If we think the child or young person is in imminent danger, we will take protective action straight away.  What we do will depend on what sort of risk of harm the child or young person faces.

We will talk to the child or young person (with the help of an interpreter if necessary) about what’s happening to them and what we need to do.

Where there is a risk to the child or young person’s welfare but they are not in imminent danger, we will talk to them (as long as we feel they are old enough and understand what we are talking about).  We will also talk to their parents or carers and other adults who are important to them, provided that this will not put the child or young person at risk or compromise our investigations.

We take account of the child’s views, the family’s capacity to protect, and we are sensitive to individual circumstances.

If we are already concerned about a child or young person, we will consider any new information and respond to any new or increased risks.

We will take action to protect children and young people even where their parents or carers pose a risk to us.

For more detail about what we do and why, please see Edinburgh and Lothian Child Protection Procedures (June 2007)Contact us at children&families@eastlothian.gov.uk