The role of the local authority

229. Within one working day of a referral being made, a local authority social worker should acknowledge receipt to us as the referrer and make a decision about the next steps and the type of response that is required. This will include determining whether:

• the child requires immediate protection and urgent action is required;
• any services are required by the child and family and what type of services;
• the child is in need, and should be assessed under section 17 of the Children Act 1989;
• there is reasonable cause to suspect the child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and whether enquiries must be made and the child assessed under section 47 of the Children Act 1989; and
• further specialist assessments are required to help the local authority to decide what further action to take.

230. The referrer will, even if they are not the DSL (or deputy), follow up if this information if it is not forthcoming.

231. If, after a referral, the child’s situation does not appear to be improving, we will consider following TWSP local escalation procedures or those for the safeguarding partnership for the child to ensure our concerns have been addressed and, most importantly, that the child’s situation improves.

232. The Telford & Wrekin Council Director of Children’s Services is Jo Britton.