1. Inter-Agency Referral Discussion

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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…..

7. 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?

8. IRD Process
Telephone IRD desk – 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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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

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

16. Question and Answer Session