sectio 17 & 47
What is the key principle guiding services provided under Section 17?
The principle of minimal state intervention.
If immediate protection is needed for a child suspected of significant harm, what might precede a full Section 47 enquiry?
Police Protection or an Emergency Protection Order.
The term 'significant harm' in the context of a Section 47 enquiry refers to:
A level of harm that warrants compulsory intervention.
Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, a 'child in need' is defined as a child who is disabled, requires services to achieve a reasonable standard of health, or:
Is unlikely to achieve appropriate development.
Parental consent is generally required for services provided under Section 17, unless:
It is not reasonably practicable to obtain it.
Section 47 directly empowers the local authority to:
Conduct enquiries into child protection concerns.
In what circumstances might a Section 17 assessment transition into a Section 47 enquiry?
If concerns about significant harm emerge during assessment.
What is a key difference in the threshold for intervention between Section 17 and Section 47?
S17 focuses on 'child in need', S47 on 'significant harm'.
What is generally the first formal step in a Section 47 enquiry process?
Convening a strategy discussion or meeting.
If a Section 47 enquiry concludes that a child is suffering significant harm, what is a likely next step?
Initiating a Child Protection Conference.
Who funds the services provided to children in need under Section 17?
The local authority's children's services budget.
The legal threshold for initiating a Section 47 enquiry is:
Reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
Which agencies typically collaborate in a Section 47 enquiry?
Local authority children's social care and police.
When does a Section 47 enquiry typically commence?
When there is reasonable cause to suspect significant harm.
Services provided under Section 17 are generally based on:
Voluntary engagement by the child and family.
What is the primary purpose of a Section 47 enquiry?
To ascertain whether harm is being or has been suffered.
How often should a child's plan developed under Section 17 typically be reviewed?
As frequently as necessary, but at least every six months.
The focus of a Section 47 enquiry is specifically on:
Assessing risk of significant harm to a child.
During a Section 47 enquiry, what information is primarily gathered?
Evidence regarding the child's potential harm or welfare.
What differentiates a Child in Need Plan (S17) from a Child Protection Plan (resulting from S47)?
S17 addresses needs, S47 addresses identified risk of harm.
The views and wishes of the child are considered in a Section 47 enquiry:
As a statutory requirement, appropriate to their age.
Can accommodation be provided under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989?
Yes, as a part of services for a child in need.
What document typically summarises the findings of a Section 47 enquiry?
A comprehensive assessment report.
A Section 47 enquiry may lead to no further action if:
The concerns about significant harm are not substantiated.
What is the primary general duty of a local authority under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989?
To safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need.