Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

authority of the young perpetrator and advise on the
agreed process for investigation.
3.15.7.13 Where multiple allegations are made the host authority
should normally undertake any joint investigation with the
police to avoid a large number of placing authorities
investigating allegations.
Deciding how the allegation should be investigated and by whom
3.15.7.14 As with investigations into allegations of abuse by
residential staff, the only major difference between these
procedures and those for investigating allegations of abuse
of children in the community is that registration is not
included within the process for dealing with allegations of
abuse in residential care. Allegations of abuse perpetrated
by children and young people should be taken seriously
3.15.7.15 Where the allegation is unclear it must be decided who
should speak further with the young person to obtain more
information.
3.15.7.16 Where it is believed that child protection measures are
required the police should be contacted and joint
agreement reached on how to proceed.
3.15.7.17 Consideration should be given to the police and the
victim's social worker jointly interviewing the victim.
3.15.7.18 The alleged young perpetrator should be interviewed by
police in connection with alleged offences and staff must
ensure that immediate access to competent legal counsel
is available. Efforts should be made to ensure that the
young perpetrator is interviewed by police in the presence
of a solicitor, trained in these matters, who will appraise the
young perpetrator of the implications of admitting to such
offences. Where the young person does not want a
solicitor they should be offered the support of a trusted
adult.
Advising relevant others
3.15.7.19 The social worker for the victim and the social worker for
the young perpetrator must be advised of the allegation as
soon as possible. The social worker for the victim should
advise the victim's family of the allegation. The social
worker for the young perpetrator should advise this family
of the allegation.
Support to the victim throughout the investigation process
3.15.7.20 The social worker and /or residential key worker should
offer specific support to the victim throughout this period.
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