When a serious concern has been raised about your child (Section 47): step by step

We understand that hearing a serious concern has been raised about your child can feel frightening, confusing, or overwhelming. This page is here to explain:

• what will happen
• why use Section 47
• how we will work with you

Our focus is always on your child's safety and wellbeing, and on supporting you as a family.

Video: Understanding the child protection process

Working together to protect your child

Section 47 is part of the Children Act 1989. It allows us to look into serious worries about a child's safety or wellbeing. We use it when we believe a child may be at risk of significant harm. 

Using Section 47 does not mean that you have done something wrong. It means we need to understand what is happening and decide how best to keep your child safe while offering support to your family.

A group of people from children's services, police and health, called the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) has looked at the concern about your child. They feel a meeting, called a strategy meeting, needs to happen.

This meeting is led by children's services and the police. It includes professionals who know you and your child. You won’t be invited to it, but we will make sure you are told what the next steps will be. 

If people are very worried, then a social worker will come and talk to you about it. This will happen very quickly after the meeting has finished. 

What we don't know yet is what support might be needed, and we want to work with you to do an assessment.

Next steps

A social worker and sometimes a police officer will speak with your child. This usually happens at school or in another place where your child feels comfortable and safe. Your child will be encouraged to talk in their own words about what has happened.

You will not be invited to this meeting, but we will tell you what will happen next and why.

In some situations, the concern may involve a parent or carer. Because of this, we do not always need permission to speak with your child. 

A social worker will talk with you about the concern and about what is needed to keep your child safe. We want to work with you, and we want you to share your views, questions, and worries.

This process is not about blaming you. It is about understanding what is happening and making sure the right support is in place for your child and your family.

As part of this, the social worker may visit your home and look at each room. This helps us understand your child's living environment and daily life.

We have a responsibility to decide whether action is needed to keep your child safe. We will explain what is happening, what decisions are being made, and what this means for you. 

To build a full picture, the social worker may speak to other people who know your child or support your family. This may include:

• teachers or school staff
• doctors or health professionals
• other services your family works with
• other family members and anyone else important to you and your family

These conversations help us understand your child's needs, strengths, and the support already around your family.

The social worker has one week to write an assessment. This looks at what we have learned and what support or protection may be needed. At the end of this week, the social worker will talk with you about:

• what they have found
• what they think needs to happen next
• what support may be available

You will have a chance to ask questions and share your views.

There are two possible next steps.

A child in need plan

The professionals involved in the strategy meeting may suggest that a child in need plan is needed. This is a shared plan that focuses on your child's wellbeing and safety. It sets out the support your family will receive and how we will work together. We encourage you to take part and help shape this plan.

Find out more about a child in need plan.

A child protection conference

We may decide that a child protection conference is needed. This is not voluntary, is a formal meeting, and parents and carers are expected to attend.

The meeting brings together professionals who know you and your child. Together, they agree on a plan – a child protection plan - to help keep your child safe now and in the future. You will be supported to understand the process and to have your voice heard.

Find out more about child protection conferences.