An IRD is a discussion between two or more services/agencies, where it has been suspected that a child or young person has suffered, is suffering or may be at risk of harm or abuse.

The IRD is the first stage in the process of joint child protection assessment following a referral to Social Work, Health or Police. It is an information sharing, assessment and decision-making forum in relation to a child or young person about whom there is concern, any siblings of that child or young person and any other child, young person or relevant adult closely linked to the child in question.

In Stirling, Education is involved in the discussion. When this is during term-time, the representative will be the school child protection coordinator. During school holidays and closures, education officers from the centre team will give information about the child/young person based on information contained in SEEMiS.

The outcome of the IRD will be agreed to by Police, Social Work, Health and Education. This can be: