What happens next?

Home: Workers: Counselling Issues: Responding to child abuse

Upon receipt of a notification, a Child Protection worker will determine whether the child or young person's described circumstances fall within the legal definition of 'a child in need of protection'. They will then make a decision about the urgency of the notification. If the notification is not accepted, the Child Protection worker will need to give reasons, and provide advice to the notifier in relation to other services available to the child and family. Following the acceptance of a notification for further investigation, the Child Protection service will inform the notifier of the progress of the investigation as soon as is practical.

Prioritising of cases for investigation is constantly changing because new notifications are reported all the time. Where a case is deemed urgent investigations will occur within 48 hours. If a case is deemed non-urgent, the investigative process can take up to 14 days.

In cases where sexual or physical abuse has been alleged, the police will need to be involved in the investigation.

The role of the police is to:

• deal with criminal matters that arise in child abuse and neglect investigations
• investigate and enforce Intervention Orders under the Crimes (Family Violence) Act 1987. Intervention Orders may be used to remove abusers from the home, allowing children to remain safely at home.
• assist Child Protection workers where there are concerns about the safety of workers and family members
• activate a criminal investigation whenever reasonable grounds exist for believing that a child has been physically or sexually abused.

Ongoing professional responsibilities

When Child Protection becomes involved, a family is usually thrown into crisis, and it will be some time before this abates. The notifier will often feel guilty about making a notification. Helping professionals to focus on the child's situation often assists them in understanding that they have acted correctly and helps allay their anxiety.

After making a notification, the professional's ongoing roles and responsibilities may include:

• acting as a support person in interviews with the child or young person
• attending a case conference that could assist in determining the most appropriate investigation outcome
• participating in case planning meetings in relation to a child or young person
• continuing to monitor a child or young person's behaviour in relation to ongoing harm
• observing/monitoring the conditions on a protective court order that may relate to access or contact with a parent
• liaising with other professionals and Child Protection workers in relation to a child or young person's wellbeing
• providing written reports for case planning meetings or court proceedings in relation to a child or young person's wellbeing or progress.

After intervention has been initiated, it is likely that the child or young person will be distressed. They may feel guilty, ashamed, confused and frightened, and will therefore need support throughout the protective intervention. Professionals involved with the family may be in a position to offer ongoing support, by:

• liaising with Child Protection workers to ensure they are giving appropriate support to the child or young person
• providing support to the family where appropriate
• dealing sympathetically and effectively with changes to the child's behaviour that may occur in response to intervention.

Pastoral/caring responsibilities

After intervention has been initiated, it is likely that the child or young person will be distressed. They may feel guilty, ashamed, confused and frightened, and will therefore need support throughout the protective intervention. Professionals involved with the family may be in a position to offer ongoing support, by:

• Liaising with Child Protection workers to ensure they are giving appropriate support to the child or young person.
• Providing support to the family where appropriate.
• Dealing sympathetically and effectively with changes to the child’s behaviour that may occur in response to intervention, and may mean making allowances and concessions.

Making a notification is often stressful for notifiers, as they have a genuine concern for the child and worry if they are doing the right thing. They will be concerned about how the immediate and future events will unfold.

Professionals need to understand that their involvement does not end with a call to Child Protection. They may be called on to play a significant role in the ongoing protection of the child, or in providing support to the family. There may be formal duties, such as participation in case conferences or providing a written report, or a less formal but equally important pastoral and caring role. Ongoing responsibilities may also involve looking after themselves, or providing support to other colleagues at such a stressful time.

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 23 Jun 2010