When do social services carry out a full investigation?
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This means they will carry out a full investigation because there is reasonable cause to believe that a child or children living in that home has been abused or neglected or is likely to be abused or neglected in the future unless steps are taken to safeguard the child’s welfare. (The legal term they will use is ‘significant harm’).
Malicious accusations are a problem which Children’s Services have to work with and unpick and it does happen. But it would be neglectful if the SWs did not investigate. Children’s Services in my experience are not out to snatch children from parents. If anything I don’t think they act quickly enough (from my experience).
Alternatively, Social Services may be asked to support a family or investigate a case by an external person. This could be a doctor who is concerned about the welfare of a person, a teacher who is worried about the safety of a child or even a member of the public such as a neighbour if they are worried about a situation.
Is it a crime to report someone to social services?
You will never face criminal prosecution for reporting someone to social services because you were mistaken. Liability possible if you had a malicious intent: However, if you knowingly make a false report to social services, particularly if you did so to harass or intimidate the accused, you could be charged with a crime.
This means they will carry out a full investigation because there is reasonable cause to believe that a child or children living in that home has been abused or neglected or is likely to be abused or neglected in the future unless steps are taken to safeguard the child’s welfare. (The legal term they will use is ‘significant harm’).
Alternatively, Social Services may be asked to support a family or investigate a case by an external person. This could be a doctor who is concerned about the welfare of a person, a teacher who is worried about the safety of a child or even a member of the public such as a neighbour if they are worried about a situation.
You will never face criminal prosecution for reporting someone to social services because you were mistaken. Liability possible if you had a malicious intent: However, if you knowingly make a false report to social services, particularly if you did so to harass or intimidate the accused, you could be charged with a crime.
What happens when child welfare investigates your family?
The social worker’s job is to find out whether the report of abuse or neglect is true or false. The social worker also decides whether CFSA or a community organization should continue helping your family. Who will the social worker talk to? The social worker will talk to you, your children, and others living in your home.