Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families

C

Appendix

Referrals Involving a Child (Referral Chart)

Guide for use

This chart is designed to help you gather information at the initial referral stage. It is not exhaustive and should not be treated as a checklist.

Please use the chart alongside the usual referral forms as a reminder of:

A. issues which may need to be checked

B. matters raised by the referrer that should be recorded.

 

What help is requested?

Material resources

Housing, beds, clothing, money, other

Practical help for parent/carer

Respite care, other

Support for parent/carer

Someone to talk to, advice/information, other

Support for referrer

Advice/information, discussion of current concern, other

Practical help for child

Accommodation, school place, specialist equipment, other

Support for child

Befriending, counselling, youth scheme, other

Protection for child

Home visit, immediate shelter, other

 

Is there a child in danger?

Source of information

  • Problem observed by referrer
  • Child talked to referrer
  • Someone else told referrer of their concern - who?
  • Referral has general concerns
    -why refer now?

 

Why is the referrer worried?

  • Is there a need for immediate medical treatment?
  • Is there a physical injury - size, colour, shape and location?
  • Is the child neglected - appearance, clothing, home conditions?
  • Is there a lack of supervision - whereabouts and situation of child?
  • Is child a victim of sexual assault - child's account or behaviour?
  • Is the child emotionally abused - observed behaviour?
  • Is there a person present who has been convicted of an offence against a child?
  • Is there an explanation?

Details of:

  • Child's current whereabouts?
  • Date child was last seen
  • Any previous concerns
  • Background to current concern
  • Any specific injury or event causing concern
  • When did it happen
  • Child's, parent's/carer's account
  • Identity of alleged abuser - personal details assist police checks
  • Alleged abuser's current whereabouts
  • Any supporting medical or forensic evidence

 

Is there any other possible explanation the referrer can offer for their concern?

Additional information

  • Willingness of referrer to be interviewed
  • Discrepancies or inconsistencies in the report

 

Family/household details

Child

Name, age, gender, ethnic origin, address and telephone number

Referrer

Name, address and telephone number

Referrer's Relationship to the child

Parent/carer

Name, address, telephone number and age if under 18 years

Access to parent/carer

Is an appointment necessary?

Alternative carer(s)

Name, address and telephone number

Other children in the household

Age and gender

Primary language of family

Ethnic origin of family

Religion of family

Disability of parent or child

 

Other professionals involved with the family

School/nursery

Address, telephone number and name of head teacher

Health visitor

Name, address and telephone number

General Practitioner

Name, address and telephone number

Probation Service

Name, address and telephone number

Any other

 

Is any other help needed?

Remember this is not a checklist. Record anything the referrer tells you about these or similar matters:

  • Bereavement
  • Child/parent confiict
  • Drug/alcohol/ substance misuse
  • Housing/homelessness
  • Learning disability
  • Non school attendance
  • Physical disability
  • Police involvement
  • Racial harassment
  • Violence
  • Bullying
  • Child behaviour
  • Family/marital confiict
  • Financial crisis
  • Mental ill health
  • Parenting
  • Physical ill health
  • Poverty
  • Unemployment

Consider

  • Is this the correct agency? - if not, refer elsewhere and tell referrer
  • Have you sufficient information - if not where could you get more?
  • Is the service available?
  • Does the referrer want a visit immediately?
  • Will an interpreter/sign language facilitator be needed?
  • Are there mobility/access considerations?
  • Are there any assurances you need to give? i.e. referrer's identity must be protected
  • Feedback to the referrer about the action you will take
  • How will you close the conversation - does anything else need saying, do they have any questions?
  • Do you need to consult someone about the action to take?

Check

  • Is the child/parent aware of the referral?
  • Is the family/child known to the department?
  • Is the family/child currently receiving services?
  • If suspected child abuse - the Child Protection Register.

 

NSPCC © NSPCC 1998

First published 1998 by NSPCC, 42 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3NH

NSPCC gives permission to photocopy this chart for use in connection with services to children and families. Published as part of a pack in the NSPCC Policy Practice Research Series: Assessing Risk in Child Protection, by Hedy Cleaver, Corinne Wattam, Pat Cawson (ISBN 0 902498 81 9).

Registered charity number 21640

Prepared 29 March 2000