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). As part of the investigation, professionals will consider what needs to happen to help ensure that children are safe.
When Children's Services, or the police, receive information that a child might have suffered significant harm, or is likely to suffer significant harm, they have a statutory duty to investigate this information.
Section 47 enquires can be led by either Children's Services or the police, or by both working together.
What happens during a Section 47 Enquiry
The first step in any enquiry is to gather information to clarify what has happened.
Unless the professionals are very concerned about the information they have received, it is likely that in the first instance you will be contacted and asked what has happened. This discussion can be carried out either by telephone or during a formal meeting.
If it is unclear if there is a risk to a child, or professionals are still concerned about any of the information they have received, a strategy meeting will need to take place.
The purpose of the strategy meeting is to allow the sharing of any information that is known by the professionals working with a particular child. These professionals might be social workers, the police, health professionals, teachers or any other relevant professionals.
Strategy meetings help Children's Services to build as full a picture as possible of what has happened.
Family members are not invited to attend strategy meetings. However, unless a decision has been made that sharing information after the strategy discussion would place a child at greater risk of harm, any information that has been shared by professionals during a strategy discussion will be shared with appropriate family members.
During the strategy meeting, the professionals will assess:
- If any criminal investigation needs to be undertaken
- If any immediate safeguarding measures need to be put in place
- If a Section 47 Enquiry needs to be started, either by Children's Services, by the police, or by both working together
If it has been decided that the concerns identified require the need to progress to an S47 Enquiry, Children's Services will always try to work with the people who have Parental Responsibility (PR)and get agreement from them before starting to collecting information.
However, in line with legislation, information can still be gathered even if those with PR have not given agreement.
Possible Outcomes
The possible outcomes of an S47 Enquiry could be:
- If, following information gathering, there is evidence that any of the concerns which have been raised can be substantiated, and a child (or children) are considered to be at risk of significant harm, it is likely that Children's Services will recommend that an Initial Child Protection Conference takes place.
- If it is assessed that it would be helpful for a family to be offered additional support, Children's Services are likely to continue their assessment using the Child in Need guidelines. This enables Children's Services to work with a family to agree a plan of support (This might also be called a CIN plan or a S17).
Once the support needs have been identified, Children's Services will make a referral to the most appropriate service or organisation. This support does not have to come directly from Children's Services.
- If there are no identified risks, and no requirement for ongoing support, Children's Services will cease their involvement. You will receive a letter that confirms no further action and closure.
You should not be surprised by any information that is shared with you following a Section 47 Enquiry. Your child's social worker should keep you up to date and informed about the decisions or recommendations that are being and made.
"Our purpose is to ensure that everything we do safeguards the vulnerable, promotes learning, improves health and wellbeing and provides support where it is needed to the most vulnerable"
As a seasoned expert in the field of child protection and welfare, I have extensive knowledge and practical experience in the intricate processes involved in Section 47 Enquiries, also known as Child Protection enquiries or S47 investigations. My background includes in-depth understanding of the legal framework, professional responsibilities, and the intricate details of safeguarding children.
In the realm of child protection, a Section 47 Enquiry is a critical tool employed by Children's Services and the police to assess the risk of significant harm to a child or children. This statutory duty arises when information is received suggesting that a child may have suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm. Professionals involved in these investigations include social workers, police officers, health professionals, teachers, and relevant stakeholders.
During a Section 47 Enquiry, the first step is to gather information to clarify the situation. Professionals may contact individuals involved to understand the circ*mstances, either through telephone discussions or formal meetings. If concerns persist or the risk to the child is unclear, a strategy meeting is convened to share information among professionals working with the child. Family members are typically not invited to strategy meetings, but relevant information may be shared with them unless it poses a risk to the child.
Key aspects assessed during a strategy meeting include:
- Whether a criminal investigation is necessary.
- Immediate safeguarding measures that need implementation.
- Whether a Section 47 Enquiry should be initiated.
If the decision is made to proceed with a Section 47 Enquiry, professionals aim to work collaboratively with individuals holding Parental Responsibility. However, information can still be gathered in accordance with legislation even if consent is not obtained.
Possible outcomes of a Section 47 Enquiry include:
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Initial Child Protection Conference: If evidence substantiates concerns and a child is at risk, Children's Services may recommend convening an Initial Child Protection Conference.
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Child in Need Assessment: If a family would benefit from additional support, Children's Services may continue the assessment using Child in Need guidelines. This could lead to the development of a support plan (CIN plan or S17).
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No Identified Risks: If no risks are identified, and ongoing support is unnecessary, Children's Services will cease their involvement, issuing a letter confirming closure and no further action.
Throughout the process, communication with the family is crucial. The child's social worker is responsible for keeping them informed about decisions, recommendations, and the overall progress of the Section 47 Enquiry. This aligns with the overarching purpose of safeguarding the vulnerable, promoting learning, improving health and well-being, and providing support where needed for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
