5.4 Listening to a Child
If a child or young person tells you about any information which raises worries about their safety or well-being, the initial response should be limited to listening carefully to what they are saying:
- Clarify the concerns;
- Offer reassurance about how s/he will be kept safe.
- Explain that the information will be passed to Children’s Social Care Services and/or the Police
If the child is freely recalling events you should listen rather than stop the child. It is important that the child should not be asked to repeat the information to a colleague or asked to write the information down.
If the child has an injury but no explanation is volunteered, it is acceptable to enquire how the injury was sustained.
A child or young person must not be pressed for information, led or cross-examined or given false assurances of confidentiality. Such well-intentioned actions could prejudice police investigations, especially in cases of Sexual Abuse.
It is helpful that a record of all conversations is kept for your records and any investigation.
If the child can understand the significance and consequences of making a referral, he/she should be asked her/his views by the referring professional.
Professionals should seek to discuss concerns with the family and, where possible seek consent to making a referral unless this may place the child at risk of significant harm.
In certain circumstances and environments i.e sexual health clinics, Police attendance and A&E, there will be occasions when it is not appropriate to gain consent. The expectation is that the professional informs the young person and or parent that a referral is being made.
Where a parent has agreed to a referral, this must be recorded and confirmed on the relevant Referral Form.