Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 3: Identifying and responding to concerns about children 94 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 3.37 If a CPPM is not necessary, proportionate, co‑ordinated support may still be required. 3.38 Exceptions to the 28 calendar day timescale must be agreed by the accountable senior manager within the statutory social work service. He or she must be satisfied that an interim safety plan is in place, has been shared with those who are key to the plan and is effective up to the date of CPPM. Reasons for extension must be recorded and agreed by the relevant senior manager (Appendix D) . Essential considerations 3.39 Those involved in joint planning and decision-making will consider: • how information about investigation can best be exchanged and shared with the child taking into account their capacity and maturity • how information can best be exchanged and shared with family and whether information should not be shared if this may jeopardise a police investigation or place the child, or any other child, at risk of significant harm • feelings and views of the child about aspects of investigation • how the IRD decisions can be reviewed as necessary if significant new information arises • keeping a named person appropriately informed and involved; identifying a lead professional and professionals in the Core Group who will work with the interim safety plan Lead professional 3.40 A lead professional who will be a qualified social worker is required within a child protection investigation, to ensure co‑ordination of assessment and next steps within a developing but coherent single plan. They provide a point of contact for family/ carers/ advocates/guardians and professionals who need support to gain sufficient understanding of what is happening stage by stage. They may provide a signpost for additional advice and support. The IRD record should identify this person before closure. Lack of consensus 3.41 If any agency involved in the IRD disagrees with the decision of any party and where a compromise cannot be reached, consultation with senior managers from core agencies should take place in order to reach a decision. The points of disagreement and resolution must be recorded on the IRD Record. There should be no delays in protective action as a result of the disagreement and the majority decision will apply to avoid delay beyond 24 hours. Concerns about multiple children 3.42 Concerns that relate to multiple families or a group of children may necessitate a level of additional co‑ordinated case discussion to that of the individual IRD for each child. This should allow consideration of context and patterns of concern; and lead to a strategic and co‑ordinated response. Additional information 3.43 An IRD can be reconvened if new information arises which could lead to a reconsideration of the required inter-agency response.