7. 16- and 17-year olds
These Procedures apply to all children up to the age of 18. Concerns about a 16- or 17-year old should be raised under these Procedures, and the process outlined in the flowchart at section 2 followed. Where appropriate, an IRD will take place to consider the risks and planning on a multi-agency basis.
For some 16- and 17-year olds it will be appropriate to consider the use of Adult Support and Protection or other legislation to provide protection and support beyond their 18th birthday, and this should be considered at the IRD stage. Where 16- and 17-year olds already known to and supported by services, transition to adult services will be managed through current local arrangements.
For some other 16- and 17-year olds, particularly those who are not known to any service, the benefits and implications of involvement in Child Protection processes beyond the IRD stage will need to be carefully planned to ensure that they are provided with the support and protection to ensure that they get the right support at the right time.
