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Criminal justice

Information about how the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) respond to concerns of child sexual abuse and how children can best be supported during this time

Initial police actions

Police log the concerns and take initial actions
Police make a single or joint agency visit
An Officer in the Case is assigned
A multi-agency strategy discussion or meeting is held

Police investigation

A child protection enquiry is held (often as part of a joint enquiry)
Police arrest the suspect or invite them for an interview
The child is formally interviewed
The child has a medical assessment or examination

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) involvement

Police decide whether to send the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision
The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to charge the suspect(s)

Case goes to court

The case goes to the Crown court
Criminal proceedings conclude

Police or CPS decide no further police action

When criminal justice agencies are no longer involved

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Check out our resources for supporting children

Supporting the child's physical health

Consider how the child's physical health and wellbeing has been impacted

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Supporting the child's emotional wellbeing

Consider how the child's emotional health and wellbeing has been impacted

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Supporting the child's education

Consider how the child's education has been impacted

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Supporting the child's relationships

Consider how the child's relationships with family and friends have been impacted

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Communicating with children

How to help children communicate about sexual abuse

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Taking account of diversity

How to respect children's individual characteristics, experiences and backgrounds

Read more

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