This guide is for practitioners who have raised concerns regarding child sexual abuse with children’s social care or the police but those agencies have decided not to progress the referral/report. It explains how you can help protect and support the child even when the legal threshold for intervention is not met.
The context
When statutory agencies decide not to act, it is often because the information provided does not meet the legal standard for intervention or they act on other concerns. However, a decision of ‘no further action at this time’ does not mean that the child is safe or hasn’t been abused; it usually means the agencies do not have enough information to meet their legal standards for action at this time.
- As the referrer, ask the agency for the specific rationale behind their decision and what it implies for the child's future safety.
- This clarity allows you to determine if concerns remain and what subsequent steps are necessary to support the family.
How may the child be feeling?
A child’s emotional state following a decision of ‘no further action at this time’, if they were aware of the referral, can be complex.
- If the child expected help, a lack of action may leave them feeling disbelieved, angry or distraught.
- Conversely, a child may not realise their experience constitutes abuse and may have resented the prospect of professional involvement. It’s essential that you recognise it is abuse, though.
How can you help the child?
Building and maintaining trust is vital at this stage. Regularly check in with the child and ensure they know you are available to talk, rather than waiting for them to seek help.
Consider how the child’s personal characteristics might increase their vulnerability and shape their response to the abuse and the lack of statutory agencies’ involvement.
- Consider whether to challenge the decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you can provide further information or escalate the concern through your local/regional child safeguarding partnership’s procedures.
- Remain alert to the possible signs of sexual abuse. Use a structured approach, such as by using our Signs and Indicators template, to build a picture of your and others’ concerns over time, including observations of the family environment and potential people of concern.
- Take protective steps that are within your power, such as limiting contact between the child and the person of concern. Our guide Safety Planning in Education contains more information on actions that can be taken in the school environment to keep both children safe.
- Ensure the child is informed of the decision in a way they understand.
- Explain to them that, despite the decision, you remain concerned and available to support them.
- Consider how to support their emotional and physical wellbeing, education and relationships with family and friends.
- Consider what support you might need for yourself.