We're worried about your child - what happens next?
This page is for you if a professional has told you that children’s services are looking into worries about your child. This is called a Section 47 enquiry.
We understand that hearing this can feel scary or confusing. This page will explain what is happening and tell you about your rights in a clear and simple way.
A note about how Darlington works
Darlington is changing the way child protection is delivered.
Some teams now use a new approach. In these teams Child Protection enquiries are led by a Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP) and work as part of a Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT).
Other teams still work in the usual way. These Child Protection enquiries are led by a Social Worker, with support from an Independent Child Protection Chair (CP Chair) and their team manager.
Whichever team is working with your family, your rights stay the same.
On this page, we use the words “your lead professional”. This means the main person supporting you, no matter which team you are in.
At your first meeting, your lead professional will:
- introduce themselves
- explain their role
- tell you how they will support you
All teams will move to the new way of working by January 2027.
If children’s services receive information that a child may be at risk of harm, we must look into it. This is the law.
This is called a Section 47 enquiry. The name comes from the Children Act 1989, which says we must take action if we are worried about a child.
This does not mean your child will automatically be taken away from you.
The enquiry is to:
- understand what is happening for your child
- listen to you and your family
- decide what support or help may be needed to keep your child safe.
You will always have a Family Help Lead Practitioner. They will stay with you the whole time you are involved with children’s services. Even if there are child protection concerns, this does not change.
Think of your Family Help Worker like a family GP:
- they are your main point of contact
- they get to know your family
- they work with other professionals to support you
A qualified Social Worker will be responsible for leading your child protection work. Depending on your team, this may be:
- a Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP), or
- a Family Help Social Worker, supported by an Independent Child Protection Chair (CP Chair)
They will:
- introduce themselves at your first meeting
- explain their role
- tell you how they will work with you
Other professionals may also be involved, such as:
- a health worker
- a police officer
- a teacher
They all work together to help keep your child safe.
Your Family Help Lead Practitioner will visit your home. Sometimes they will visit on their own, or with support from another professional such as an LCPP or CP Chair.
They will:
- talk with you
- talk with your child (if they are old enough)
In some situations, the police may also be involved and may visit with them.
Your Family Help Lead Practitioner and Social Worker will also speak to other people who know your child, such as:- their teacher
- a school nurse
- your GP
This helps us understand your child’s situation more fully.
We will tell you why we are concerned about your child. The only time we may not do this is if telling you could put your child at greater risk.
The enquiry should be completed within 15 working days of the Section 47 starting.
There are four possible outcomes
1. No further action
We have not found evidence that your child is at risk. Our involvement will end. We may suggest support if it could still help your family
2. Family support is offered
We are not worried about your child’s immediate safety, but support may help. You may be offered a Family Help plan or a Child in Need plan. This is voluntary (your choice). The focus is on helping your family, not investigating
3. A child protection conference is needed
We have found concerns that need a formal meeting. This is called a child protection conference. See our page Your child protection conference to find out what it is and what to expect.
4. Emergency protection or court proceedings
In serious and urgent situations, we may need to take legal action quickly to keep your child safe. If this applies to your family;
- we will explain this to you clearly
- you should get independent legal advice straight away
- you may be able to get free legal support (legal aid).
You have the right:
- to be told why children’s services are concerned about your child
- to share your views and have them taken seriously
- to be treated with respect, whatever your background, race, religion, or disability
- to receive written information about the process
- to get independent legal advice at any time, including from a solicitor