Initial Response Team: 0208 708 5350 and ask for advice and talk through concerns. The child’s name is not needed at this point, although it may be helpful to ascertain if there is a previous social services history. The Duty Social Worker will advise whether or not the concerns do justify making a child protection referral. The Social Worker may consider the child to be child in need’ rather than child at risk of significant harm’. In ‘a ‘a this case, a referral to Children’s Social Care will be made but only with the parent’s agreement. Families sometimes have a negative perception of the role of Children’s Social Care, and are reluctant to contact them, fearing that their children may be taken into care. The reality is that Children’s Social Care can offer a lot of help, both directly and through other agencies, to families who are experiencing difficulties, so the setting’s influence and support in the referral process is very important. Children’s Social Care will assess the family, probably along with other agencies, and put in a support package if appropriate, of which Lifeline Projects may well be part. If the family concerned is reluctant for Children’s Social Services to be contacted and following a discussion with the Designated Person the setting may ask the parents’ permission to contact another relevant agency on their behalf such as the Health Visitor. A documented parental consent will be obtained. Serious Concerns If the setting is reasonably confident that the child concerned is likely to be at risk, referral will be made to the Safeguarding Officer within the setting. He/she will then telephone the Redbridge Safeguarding team Social Care team immediately, and ask to speak to the Duty Social Worker stating that he/she has serious concerns about a child in our care. Telephone numbers: Redbridge Safeguarding board 0208 708 5350 Out of Social Care: 0208 708 5897 When making a referral the designated person will need to provide the following information, and will have it to hand when telephoning: The name, address, date of ethnic origin and gender of the child. The names and contact telephone numbers of parents, and other carers or close family members if known. The name, address and telephone number of the child’s Doctor, and Health Visitor if applicable. The incidents which gives rise for concern with dates and times The nature of the injuries observed, and/or the reason for your concerns.
Initial Response Team: 0208 708 5350 and ask for advice and talk through concerns. The child’s name is not needed at this point, although it may be helpful to ascertain if there is a previous social services history. The Duty Social Worker will advise whether or not the concerns do justify making a child protection referral. The Social Worker may consider the child to be ‘a child in need’ rather than ‘a child at risk of significant harm’. In this case, a referral to Children’s Social Care will be made but only with the parent’s agreement. Families sometimes have a negative perception of the role of Children’s Social Care, and are reluctant to contact them, fearing that their children may be taken into care. The reality is that Children’s Social Care can offer a lot of help, both directly and through other agencies, to families who are experiencing difficulties, so the setting’s influence and support in the referral process is very important. Children’s Social Care will assess the family, probably along with other agencies, and put in a support package if appropriate, of which Lifeline Projects may well be part. If the family concerned is reluctant for Children’s Social Services to be contacted and following a discussion with the Designated Person the setting may ask the parents’ permission to contact another relevant agency on their behalf such as the Health Visitor. A documented parental consent will be obtained. Serious Concerns If the setting is reasonably confident that the child concerned is likely to be at risk, referral will be made to the Safeguarding Officer within the setting. He/she will then telephone the Redbridge Safeguarding team Social Care team immediately, and ask to speak to the Duty Social Worker stating that he/she has serious concerns about a child in our care. Telephone numbers: Redbridge Safeguarding board 0208 708 5350 Out of Social Care: 0208 708 5897 When making a referral the designated person will need to provide the following information, and will have it to hand when telephoning: The name, address, date of ethnic origin and gender of the child. The names and contact telephone numbers of parents, and other carers or close family members if known. The name, address and telephone number of the child’s Doctor, and Health Visitor if applicable. The incidents which gives rise for concern with dates and times The nature of the injuries observed, and/or the reason for your concerns.
Child-Protection-Statement-and-Policy.docx