Social workers who are employed by the Health and Social Care Trusts have statutory responsibility for child protection and safeguarding. The Health and Social Care Trusts have the responsibility for making application to the court on behalf of children or young people about whom they have concerns that they are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. The Trust makes an application to the Family Court for a Public Law Order.
The Court appoints a Guardian on behalf of the child, who remains involved for the duration of the proceedings. The Health and Social Care Trust social worker retains statutory responsibility for the child or young person’s day to day needs and care planning. The Guardian’s role is time limited and focused on promoting the wishes, feelings and best interests of the child or young person during court proceedings. There is a need for a close working, professional relationship between the Guardian and social worker to ensure the child or young person remains at the centre of the proceedings.