Where there is suspected or actual evidence of anyone accessing or creating indecent images of children, this must be referred to the Police and Children’s Social Care (CSC) in accordance with the Referral and Assessment Procedure.
Where there are concerns about a child being groomed, exposed to pornographic material or contacted by someone inappropriately, a referral should be made to the Police and CSC.
Children, young people and parents are also encouraged to report their concerns directly to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) where trained Child Protection Officers will investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
Click here to view the Child Exploitation and On-Line Protection Centre (CEOP) website.
Due to the nature of this type of abuse and the possibility of the destruction of evidence, the referrer should first discuss their concerns with the Police and CSC before raising the matter with the family. This will enable a decision to be made about informing the family and ensuring that the child’s welfare is safeguarded.
All such reports should be taken seriously. Most referrals will be followed by a Child and Family Single Assessment and information should be shared between the Police and CSC in order to determine whether a strategy meeting should take place.
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