Proforma – Child Safeguarding Summary Referral

A referral must be made when there are concerns about a child’s or young person’s safety or welfare;  if these are significant or immediate, the relevant Social Care Department should be contacted, urgently, via out-of-hours / emergency contacts, if necessary.

A referral by telephone must be followed by a referral in writing made as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Many social care services now have an on-line referral system, and all doctors and healthcare professionals (HCPs) should familiarise themselves with local procedures or seek advice.