To ask the Minister of Health whether he will consider reviewing the protocol for Gateway Service referrals from the PSNI to ensure that vulnerable children receive the protection and support needed.

Ensuring the right response at the right time for children and young people who are referred to Children’s Gateway teams is of the upmost importance.

There is not a separate protocol for Gateway Service referrals from the PSNI.

Instead, Children’s Gateway teams consider referrals from all organisations, including the PSNI, utilising the regional ‘Understanding the Needs of Children In Northern Ireland’ guidance and under the statutory responsibility set out in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within its area who are in need. Gateway teams screen and threshold referrals received to determine the most appropriate response, either through initial assessment by a Social Worker, onward sign posting or no further action.

PSNI referrals for alleged or suspected child abuse are considered under the ‘Protocol for Joint Investigation by Social Workers and Police Officer of Alleged or Suspected Cases of Child Abuse, April 2021’. Following a referral under this protocol Gateway teams and PSNI will jointly consider relevant information known and make an assessment of the information, allegation and context before a decision regarding a joint investigation is made.

There is currently ongoing liaison between Department of Health officials and Health and Social Care Trusts to review the referrals that are being made to Children’s Gateway teams by the PSNI. This work aims to ensure that referrals made are appropriate and receive a timely and proportionate response.

Department of Health officials also continue to liaise with PSNI colleagues in respect of the referral information that is being sent to Children’s Gateway teams in respect of the quality and timeliness of information. This will support Gateway services to screen and threshold referrals accurately, and ensure no Child in Need is failed to be noticed.