Detailed Records

detailed record Detailed records provide a more detailed account of significant contacts, analysis or actions, with or on behalf of a service user.

Using Detailed Records

When a detailed record should be made will, in part, depend on the professional judgement of the practitioner. However, detailed records should always be made in the following circumstances:

During s47 enquiries
Where a child is looked after and/or his or her name is on the child protection register
In cases involving court proceedings

A detailed record may be made on a detailed record sheet or within other records, for example within a core assessment. It is important that the local authority has a clear policy on this.

Every detailed record should include the following:

The date of the contact
Who the contact was with
The purpose of the contact
A factual record of events, observations or discussions
The practitioner's analysis of the child's circumstances
The outcome of any action taken in response to the contact as well as any planned actions
The date the detailed record was written
The signature and printed name and job title of the worker.

In making detailed records it is expected that facts and opinions will be clearly distinguished and any opinions or judgements made will be evidenced.

Example detailed record (Microsoft Word format)

Key records index

By Steve Walker, David Shemmings and Hedy Cleaver
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