In cases where you’re uncertain whether or not there are child protection issues, a process for dealing quickly with informal enquiries has been developed.

Through the Designated Person for Child Protection within your organisation, and with the young person’s consent, informal inquires can be made with a number of partner agencies with the exception being Police Scotland.  In order that a proportionate respone is applied to individual circumatances it is recommended that information is only shared with Lead officers of NHS & CNES. Police Scotland have a statutory obligation to investigate ALL reports of underage sex therefore  information sharing with Police Scotland may only be done through the nominated Child Protection Leads, Alison MacVie and Jack Libby.

Initially information sharing can be done on an anonymous basis, not giving the young person’s name, but outlining relevant details of the case. It may be easier for the young person to allow information to be shared on an anonymous basis

If the young person is prepared to consent to names being used, it may be possible to find out whether there are any other  known concerns about the young person, his/her partner and his/her circumstances.

Young people should be made aware that, where information is shared informally on a named basis with the police, the police will decide whether a criminal investigation is required. A criminal investigation will not normally be required where:

• Both parties are aged 13, 14 or 15 AND
• The sexual act or acts have clearly been fully consensual.

If however, either party is:

• Under the age of 13 or
• 16 or over 
• Either party has not given free agreement to any sexual act

there would be a police investigation.

If a police investigation does take place it is likely that evidence would be collected from a number of sources, including a young person’s parents. If further action is taken, it would be following consultation with the Reporter to the Children’s Panel and/or Procurator Fiscal.