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6.9 Protocol between CIN and Leaving Care Team: Child Protection Referrals
  1. Young people who become pregnant whilst still receiving a service from the Leaving Care Team should have a Pre-birth Assessment completed by the allocated Leaving Care worker. This could include assessments from the Teenage Pregnancy Adviser, Health and potentially the Family Centre.
  2. Operational staff should take into account historical concerns i.e. learning disability, mental health, lifestyle. This should include all unaccompanied minors.
  3. In the event that child protection concerns on the unborn child are identified, a referral should be agreed between the assessing worker and line/duty manager and a Referral made to the Referral and Assessment Team in accordance with the London Child Protection Procedures.
  4. The Referral and Assessment Team will convene and lead the process in accordance with the London Child Protection Procedures. The Leaving Care Team will offer background information and support the parent and the Referral and Assessment Team in the process.
  5. If registration on the Child Protection Register is agreed, the child’s case will be allocated to the Child Protection Team until either de-registration or Care Proceedings (see Transfer of Cases between Teams Procedure). If a Care Order is granted then the case will be transferred to the LAC Team.
  6. When the child is de-registered, then the case in the Child Protection Team will close and the Leaving Care Team will continue to support the parent, usually until 21.
  7. If another child protection concern arises after de-registration, then the case will be re-referred back to the appropriate CIN Team (see Transfer of Cases between Teams Procedure).
  8. The Leaving Care Team will lead on ‘16 plus’ advice and guidance, for example in relation to Domestic Violence, and will lead and undertake work with the young person.
  9. In the event that child protection concerns arise on the child or children of Care Leavers, a referral should be agreed between the assessing worker and line/duty manager and a referral made to the Referral and Assessment Team in accordance with the London Child Protection Procedures.

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