Disputes and complaints

If a parent (or child) disagrees with the registration decision they can appeal this. Advice must be given on the appeal process. They should be advised that they must contact the Children’s Services Manager within 5 working days. This should be in writing The social worker can assist with this if necessary. The children’s services manager will respond in writing to the person who made the appeal within 28 days.

The chair of the Child Protection Planning Meeting should ensure that parents and children are aware of their right to appeal decisions about registration.

The child will remain subject to child protection registration throughout the appeal process. Once an appeal decision has been made, no further rights to appeal exist.

When a parent or child has a complaint about the service during the course of the Child Protection Investigation process or the process around and during the Child Protection Planning Meeting they should be advised of the formal complaints procedure.