The purpose of the thesis is to investigate what the social services work process looks like when a child is in danger or is suspected to be in danger. The study consists of three questions and in order to provide answers to the purpose, a qualitative research method is used with the help of semi-structured interviews. The result is based on five social secretaries from five different municipalities in Central Sweden. When it comes to the social secretary's investigation process, the results of the study show that all county to witch the interviews belongs have the same goal but are based on different working methods. Some common challenges for the social secretaries are a heavy workload, low resources and the loss of the clients trust in social services. An additional result shows that the study demonstrates the secretary's description of the investigation process in relation to the theoretical starting point. The system theory is essential for the social worker to gather important information from the individuals and organisations in the child’s local environment. While the attachment theory shows the child’s attachment relationship to the caregivers. Empowerment is used in the investigation process by motivating clients to regain power over their situation.