Where there are concerns of possible future harm to your child, your child’s name may be placed on the Child Protection Register.
The Child Protection Register is held by Social Work Services and is part of the social work computerised system. The Child Protection Register has no legal status and is merely a way of identifying children for whom there are serious concerns.
Access to the Child Protection Register is strictly controlled. However, information will be shared with other agencies involved with you and your child, such as health, education, nursery. Information shared is strictly on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Your child’s name may be placed on the Child Protection Register under one of the following categories:
- physical injury
- physical neglect
- sexual abuse
- emotional abuse
- non-organic failure to thrive
The category chosen does not necessarily mean your child has been abused in this way, but may indicate a concern that your child is at risk of this type of abuse in the future.
If your child’s name is placed on the Child Protection Register then a Child Protection Plan will be agreed and a Core Group identified.
The Child Protection Plan sets out what needs to be done to reduce the risk of future harm and offers support to you and your child. A copy of the Plan will be given to you.
If your child’s name is not placed on the Child Protection Register, but you need help or support in the care of your child, this can be arranged.