Accessing the service
Child protection medical assessments are carried out for children from birth to a young person’s 18th birthday where there are concerns of abuse or neglect.
A child protection medical assessment is a ‘medical assessment which is undertaken at the request of social care as part of Section 47 investigation following a multiagency strategy meeting.
As per BSOLICB Toolkit, referrals can be made to BCHC where an incident is being investigated by Birmingham Local Authority Children’s Social care, in some cases referrals may be made from Social Care teams outside of Birmingham and these will be discussed on a case by case basis.
Where a CPMA is being considered, the allocated social worker will telephone BCHC Central Booking Service (Option 1) on 0121 683 2320. Details will be taken by the CBS Team and passed to the on call Paediatricians. Social Workers must be available for a call back and if the referral is accepted will attend one of BCHC Children’s Centres - details will be given on day.
Calls will be accepted between 8.30 a.m. and 4.15 p.m. (last appointment times are 3.30 p.m.) . If CBS receive a call after 3.30 p.m., they will pass the details to the Doctor on-call to discuss the case with the social worker. There are a limited number of slots each day and Social workers may therefore be advised to re-call the following day or request a medical through the local acute hospital.
Local Authority Responsibility Working Together states that the duty to investigate suspected child maltreatment lies with the local authority where the incident occurred. The social care team for that area should lead the investigation.
Liaison With Paediatrics The social worker should contact the relevant Paediatrician — either in the area where the child normally lives or the area where they are currently residing — to agree:
- the purpose of the medical assessment,
- where the assessment should take place,
- and the urgency of the assessment.
For urgent out of hours CPM children’s social care should contact the On Call Paediatrician for their local hospital.
For further information please see the Birmingham and Solihull ICB Child protection pathway toolkit.
If you have any concerns about the safety and/or welfare of a child or young person, contact Birmingham Children's Social Care: Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS):
- Telephone: 0121 303 1888
- Secure email: CASS@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
Staff will look at referrals Monday to Thursday 8.45 a.m. to 5.15 p.m., Friday 8.45 a.m. to 4.15 p.m.
If you believe that the referral you are making is urgent and needs to be responded to when CASS staff are not routinely available, please contact the Emergency Out of Hours Team: 0121 675 4806
Useful numbers
- BCHC Safeguarding Team: 0121 466 7118
- Childline: 0800 1111
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000