When consent is not given

1. 68. If a child or young person who has the capacity to consent refuses a child protection examination, you should discuss with them their views and concerns about the examination or what might happen afterwards. But you must respect their decision, even if this may affect the quality of forensic evidence available. Children and young people who are given the information and support they need, and allowed to make decisions for themselves, may later change their decision.
2. 69. Sometimes a child or young person may refuse consent because they are afraid of the person who is abusing them, or because they are under pressure to refuse. If you suspect this, you should consider the risk of harm to the child or young person and discuss your concerns with your named or designated professional or lead clinician or, if they are not available, an experienced colleague. If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of the child or young person, you must follow the advice set out in paragraphs 32–38.
3. 70. If a child or young person refuses, or their parents refuse, to give their consent to a child protection examination that you believe is necessary, and you believe that the child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police and local authority children’s services, which may take emergency action to protect them. If you judge that the risk is not immediate, you should follow the advice set out in paragraphs 32–38.