326.1.6

[sparky31]

help please, melt down is kicking in now.
why and how you would gain parental permission before refering a
child to another agency?
thank you

[Brandy]

Refer concerns about the welfare of children
6. Try to gain parental agreement to a referral being made
Talk to the parent about the concern in a friendly conversation, get written permission if this is required by the agency refering to.
1. We need to treat parents as equal partners.
2. Remember parents know their child best
3. We need to fully involve parents as this improves the child’s learning/progress when practitioners work with parents as a team.
4. parents and practitioners need to respect each other
5. we need to remember parents have the right to be consulted on changes that affect their child providing it doesnt put the child at risk.
6. to assure confidentiality is upheld
7. We need to keep parents informed on their child’s progress/needs
(Chris Athey “parents and professionals can help children separately or they can work together for the greater benefit of the children “ 1990)
There may underlying reasons for the welfare concern, only the parent would be able to enlighten you if a parent is consulted and wants help ,hopefullly we can point them towards the relavant agency be it housing department, health visitor,social services etc.

[DawnieP]

The data protection act 1998 prevents confidential and personal information from being passed on without a person's consent. passing any information on to other agencies without consent would be a breech of this act. This is one reason why consent has to be given by parents before you can make contact with external agencies on the childs behalf. Just found this, hope it helps.