STEP 3:

The designated personnel should contact a Social Worker from a Child protection organization such as a Child Welfare Society or the Department of Social Development, or the Child Protection Officer of the South African Police Services. The following should be noted: 

• the name of the person making the call; 
• the name of the intake worker receiving the call; 
• the date and time of the call; and 
• the action proposed by the person to whom the abuse has been reported.

STEP 4:

The social worker (and the police in some cases) will interview the child as soon as possible.

STEP 5: 

• A Social Worker and/or the Police will interview the alleged abuser and sometimes family members as well. 
• A decision concerning the child’s safety will be made by the Social Worker at this time. 
• If response up is slow and particularly if the child remains at risk, the referring person should follow up until the child is safe.

STEP 6: 

At the end of the investigation the school personnel, the family or the parents and the Social Worker should meet to discuss the steps the school could take to assist the child.