As soon as information is received, the team rapidly finds facts, investigates available evidence, and assesses the child's immediate safety to understand the situation as quickly and accurately as possible.
The team's first priority is to answer critical questions:
- Where is the child now?
- Who is looking after the child?
- Is the child still in danger?
- What information or evidence can confirm the situation?
To find these answers, the team works closely with everyone who may have relevant information, including the person who made the report, family members, schools, hospitals, local authorities, and other concerned agencies. This coordination ensures that the child's situation is assessed thoroughly and that the most appropriate protection can be provided.
In many cases, the initial information is incomplete. But child protection cannot wait until every detail is confirmed. The team must act with both urgency and care, continuously gathering information while taking the necessary steps to keep the child safe.
Behind every child protection case is a race against time. Every decision is made to reduce risk, protect children from further harm, and ensure they receive help before it is too late.