A Section 46 enquiry is initiated to decide whether and what type of action is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child who is suspected of, or likely to be, suffering significant harm.
What is a Section 46?
Under section 46 of the Children Act 1989, where a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer Significant Harm, the child may be kept in or removed to suitable accommodation where they may be protected, e.g. a relative’s home, a hospital, a police station, a foster
Under section 47 of the Children Act 1989, where a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that a child (who lives or is found in their area) is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, it has a duty to make such enquiries as it considers necessary to decide whether to take any action to safeguard or
What is the meaning of Section 47?
What’s involved in a Child Protection Investigation, also called a Section 47. A Section 47 Enquiry might also be referred to as a Child Protection enquiry, a Child Protection Investigation, or an S47. These investigations are carried out to assess if there is the risk of significant harm to a child (or children).
Within one working day of a referral being received a Local Authority Social Worker should make a decision about the type of response that is required.
How long does a Section 46 last?
These powers are governed by Section 46 of the Children Act 1989. Under this law, the police have the power to remove children to a safe location for up to 72 hours to protect them from “significant harm”. Police do not require a court order to take such a step.
What is a Section 46 Safeguarding?
46 Removal and accommodation of children by police in cases of emergency. E+W. (1)Where a constable has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm, he may— (a)remove the child to suitable accommodation and keep him there; or.
Do parents have to consent to section 47?
In emergency situations where the child needs urgent medical treatment and there is insufficient time to obtain parental consent: The medical practitioner may decide to proceed without consent; and/or. The medical practitioner may regard the child to be of an age and level of understanding to give her/his own consent.
What are the four outcomes of a section 47?
The Section 47 Enquiry will result in one of four possible outcomes: Child protection concerns are substantiated and the child(ren) is (are) considered to be suffering, or likely to suffer, Significant Harm, in which case an Initial Child Protection Conference will be convened.
How long does a Section 47 assessment take?
45 working days
While the timescale within which the assessment must be completed is 45 working days the outcome of enquiries under Section 47 must be available in time for an Initial Child Protection Conference which (if required) must be held within 15 working days of the Strategy Discussion/Meeting where the enquiries were
What are the common reasons social services would want to remove a child from a family? There are many reasons why a child could be removed from their home and placed outside of family and friends, but common reasons include abuse, neglect, illness, or abandonment.
How long does a child stay on the child protection register?
two years
Usually a child will require a child protection plan for no longer than two years. By that stage the work undertaken with the family usually means that the child is no longer at risk. In a small number of cases where there is no improvement, it may be necessary for the court to become involved.
How long does a child in need plan last?
within 12 months
A Child in Need Plan will be developed in a Child in Need Planning Meeting. Most Child in Need Plans will envisage that Children’s Services intervention will end within 12 months. However, some children and families may require longer term support, for example children with disabilities.
How long do children’s services have to make a decision?
When information is received, by way of a referral, which indicates that there are concerns about the safety and well-being of a child, Children’s Services have 24 hours to decide what type of response is required.
How serious is a child in need plan?
A Child in Need plan (CIN) can be produced for a child who has need of extra support for his safety, health and/or development, such as a child who has disabilities. Sometimes, if you are finding it difficult to meet all your child’s needs, for whatever reason you may be able to get some support to help you.
Be systematic and rigorous with evidence on which judgements are being made, appreciating any limitations. View the method and your conduct of assessments self-critically. Weigh the potential harms and benefits of risks. Ensure that assessment methods, processes and outcomes are ethical.
Can police remove a child from their home?
If a police officer believes that a child is at risk of suffering significant harm in a particular situation then he/she may exercise powers under this Act to remove the child to suitable accommodation, or, if the child is in hospital or in a place of safety, take steps to keep the child there.
If the applicant for an EPO does not know the whereabouts of a child, but that information is held by another person, the court may order that person to disclose the information when requested to do so by the applicant (section 48(1)).
Who has Parental Responsibility under interim care order?
An Interim Care Order means that the Local Authority will share Parental Responsibility for that child. This means that the Local Authority have the power to make decisions about where the child lives and the welfare of the child.
Can a parent see a section 47 report?
Does the Section 47 Report interview happen with the parents there? No, in the course of Section 47 Report inquiry, the child must be seen alone by the social worker unless the child is too young or it’s opposing the child’s wish to do so.
What are the 6 points of safeguarding?
What are the six principles of safeguarding?
- Empowerment. People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
- Prevention. It is better to take action before harm occurs.
- Proportionality. The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
- Protection.
- Partnership.
- Accountability.