There are so many forms of abuse that social care look at. The 4 main categories being Physical, emotional, Sexual and neglect.
For me, from what I’ve seen over the last few months of the family, the one I’d be worried about is emotional.
Emily said herself that her recent behaviour is impacted on Ella’s presentation, this is what a child protection plan would class as emotional abuse. When the parents behaviour is negatively impacting on the child.
As for the person who said they agonise over making referrals, how you feel should never come in to it. Use the evidence you’ve been provided and keep your own feelings out of it.
Of all the referrals I’ve ever been involved in, I’ve never agonised over them. I know my job, I understand the families and children I work with and 95% of those referrals have gone on to be supported by social care and support or plans put in place.
Referrals to social care does not equal removal of children from their families. It’s very rare for children to be removed and certainly not immediately, unless the risk of future harm is significant.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, that is the most important message here. If something doesn’t feel right, a phone call for advice or a referral is essential. I know I couldn’t live with myself if I did nothing and something happened (not just in this situation, but any situation involving a child or adult who needs support)
I’d be mortified if I was referred in to SS but I would rather know that there is support available if I needed it.
Us arguing over it being referred in is pointless, someone felt concerned enough to make that call, then that is ABSOLUTELY the right call to make.
We all have differing thresholds, even social workers do and I see this daily so don’t come @ me!
If you’ve been a SW for 20 years, there are things that won’t seem as shocking to someone fresh out of uni because of what they’ve seen and learnt on the job over those 20 years.
We all just need to accept that the call was made with good intentions and I’d urge anyone to make that call if they encounter anything that worries them, again, not just this family but any you might encounter.