Section 17 / Section 47
Threshold Checker

Guided questions to help you determine the appropriate response level — from early help through to an immediate child protection referral. Aligned to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026.

⚠ If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999 now — do not complete this tool first.

Step 1 of 6 17%

Question 1 of 6

Is the child in immediate physical danger right now?

This includes ongoing assault, a child who cannot be located, or a situation requiring immediate police attendance.

Question 2 of 6

Is the person of concern under 18 years old?

The Children Act 1989 and KCSIE 2025 duties apply to children under 18. Some provisions extend to 18–25 year olds with SEND.

Question 3 of 6

What is the primary nature of the concern?

Select the closest match. You can note additional concerns later.

Question 4 of 6

Has harm already occurred, or is it currently ongoing?

Working Together 2026 distinguishes between actual harm and risk of future harm — both can trigger Section 47, but the response timeline differs.

Question 5 of 6

In your professional judgement, does this reach the threshold of "significant harm"?

What is "significant harm"? (Children Act 1989, s.31(10))
Harm means ill-treatment or impairment of health or development. Significant is defined by comparison with what could reasonably be expected of a similar child. There is no absolute definition — it is a matter of professional judgement. Cumulative neglect can constitute significant harm even without a single dramatic incident.

Question 6 of 6

Does the child have any additional vulnerabilities?

These factors lower the threshold for intervention even where the immediate concern appears less severe.

Find Your MASH → Record in Concern Log →

Section 17 / Section 47Threshold Checker