Minor concerns that might be part of a wider picture

1. 43. Risks to children’s or young people’s safety and welfare often become apparent only when a number of people share what seem to be minor concerns. This may include people from different agencies. If a child’s or young person’s condition or behaviour leads you to consider abuse or neglect as one possible explanation,^* but you do not think that they are at risk of significant harm, you should discuss your concerns with your named or designated professional or lead clinician or, if they are not available, an experienced colleague. If possible, you should do this without revealing the identity of the child or young person.
2. 44. If your discussions do not provide a clear view about the possibility of abuse or neglect, you should consider sharing limited relevant information with other agencies that are in contact with the child or young person to decide whether there is a risk that would justify sharing further information. Relevant information would include the identity of the child or young person and a brief summary of the cause for concern. You must ask for consent to do this as described in paragraph 35. If the person or people you ask refuse to give consent, you should assess whether the possible benefits of sharing information outweigh those of keeping the information confidential as described as in paragraph 37.
3. 45. If you are not satisfied that sharing information is justified in the circumstances, you should regularly review the position, considering the safety and welfare of the child or young person. You should encourage the parents, or child or young person, to get help and support. If you later become concerned that the child or young person is at risk of, or is suffering, abuse or neglect, you must tell an appropriate agency as set out in paragraph 32.