Section 47 Enquiries: Complete Guide for UK Social Workers

What is a Section 47 Enquiry?

Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 places a duty on local authorities to investigate when there is "reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm." A Section 47 enquiry is the formal process through which this investigation takes place.

Unlike a Child and Family Assessment (Section 17), which assesses whether a child is "in need," a Section 47 enquiry specifically investigates whether a child is at risk of significant harm and what action may be needed to protect them.

When is a Section 47 Enquiry Initiated?

A Section 47 enquiry is initiated when there are concerns that a child may be suffering or at risk of significant harm. Common triggers include:

• Disclosure of abuse by a child
• Physical injuries with no adequate explanation
• Concerns about sexual abuse
• Severe neglect
• Domestic abuse where children are present
• Concerns raised by schools, health professionals, or police
• Information from members of the public
• Previous child protection history with new concerns

The Strategy Discussion

Before a Section 47 enquiry begins, there must be a strategy discussion (or meeting) between children's social care, police, and other relevant agencies.

Purpose of the Strategy Discussion

• Share available information
• Decide whether to initiate a Section 47 enquiry
• Plan the enquiry - who does what, when
• Agree how the child will be seen and communicated with
• Consider whether emergency action is needed
• Plan any criminal investigation alongside the child protection enquiry

Who Should Be Involved?

As a minimum, the strategy discussion should include:

• Children's social care
• Police
• Health (where relevant)
• The referring agency
• Other agencies with significant involvement

Conducting the Section 47 Enquiry

The enquiry should be led by a qualified social worker. Key elements include:

Seeing the Child

The child must be seen and communicated with alone (unless contrary to their interests). This should include:

• Observing the child's physical presentation and demeanour
• Speaking to the child in age-appropriate language
• Understanding the child's daily life and lived experience
• Capturing the child's wishes and feelings
• If appropriate, a medical examination

Interviewing Parents/Carers

Unless doing so would place the child at further risk, parents should be informed of the enquiry and interviewed. This includes:

• Gathering their account of events
• Understanding family history and context
• Assessing their capacity to protect the child
• Gauging their willingness to work with professionals

Gathering Information

The enquiry should gather information from all relevant sources:

• Schools and nurseries
• Health visitors, GPs, hospitals
• Police records
• Previous social care involvement
• Extended family members
• Any other professionals involved with the family

Timescales

Working Together 2023 does not specify rigid timescales for Section 47 enquiries, but they should be completed without unnecessary delay. In practice:

• Strategy discussion: Should happen within 24-48 hours of concerns being identified
• Child seen: Within 24 hours in urgent cases; otherwise as soon as possible
• Enquiry completion: Typically within 15 working days, though this varies by local authority
• Initial Child Protection Conference (if needed): Within 15 working days of the strategy discussion

Possible Outcomes

A Section 47 enquiry can conclude in several ways:

1. Concerns Not Substantiated

The enquiry finds no evidence of significant harm. The case may be:

• Closed with no further action
• Stepped down to Child in Need support
• Referred to early help services

2. Concerns Substantiated - ICPC Convened

If the child is found to be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, an Initial Child Protection Conference (ICPC) should be convened within 15 working days. The conference will decide whether to make the child subject to a Child Protection Plan.

3. Immediate Protection

In some cases, emergency action may be needed:

• Police Protection (up to 72 hours)
• Emergency Protection Order (up to 8 days, extendable by 7)
• Voluntary accommodation under Section 20

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation is essential throughout the Section 47 process. You should record:

• Strategy discussion decisions and rationale
• All contacts with the child, family, and professionals
• Direct observations and quotes
• Information gathered and its source
• Your professional analysis and risk assessment
• Decisions made and reasons
• Actions agreed and by whom

Working with Police

Section 47 enquiries often run alongside police criminal investigations. Key principles:

• Joint planning through strategy discussions
• Avoiding contamination of evidence
• Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews conducted jointly where appropriate
• Regular communication between agencies
• Understanding that different thresholds apply (criminal vs. civil)

Common Challenges

Family Non-Engagement

If parents refuse to cooperate, consider whether this increases risk and whether legal advice or court action is needed.

Conflicting Information

Weigh different accounts carefully. Document discrepancies and your analysis of them.

Time Pressure

Section 47s are urgent but shouldn't be rushed. Balance speed with thoroughness.

Emotional Impact

Child protection work is emotionally demanding. Use supervision to process difficult cases.

Key Takeaways

• Section 47 enquiries investigate whether a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm
• Always start with a strategy discussion involving police and other agencies
• The child must be seen and communicated with alone
• Document thoroughly throughout the process
• Outcomes range from no further action to emergency protection
• ICPCs should be held within 15 working days if concerns are substantiated