Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 177 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.261 Health, police or social work will trigger an inter-agency referral discussion when there is reason to believe an unborn baby may be at risk of significant harm, as described in Part 3. The potential impact of an interaction of risk factors such as the removal of previous children; the impact of drug use; and/or the impact of domestic abuse and mental ill health upon mother and unborn baby should tip professional judgement towards the need for an IRD. 4.262 Guidance on Part 12 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 highlights that pregnancy can be a turning point for parents involved in alcohol and drug use and criminal behaviour. Relevant services should be provided to pregnant women who the local authority considers are going to give birth to a child who will be at risk of becoming looked after (section 68(5) of the 2014 Act) and the father of the child (“or a qualifying person in relation to an eligible pregnant woman” under section 68(6) of the 2014 Act). The aim is to ensure that any decision-making is informed by assessment and support work begun as early as possible; and geared to the mother’s and baby’s specific needs, in the context of their family situation. 4.263 A pre-birth assessment can begin whenever pregnancy is confirmed. When there is a risk of significant harm, it should begin as soon as possible. This provides the unborn child with the best possible opportunity to thrive and gives parents maximum opportunity to engage, achieve an understanding with key practitioners and family supports; and begin to work towards necessary changes. 4.264 Assessment should be multi-disciplinary, co‑ordinated by a social worker as lead professional, consulting with key practitioners including GPs, midwives, family nurses, health visitors and relevant adult services. Professional judgement should be assisted by structured assessment tools. General principles in Part 3 of this Guidance apply. 4.265 The late allocation of the family to social work support can contribute to tensions in the working relationship, making a robust assessment less possible. Continued uncertainty about the care plan will raise anxiety for expectant parents as the baby’s arrival approaches. 4.266 Parents who are in their teens; care-experienced; who have had profoundly traumatic experiences; and parents with learning disabilities; are among those likely to need additional and sustained support, explanation and advocacy. Parents who have had no experience or understanding of child protection systems, may struggle to understand processes. Cultural and language differences often add to gaps in understanding. Some assessment tools may be helpful (for example, Best Beginnings: Parents with learning disabilities) . 4.267 Part 3 describes Child Protection Planning Meetings, Core Groups and discharge planning meetings. Timescales for planning meetings are summarised in the appendices. Parents need time to read and understand or to get help in understanding reports before meetings. 4.268 Pre-birth involvement creates the opportunity for detailed care planning for the baby following the birth, ensuring sufficient continuity of multi-agency support, especially in the first year. When an assessment concludes that a baby cannot be safely cared for with birth relatives, foster carers can be engaged early in the process. This means carers and parents can meet before the birth to plan the transition and to support development and sustaining of relationships essential for the baby as appropriate, as the plan evolves.

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