There may be several different outcomes to a referral. Blackpool council gives the following outcomes as possibilities:

- A social worker will conduct an assessment 

- Emergency protective action is taken to ensure the safety of the child/children 

- If a case is already open for that child, and new information suggests that the child is, or may be, suffering harm then a further assessment or investigation may need to take place 

- The child requires support from another agency 

- The referral does not require an assessment by Children's Social Care but support, advice and guidance from other agencies is required.

(Blackpool Council, 2024)

You may feel that you are not satisfied with the outcome of a referral. In the first instance you should discuss this with your line manager. Each authority has an escalation process, you may use this to raise your concerns.