Child protection

Everyone in West Lothian has a responsibility to look out for children and report their concerns to the appropriate people, you can find their contact details at the bottom of the page under the heading Contacts.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A CHILD  who you believe is at risk of neglect or abuse, then one of the following agencies  can be contacted:

Bathgate Social Work Centre
01506 776700
 
Broxburn Social Work Centre
01506 775666
 
Livingston Social Work Centre
01506 282252 

Out of office hours
If you need to speak to someone urgently please phone the Social Care Emergency Team
01506 281028/9 

Livingston Police
01506 431200
 

Child Protection

Following a number of child death inquiries in Scotland, the Scottish Executive has promised the children and young people of Scotland who are at risk of abuse and neglect, that they will get the help they need when they need it and they will be listened to seriously.

All professionals from the council, health services, the police and other agencies will work together to provide the support that children, young people and their families need. All agencies in West Lothian are committed to working with children and their families to ensure that children and young people are safe and cared for and kept within their own families wherever possible.

What happens if you report a child protection concern?

Concerns about children are normally reported to:

• Social Work
• Police·
• Health (e.g. Health Visitor, GP)
• Any other professional involved with the child or family e.g. housing officer, teacher

Why are people concerned about a child?

Concerns may have been raised about a child or a child may have spoken to someone for a variety of reasons. It may be believed that a child has experienced or is at risk of:

• Physical injury (being hit, kicked, punched)
• Physical neglect (not being properly fed, clothed, washed, supervised)
• Sexual abuse (inappropriate sexual behaviour, language, assault, exposure to pornography)
• Emotional abuse (constantly criticised, ignored, humiliated, exposed to domestic violence)

What usually happens during a Child Protection Investigation?

Social Work staff and the Police have a legal responsibility to investigate any concerns, (health staff have a duty to assist) which suggest that a child has been abused or is at risk of abuse. It is recognised that this is a stressful time for children and families. At all times the welfare of the child comes first. Usually the social worker and the police will want to:

• Speak to the child
• Speak to the parent or carer
• Speak to other relevant people (e.g. family members, teacher, health visitor etc.)
• Make further enquiries if necessary
• Discuss with health staff whether it is necessary for the child to have a medical examination

Usually police and social work will seek consent prior to interviewing a child. However, in some circumstances this might not be possible. In such circumstances the reason why the child was interviewed or other action taken without a parent's knowledge or consent will be explained to them at a later stage. Where a parent refuses to give consent other legal measures may be considered. The child will be interviewed by specially trained social workers and police officers. Usually social workers and the police will seek the child?s consent to be interviewed or medically examined, however, this will depend on the child's age and level of understanding.

What happens at a medical examination?

If it is agreed that a medical examination is necessary the child will be examined by a children's doctor (paediatrician), to make sure there are no injuries or other problems (e.g. poor growth, infections) that require treatment. In some cases there may be a police doctor present too. If there are any injuries these may be photographed by the police for evidence.

What will happen after the investigation?

After the investigation is completed one or more of the following might happen:

• No further action
• Support or advice offered to a family
• An Initial Child Protection Case Conference is arranged to consider the risks to the child and make a plan to protect him/her
• Voluntary arrangements may be made for the child to live with a family member, friend or foster parent
• Further legal action may be taken to protect the child
• The Children?s Reporter may be advised of investigations and may wish to make further enquiries or arrange a Children's Hearing.

In the majority of cases children are not removed from their homes and continue to live with their own families with help and support as required.

What happens at a Child Protection Case Conference?

A Child Protection Case Conference is arranged after an investigation by the social worker. The meeting is chaired by an independent chairperson on behalf of West Lothian's Child Protection Committee. People who know the family, or who were involved in the investigation are invited to attend the Case Conference e.g. health visitor, teacher, doctor, police officer, social worker etc. The parent(s) will be invited to attend the Case Conference and in some cases the child may also wish to attend. People at the Case Conference:

• Share information about the matters causing concern
• Review any decisions or action taken so far
• Decide whether the child is at risk and whether their name should be placed on the Child Protection Register
• Agree a Child Protection Plan
• Agree a Core Group (the people who will support the family and child)
• Agree a date for a Review Case Conference (within 6 months)
• This meeting will consider whether the child is still at risk and whether registration should continue.

After a Case Conference

After a Case Conference the Core Group meets regularly to make sure everyone is working together to reduce the risks to the child. The need for any additional support will be discussed at these meetings.

 Child Protection procedures