Findings from interviews with social workers, managers and safeguarding board chairs in six English local authorities. Finds that social workers were more confident working with sexual abuse in the family than with online abuse, grooming, trafficking or sexual exploitation. Highlights issues around: training; peer and managerial support; supervision; experience of managing cases; and direct work with children. Suggests the social work profession needs to be empowered to promote the overall well-being of the child during abuse investigations. Makes recommendations for The College of Social Work, educators, employers and LSCBs.