specialist resources are required.
  • Carer / other family members drug and / or alcohol use is at a problematic level and are unable to provide care to child.
  • Family home is used for drug taking / dealing / illegal activities.
  • Evidence of substance / drug misuse during pregnancy – post-21 weeks gestation.

 

Level 3

  • Child’s substance misuse dependency is affecting their mental and physical health and social wellbeing – child presents at hospital due to substance / alcohol misuse. Carer indifferent to underage smoking / alcohol / drugs etc.
  • Drug / alcohol use has escalated to the point where the child is worrying about their carer / family member.
  • Previous concerns of drug involvement / drug supply and child or household member found in possession of Class A or Class B drugs / drug paraphernalia found in home.
  • Evidence of substance / drug misuse during pregnancy – pre-21 weeks gestation.

 

Level 2

  • Child is known to be using drugs and alcohol frequently with occasional impact on their social wellbeing.
  • Drug and / or alcohol use is impacting on parenting but adequate provision is made to ensure the child’s safety, concerns this may increase if continues.
  • Child or household member found in possession of Class C drugs.
  • Concerns of drug usage during pregnancy.

 

Level 1

  • The child has no history of substance misuse or dependency.
  • Carers / other family members do not use drugs or alcohol or the use does not impact on parenting.
  • No signs or suspicion of drug usage.
Disability

Level 4

  • Carers / other family members have disabilities which are severely affecting the care of the child and placing them at risk of significant harm.
  • Child is experiencing neglect which is directly attributable to the care given by their parent / legal guardian / care giver.

 

Level 3

  • Carers / other family members have disabilities which are affecting the care of the child.
  • Parents unable to fully meet the child’s needs due disability needs, requiring significant support under CIN Plan.

 

Level 2

  • Carers / other family members have disabilities which occasionally impedes their ability to provide consistent patterns of care but without putting the child at risk, additional support required.
  • Additional help required to meet health demands of the child’s disabilities, such as short break local offer.

 

Level 1

  • Carers / other family members have disabilities which do not affect the care of their child.
  • Child has no apparent disabilities.
Young carer

Level 4

  • The child / young person has a high caring role and their outcomes are being significantly adversely impacted by their unsupported caring responsibilities leading to risk of significant harm.

 

Level 3

  • The child / young person has a higher caring role for another family member or members, resulting in their wellbeing and / or opportunities being adversely impacted by their caring responsibilities.

 

Level 2

  • The child / young person has moderate caring responsibilities for members of their family and this sometimes impacts on their opportunities or has some negative impact on their wellbeing.

 

Level 1

  • The child / young person has a low caring role, where it is not having a negative emotional impact on them and this caring role does not impact their ability to access the same opportunities as their peers.
Domestic abuse

Level 4

  • Expectant mother or parent is subjected to domestic abuse, including through coercion and control, and considered high risk of harm.
  • Evidence suggesting child is directly subjected to verbal abuse, derogatory titles, threatening and / or coercive adult behaviours. Children suffering emotional harm when seeing or hearing, or experiencing the effects of, domestic abuse. They can be related to or under parental responsibility of the person being abused or the person who is abusing another.
  • Threat to parent’s life or to child by violent partner. Child injured in domestic violence incident. Child traumatised or neglected due to domestic abuse, including if child is unborn.
  • Confirmation previous domestic abuse perpetrator residing at property. Carer remains residing with perpetrator after being given evidence of previous abuse. Perpetrator is assessed as posing a high risk of serious harm

 

Level 3

  • Expectant mother or parent has previously been subjected to domestic abuse and is experiencing evolving coercive control and domestic abuse in current or recently ended relationship.
  • Children suffering emotional harm when seeing or hearing, or experiencing the effects of, domestic abuse. They can be related to or under parental responsibility of the person being abused or the person who is abusing another. Perpetrator shows limited or no commitment to changing their behaviour and little or no understanding of the impact their behaviour has on the child. Children are victims regardless of whether they are present when incidents occur.
  • Confirmation previous domestic abuse perpetrator residing at property. Carer remains residing with perpetrator after being given evidence of previous abuse.
  • If the victim of domestic abuse is not in a position to give consent as they are being controlled or coerced, domestic abuse worries may be accepted without consent if the referral indicates this control is likely.

 

Level 2

  • Expectant mother or parent is experiencing evolving coercive control and domestic abuse.
  • There are incidents of physical / emotional abuse / economic control or controlling or coercive behaviour in the family. However, mitigating protective factors within the family are in place and are positively impacting. Children are victims regardless of whether they are present when incidents occur.
  • Information has become known that a person living in the house may be a previous perpetrator of domestic abuse, although no sign of current or recent abuse is apparent.
  • If the victim of domestic abuse is not in a position to give consent as they are being controlled or coerced, domestic abuse worries may be accepted without consent if the referral indicates this control is likely.

 

Level 1

  • Expectant mother or parent is not in an abusive relationship.
  • No history or incidents of violence, emotional abuse / economic control or controlling or coercive behaviour in the family.
Social development

Level 4

  • Child is completely isolated, refusing to participate in any activities, positive interaction with others is severely limited due to displays of aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours impacting on their wellbeing or safety. Child has experienced such persistent or severe bullying that their wellbeing is at risk. Child has little or no communication skills.
  • The family network has broken down or is highly volatile and is causing serious adverse impact to the child.
  • Child is showing signs of being secretive, deceptive and is actively concealing internet and social media activities. Regularly coerced to send / receive indecent images. Coerced to meet in person for sexual activity. Devices need to be removed and access restricted at all times.
  • The family is excluded and the child is seriously affected but the family actively resists all attempts to achieve inclusion and isolates the child from sources of support.
  • The neighbourhood or locality is having a profoundly negative impact on the child resulting in the child coming to notice of the police on a regular basis both as a suspect and a victim, concerns by others regarding high risk of exploitation, being groomed and any other criminal activity.
  • Evidence a child has been exposed or involved in criminal activity to generate income for the family / family members are being detained and at risk of deportation or the child is an unaccompanied asylum-seeker.
  • Negative sense of self and abilities that risk of causing harm. Completely isolated, refusing activities. High levels of social isolation that may be exacerbated by personal, cultural, sexual identity or education needs.
  • Notification from the district or borough council housing department that family is in rent arrears or engaging in anti-social behaviour which is likely to lead to homelessness if support is not provided. Consent is overridden and the referral will be progressed to the Homelessness Prevention Team.

 

Level 3

  • Child is isolated and refuses to participate in social activities, interacting negatively with others including aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours, early support has been refused, or been inadequate to manage this behaviour. Child has experienced persistent or severe bullying which has impacted on their daily outcomes. Child has significant communication difficulties.
  • There is a weak or negative family network. There is destructive or unhelpful involvement from the extended family. Child has multiple carers; may have no significant or positive relationship with any of them / child has no other positive relationships.
  • Child is engaged in or victim of negative and harmful behaviours associated with internet and social media use or is obsessively involved in gaming which interferes with social functioning. Evidence of sexual material being shared without consent. Multiple SIMs or phones.
  • The family is socially excluded and isolated to the extent that it has an adverse impact on the child.
  • The neighbourhood or locality is having a negative impact on the child resulting in the child coming to notice of the police on a regular basis both as a suspect and a victim, concerns by others re exploitation.
  • Child and family’s legal status puts them at risk of involuntary removal from the country / having limited financial resources/no recourse to public funds increases the vulnerability of the children to criminal activity.
  • Isolated and refuses to participate in activities. Experiencing bullying or social isolation that may be exacerbated by personal, cultural, sexual identity or education needs. Targeted by groups or individuals due to their vulnerability or perceived reputation.

 

Level 2

  • Child has few friendships and limited social interaction with their peers. Child has communication difficulties and poor interaction with others. Child exhibits aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours which impacts on their peers, family and / or local community. Support is in place to manage this behaviour. Child is a victim of discrimination or bullying.
  • There is a significant lack of support from the extended family network which is impacting on the parent’s capacity.
  • Child is at risk of becoming involved in negative internet use, lacks control and is unsupervised in gaming and social media applications.
  • The family is chronically socially excluded and / or there is an absence of supportive community networks.
  • Child is affected and possibly becoming involved in low level anti-social behaviour in the locality due to others engaging in threatening and intimidating behaviour.
  • Child and family’s legal entitlement to stay in the country is temporary and/or restricts access to public funds and / or the right to work placing the child and family under stress.
  • Perceived inability or reluctance to access more mainstream support. Reduced access due to their ethnicity / cultural background / being in care / identifying as LGBTQ / Educational Needs (SEN).

 

Level 1

  • Child has good quality early attachments, confident in social situations with strong friendships and positive social interaction with a range of peers, demonstrating positive behaviour and respect for others.
  • Positive family network and good friendships outside the family unit.
  • Child engages in age-appropriate use of internet, gaming and social media.
  • Family feels integrated into the community.
  • Neighbourhood is a safe and positive environment encouraging good citizenship and knowledgeable about the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour.
  • Child and family is legally entitled to live in the country indefinitely and has full rights to employment and public funds.
  • Young person is positively engaging with services. Has awareness of the risks and grooming processes. Motivated and positive outlook.
Extra-familial harm / contextual safeguarding

Level 4

  • Places / spaces: found in areas / properties known for exploitation / violence. Taken to hotel / B & B / property with intention of being harmed or harming others. Staying with someone believed to be exploiting them.
  • Person with significant relationship is coercing child / young person to meet and child is sexually or physically abused. Found with adults / high risk individuals out of area. Is being exploited to ‘recruit’ others.
  • Professional engagement: history of multiple services / referrals with little change or escalation in risk. Services report unable to keep child / young person safe.
  • Missing: child persistently runs away and / or goes missing and does not recognise that they are being groomed, there are concerns about a power imbalance forcing the child to act in this way, the location is dangerous to children, there are concerns they are being exploited, criminal behaviour etc. Pattern of sofa surfing, whereabouts unknown.

 

Level 3

  • Places / spaces: neighbourhood or locality is having a negative impact on the child. Frequently spending time in locations, including online, where they can be anonymous or at risk of experience harm / violence / exploitation.
  • Peer group / external relationships: unknown adults and / or other exploited children/young people associating with the child/young person. Escalation in behaviour of peer group. Accompanied by an adult who is not a legal guardian. Arrested with individuals who at risk of exploitation / violence.
  • Professional engagement: services previously involved and closed – new referral received for similar concerns. Despite attempts, professionals have been unable to engage the young person to date. Several services involved but little change.
  • Missing: child persistently runs away and / or goes missing, serious concerns about their activity whilst away. Parent does not report them missing. Unable to give explanations for whereabouts.

 

Level 2

  • Places / spaces: Spending time in areas known for antisocial behaviour or where more vulnerable. Child / young person identifies and informs professionals of unsafe locations and reason for this.
  • Peer group / external relationships: some indications that unknown adults and / or other exploited children have contact with the child / young person. Some indications of negatively influential peers.
  • Professional engagement: limited referral history with services. Lack of confidence in worker / service to manage risk or work with adolescents. Multiple workers confused or disagreeing on risk.
  • Missing: child has run away from home on one or two occasions or not returned at the normal time. Concerns about what happened to them whilst they were away, whereabouts unknown.

 

Level 1

  • Places / spaces: Good services in area and young person is aware / engaging positively. Guardians in area ensure physical and psychological wellbeing of young people.
  • Peer group / external relationships: peer group engage in positive activities / clubs / communities. The group understands risk and harm. Age appropriate and safe. Peers that have ‘turned around’ in their journey.
  • Professional engagement: trusted adult in professional network. Impactful engagement. Curious and flexible.
  • Missing: child comes home on time and does not run away from home. Their whereabouts is always known to their carers and they answer their phone.

 

Is parental consent required?

You need to have parental consent before submitting a referral.

That means:

  • you've told the parents that you're making the referral
  • you have their permission to make the referral
  • you have their permission for Children’s Services to share and seek information from partner agencies, including health, police and probation.

 

The only exceptions are when:

  • the child would be placed at increased risk of significant harm through the action of gaining this consent
  • there would be an impact on a criminal investigation
  • a delay in making the referral would impact on the immediate safety of the child.

Consent criteria – more detail (PDF, 14MB)

 

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