If a referrer believes he or she is making a
referral about significant concerns for the wellbeing of a child
and is not willing to have his or her identity disclosed, then the
identity of the referrer MUST be protected (CYFA, 2005
s41).
Child FIRST and local agency Intake workers should
always attempt to negotiate with the referrer that his or her
identity is disclosed on the grounds that it can help establish
trust and an open basis to the relationship with the
family.
Referrers can be an important part of the support
network for the family and all efforts should be made to engage
referrer's assistance in linking with the family, provided that
their involvement does not increase the risk to child/children's
safety.
When the identity of the referrer is protected
within Child FIRST, it cannot be passed on to
anyone other than Child Protection. Details of the referrers
identity are recorded and stored separately to the information
provided to families and the allocated family service
agency.
