Cross boundary cases – advice for practitioners

Children and families move across Local Authority boundaries for many reasons.

If a referral relates to a child who is temporarily visiting the area of another local authority; or is in a hospital; or is Looked After outside of the local area, the local authority/Police for the area where the child actually is at the time have prime responsibility for an initial response to the referral.

The referral should be passed to that authority immediately for them to follow the necessary procedures and to undertake a Section 47 enquiry and/or take any immediate protective action that is necessary. They will be responsible for liaising with any other Children’s Social Care as necessary.

The MSB has adopted the GMSP procedures and the ‘North West CAF Group Cross Border Process’ can be found within chapter 2.3 of the procedures at greatermanchesterscb.proceduresonline.com