All referrals to Children's Services must be made to Social Care Direct. Staff there will take details and ask questions so we can find out exactly why you have made contact with us and offer advice if appropriate.

If you think that a child may be being harmed, abused or neglected please contact us immediateley. You do not have to tell us your name if you do not want to. Please do not just ignore what you have seen or know about. Social Care direct is open 7 days a week, 24 hours. 

• If further assessment is required Social Care Direct will pass the information to our Initial Response Service who will do an initial assessment. Referrals will be prioritised according to the nature of the circumstances you have described and contact will be made with you. Staff will give you information and advice or will begin to gather information in order that we can assess the needs of your child and your family.
  
  
• Once initial needs have been assessed, we will discuss with you how best we can meet the needs that have been identified - either by providing services directly or by helping you access services from elsewhere.
  
  
• If there is a need for Children's Services to provide a service to you and your child over a longer period of time, then a social worker from one of our Family Support Teams will be allocated to co-ordinate services and offer support.
  
  
• Children with a disability who have complex needs will receive support from our Children with Complex Needs Team.
  
  
• Children who become 'looked after' and are unable to return home to live with their families for the foreseeable future will receive support from our Looked After Children Teams.
  
  
• We will fully involve you in the assessment and planning process and treat you with respect, taking into account your age, race, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, any disability and your opinions.

If you or your child needs our help please contact Social Care Direct, see the 'Related Link'.