The document defines key terms and concepts related to safeguarding children in the UK, including:
1) The definition of a "child in need" according to the Children Act 1989. It also discusses the legislation surrounding children in need.
2) The definition of a "looked after child" and the legislation surrounding looked after children.
3) The needs of looked after children and the importance of attachment in children's services. Assessment processes and their importance are also discussed.
38. A child protection enquiry is made when any agency recieves information that a child may be at risk of harm or is known to have suffered harm. A social worker and a police officer must look into this. The 1989 children act states that it is mandatory for the local authority to make enquiries even if the info is wrong or malicious. The enquiry will be made by speaking to other angencies who may know the family such as primary health services, school etc. Of the Child protection workers are satisfied at this stage there is no futher risk of harm, no furhter action will be taken. If further enquiries need to be made, S/W P/O will contact family. They will always want to see the child and talk to them alone if they are old enough. They will always ask permission from family/child unless under exceptional circumstances. The professionals and the family need to work together for the best outcomes for the child. If at any point S/w p/o are prevented from enquring after child, a decision will be made regarding legal action. The enquiry will end if it has been deicded the child has not been harmed and is not at risk. If it is found that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed and there are still concerns, a child protection conference will be arranged to doscuss what has been found out.
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44. The Policy-Making Cycle 1. Agency Performance Profile 2. Professional practice 3. Stakeholder satisfaction 4. Community Audit-Inspection Local reform National trends Evaluation-Research Policy shifts Law reform