Inter-Agency Referral Discussion

Aims and Aims and Objectives To have a common understanding of what an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion (IRD) is in the context of Child Protection To b To be aware of how the process is conducted in the Aberdeen City area To confidently initiate or participate in an IRD e aware of how the process is conducted in the Aberdeen City area mmonderstanding of what an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion (IRD) is in the context of Child Protection the process is conducted in the Aberdeen City area common understanding (IRD) is in the context of Child Protection

Child Care and Protection Everyone’s responsibility – no one agency can do this alone so need to work together – joint information gathering, sharing and decision making Purpose of a joint investigation – establish facts regarding abuse/neglect towards a child potential crime to gather and share information to inform assessment of risk/need for a child to decide on any protective action needed.

Child Protection is…. Single event or Accumulation of individual events/patterns of behaviour which together cause significant harm Links to Wellbeing/Welfare concerns? Definition of a Child Up to 16yrs (18yrs if on CSO, 18yrs if CSE/CT)

Protection of children led by PS and CSW Police Scotland statutory duty to protect public and investigate on behalf of the PF – criminal investigation Children’s SW statutory duty to safeguard and promote wellbeing of children – and to support the upbringing of families (as far as is consistent with stat duty), duty to make enquiries relating to children who are suffering, likely to suffer significant harm

To IRD or not to IRD Responding to concerns about children - (actual and potential harm) Identifying and managing risk IRD takes place When a child/children perceived to be at risk of sig harm Prior to progressing a Child Protection Investigation except in case of emergency, and before any JII/medical or any decision to proceed with single or joint investigation First stage in formal process for joint information sharing and is central mechanism to coordinate multi agency child protection processes If in doubt, discuss…..

Before the IRD Notification of CP concern – does it need validated? initial info gathering/ referral to SW service * case example Further info gathering from referring agency, SW service/Police* case example Discuss with line manager Is child at risk of significant harm?

IRD Process Telephone IRD desk – 01224 306918 to discuss need for IRD (SW) (out with office hours arrangements) Timescales – child is at risk of significant harm so don’t delay – hold IRD within an hour of decision to progress to IRD IRD is a teleconference – agree time for IRD and participants Who will invite attendees to IRD teleconference? Need for all core agencies to prioritise preparation and attendance Referring agency (SW or PS) will Chair and write IRD record and circulate to participants Ethos promotes a shared understanding of agency contributions and responsibilities Each service contributes to a joint decision regarding priority actions

IRD preparation Children’s Social Work initial checks: Child’s core details, family & professional network, gender Carefirst checks (child, key family members, siblings, same household) Child Protection registration (on child, siblings (birth or not) and same household) Looked after status and history Legal status Other agency checks

Education SEEMiS Pupil progress report any other files held (CP paper file) Glean any known information not contained in above on family circumstances, engagement with school, risks and strengths in household and network, communication issues, health issues (separate healthcare plan)

Any crime intelligence Crime file Legacy files STORM Police Scotland PNC CHS VPD Any crime intelligence Crime file Legacy files STORM

Health Check child health record Check GP records and any other information known by GP practice Contact specialist CP team, RACH Advise specialist paediatrician of time of IRD Consider any disabilities and impact of this on referral Consider risks and signs of safety known Any other relevant known info

Outcome of IRD No further investigation If IRD concludes no requirement on core agencies to carry out an investigation, is there a need for further intervention and support – if so, who from? Does further info require to be shared? with family, referrer, named person? GDPR Single agency investigation/intervention required If so, who by? SW or Police Scotland NB - this may lead to a further IRD taking place pending further information being gleaned Joint SW/Police Investigation Consider medical/Joint Investigative Interview: when, why, who? Immediate plans to ensure child’s safety – informal/formal?

Roles and Responsibilities Referring Agency to Chair the IRD and complete the IRD Record – ensure accurate but succinct account Research to be shared by all partners within the IRD Risks to be identified and documented Safety plans identified Joint decision making Share IRD Record with participants

Learning and Improvement What challenges have you faced in your involvement in the process? Identified strengths? Timescales, availability, recognising challenges Quality Assurance

Question and Answer Session