took place etc. What prompted the concerns (include as much detail as possible, including dates, times etc.

Children's social care will ensure they notify the Legal Department and a strategy discussion will need to take place as a matter of urgency.

The strategy discussion should determine whether the risk to the child is imminent, if yes, immediate legal advice should be sought and agreements made on how to keep the child/young person safe. Police and Children's Services should consider at this stage the legal options available to them by way of Police Protection Order, Emergency Protection Order and/or a 'Forced Marriage Protection Order'.

In the event that a Local Authority placement is perceived as appropriate, the carer who the child/young person is being placed with should be given information and advice on the possible risks associated with the child/young person posed by close family members, extended family members and community groups, and consideration of this should be made when identifying a placement.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/3849543/forced-marriage-guidelines09.pdf

Police should also consider placing a location of interest sig marker on the address where the child/young person is accommodated. (See Role of the Police).

Once the initial strategy discussion and/or any actions agreed to keep the child/young person safe have been undertaken, a referral to the Safeguarding Unit should be made and a strategy meeting convened as quickly as possible and within 7 days.

The strategy meeting should involve representatives from Children's Services, referring agency, Legal Department of the Local Authority, Police, Education, Health, and, where appropriate, UK Border Agency (UKBA). The strategy meeting should discuss the allegation of forced marriage and agree strategies to address the risks to the child/young person and any other children residing within the property/ living with the parents.

Flow chart for the process is included in appendix 1.