Do I need the consent of a parent/carer if I need to make a statutory child in need referral?

Given you do not believe the child is currently at risk of significant harm but that they require a statutory ‘Child in Need’ (section 17) assessment you must try to obtain the consent of the parent/carer before you make a written referral to children’s services. They may provide important information to support the referral.

If the parent/carer does not give consent you should discuss your need to make a referral with the local authority’s Early Help Team/Early Help Hub or directly with children’s services as there are circumstances when a referral without consent can be made.

You should ensure children’s services are aware of whether parents/carers gave consent or your reasons for making a referral when no consent was given.