14. Before we decide if we should conduct a detailed investigation of a complaint, we look at whether there are signs the organisation has got something wrong. We do this by comparing what should have happened with what did happen. We have done this and have not found any indications that something has gone wrong.
15. Miss C has raised concerns the Trust made a social services referral following the birth of her son without providing her with an explanation. We understand this was traumatic for Miss C to find out a referral had been made and we would like to thank her for sharing this experience with us.
16. Within the Trust’s response it says, due to Miss C’s involvement with children’s social care growing up, an automatic referral is then made following the birth of her son. It also says as questions were raised during Miss C’s pregnancy about what level of support she would need, the Trust believed a referral was appropriate.
17. The Trust’s guidance says women who fit any of the following criteria:
• ‘are aged 19 or younger • have a previous history of substance abuse or domestic abuse • learning difficulties or who are recent refugees, asylum seekers or migrants
‘ should receive a joint visit with a named Health Visitor to introduce this service and to assess support systems, safeguarding concerns and the need for multi-agency involvement’.
18. It also goes on to say after a woman has given birth and is discharged the Trust should inform all agencies and services.
19. We understand Miss C has a previous history of abuse and therefore, fits into this criteria. We consider the Trust has done the appropriate thing by referring Miss C for further support.
20. The Trust’s safeguarding policy also says, the Trust does not need to disclose all information about any potential safeguarding concerns.
21. We understand how upset and shocked Miss C was after finding out the Trust has made a referral to social services. We consider the Trust has a duty to refer any patient who it feels may need extra support or care due to circumstances in their past or present. We consider while social services may decide no extra support is needed it is important and for Miss C’s own safety and wellbeing that the Trust need to follow this policy.
22. We hope Miss C understands the reasons behind the Trust’s referral. We hope she is reassured a referral does not mean the Trust is questioning or has concerns about her being a good mother, and she understands it is a process to check whether she might need any extra support.
23. We have not seen anything went wrong in the Trust making a safeguarding referral in line with its policy.
24. We thank Miss C for bringing her complaint and wish her and her son well for the future.