The Greenshire Local Authority has received the following information in relation to a family living in their area. Following the death of their father two years ago, three siblings, Susan (aged 17), John (13) and Mary (3) have lived with their mother, Ruth, who is often violent and has an alcohol abuse problem. Her new boyfriend, Daniel, a man with a criminal record, has recently moved in with them. The children's grandmother, aged 60, visits infrequently and has no desire to be involved in the care of the children. John is often absent from school. On one occasion, Mary was rushed to the hospital after she allegedly fell from a tree while playing in the park, but she was diagnosed with non- accidental injuries.

Advise the Greenshire Local Authority as to what steps they might take to protect the children.