Notification

When receiving information, which may indicate organised and complex abuse, the recipient should immediately refer the matter to the Police Safeguarding Unit and a Head of Service or Service Manager in Children’s Services and follow Darlington Safeguarding Partnership Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures.

The single and most important consideration is the safety and wellbeing of the child or children with a clear risk management plan in place for each child which should be regularly updated within agreed timescales of the investigation.

If there is any suspicion that any managers currently employed by a social care agency are implicated or a member of the police, the matter should be referred to the Safeguarding Partnership and a Senior Officer within the Police.

The Serious Child Safeguarding Incident Procedure should also be followed with consideration given to informing the Lead Safeguarding Partners.

If there is any suspicion that the individual(s) are currently employed (paid or voluntary) in any agency in the Darlington area in a position of trust, the Designated Officer within the Local Authority (LADO) should be informed.