Article Text
Abstract
Aims To describe the reasons why refugee community organisations make safeguarding referrals to children’s social care. To describe the actions taken by children’s social care after such referrals have been made and their effects.
Methods All safeguarding referrals made by one London refugee community organisation between December 2002 and December 2012 were reviewed. The categories of abuse under which each referral was made, other relevant factors and the outcomes of the referrals were recorded.
Conclusions Refugee community organisations frequently make referrals to children’s social care. The referral and social care assessment can lead to the breakdown of the relationship between the organisation and the family concerned, leading to a loss of support for the child. Enhanced forums for discussing the cases of vulnerable children with social care outside of making a formal referral are needed to improve the coordination of services.