• Agree who will make the referral.

• Make an immediate telephone referral to the Local Authority Social Care. Make it clear from the first point of contact that you are making a child protection referral. See the list of referral contacts.

• Describe the event or disclosure and give information about the child and family or adult for example the child/adult’s name, date of birth, address, telephone number and GP if known.

• Follow up your telephone call with a completed referral form (sometimes available on the Local Authority web site) or letter. This should be acknowledged if it is not chase it.

• Remember that the child & family should, wherever possible, be informed about and consent to the referral unless this would put the welfare of the child or vital interests of the adult who may be vulnerable, or another person at further risk. (2) If you have serious concerns, the absence of consent should not prevent a referral. The Duty Social Worker will give you advice over this if necessary.

• Be prepared to have further discussions with the social work team or the police investigation team. Say if you do not want your details disclosed to the family.

• For out of hours referrals, call the Emergency Social Work Team or where urgent, the police.

• Consult with the DSO at any point in this process but in any case always ensure the DSO is informed of the concern and actions taken.

Do not delay your referral.

Ensure you notify the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

You should also notify your Parish Safeguarding Officer and Incumbent if you have not already done so. If your Incumbent is implicated, inform the Archdeacon and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

Most situations are not emergencies.

However: If a child or adult who may be vulnerable needs immediate medical help, call emergency services, and ensure that ambulance and hospital staff are informed of any protection concerns. If it would be dangerous for the child or adult who may be vulnerable to return home, or he or she does not want to return home and you are sufficiently concerned for their safety, contact the emergency social care service or the police. If you observe a child or adult who may be vulnerable being harmed or at risk of harm by someone other than a family member, you should inform the parents or carers immediately, and work with them on appropriate referral to police or social care.