Writing Section 47 Reports: Templates and Examples UK

Purpose of the Section 47 Report

The Section 47 report (also known as the child protection conference report or ICPC report) presents the findings of your child protection enquiry to the conference. It should enable the conference to make informed decisions about whether the child is at continuing risk of significant harm and what action is needed to protect them.

This is one of the most important documents you will write as a social worker. It must be thorough, analytical, and clear.

Key Principles

• Child-focused: The child's experience must be central throughout
• Evidence-based: Support statements with evidence, not assumptions
• Analytical: Go beyond description to analysis of risk and need
• Balanced: Include strengths as well as concerns
• Accessible: Write clearly so families can understand
• Timely: Share with families at least 2 working days before conference

Report Structure

Section-by-Section Guidance

1. Household Composition

Provide clear information about:

• All children in the household (names, dates of birth, schools)
• Adults in the household and their relationship to children
• Significant others not in household (non-resident parent, extended family)
• Any recent changes to household composition

2. Reason for Conference

Clearly state:

• The incident or concerns that triggered the S47 enquiry
• When and how these came to light
• What the specific concerns are
• Which children are subject to the enquiry

3. Chronology

A focused chronology of significant events including:

• Previous referrals and outcomes
• Previous child protection involvement
• Key family events (births, separations, bereavements)
• Significant incidents
• Pattern of concerns over time

4. Summary of Section 47 Enquiry

Describe what was done during the enquiry:

• Who was seen and when
• What information was gathered and from whom
• What the child said (in their own words where possible)
• What the parents said
• Whether a medical examination took place and outcomes
• Whether there is a police investigation

5. Child's Developmental Needs

For each child, address all domains of the Assessment Framework:

• Health: Physical health, diet, immunisations, any health conditions
• Education: Attendance, attainment, engagement, special needs
• Emotional and behavioural development: Emotional regulation, behaviour at home and school
• Identity: Sense of self, cultural identity, self-esteem
• Family and social relationships: Attachments, peer relationships
• Social presentation: Appearance, hygiene, appropriateness
• Self-care skills: Age-appropriate independence

6. Parenting Capacity

Analyse each parent's capacity across the six dimensions:

• Basic care: Meeting physical needs
• Ensuring safety: Protection from harm
• Emotional warmth: Emotional availability and responsiveness
• Stimulation: Learning, play, cognitive development
• Guidance and boundaries: Behaviour management, expectations
• Stability: Consistency, routines, reliable care

7. Family and Environmental Factors

• Family history and functioning
• Wider family support
• Housing
• Employment and income
• Family's social integration
• Community resources

8. Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors

This is the most important section. Present a clear analysis:

9. Views of the Child

Present the child's views prominently:

• Use the child's own words where possible
• Include what they said about their experiences
• Include what they want to happen
• Note how their views were obtained
• Consider their views in your analysis

10. Views of Family Members

• What is each parent's view of the concerns?
• Do they accept there are problems?
• What do they think needs to happen?
• What support do they want?

11. Professional Analysis and Recommendation

Your recommendation should:

• State clearly whether you believe the child is at continuing risk of significant harm
• Recommend whether a child protection plan is needed
• Suggest the category of abuse/neglect
• Propose what the focus of the plan should be
• Identify what needs to change

Writing Tips

Be Specific

• ❌ "Mother has mental health problems"
• ✅ "Mother has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She was hospitalised in March 2024 following a manic episode during which she left Jake (4) alone overnight."

Show the Impact on the Child

• ❌ "There have been incidents of domestic abuse"
• ✅ "Police have attended 8 domestic abuse incidents in the past year. Sophie (7) was present for 5 of these. Teachers report she has become withdrawn and her attendance has dropped to 72%."

Distinguish Fact from Opinion

• Facts: What you observed, what was said, documented evidence
• Professional judgment: Your analysis based on the evidence
• Be clear which is which

Be Balanced

• Include genuine strengths and protective factors
• Acknowledge positive changes
• Don't minimise concerns to appear balanced

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Description without analysis
• Focusing on parents rather than the child's experience
• Missing the child's voice
• Listing historical information without showing relevance
• Vague or generalised concerns
• Recommendation that doesn't follow from the analysis
• Jargon that families cannot understand
• Not sharing the report with families in time

Conclusion

The Section 47 report is the foundation for the conference's decision-making. A well-written report presents clear evidence, rigorous analysis, and a recommendation that follows logically from your assessment. It should enable everyone at the conference—including family members—to understand the concerns, the child's experience, and what needs to happen to keep them safe.

Take time to write this report well. It may be one of the most important documents in a child's life.