Children and Families Social Work

Children's Services - Social Work 

What the Service Does: Referrals to Social Work should be made for babies, children and young people who are at risk of harm and require protection. 

Points to remember when you need to contact Children's Social Work:

• Please ensure you have all the necessary information about the child or young person as this will improve the pace and quality of screening decisions. 

• Child Protection - no need for consent 

• You will be asked if the child or young person and their parents/carers are aware of the referral. If no consent has been given, the referral will not be taken further. 

When making a referral please consider:

• What are your worries for this person - now, tonight, the weekend?

• Have you discussed the worries with the family? If no, is there someone who you think would be best placed to have this discussion?

• You know this family best, what are your ideas for what can support them?

• Who is important to the child and young person/family that might be able to help?

• Have you had two Child Planning Meetings with the family and professionals already involved? (a copy of the Plan should be emailed to the Call Centre plus any dates of previous meetings). 

• What convinced you to call us today (other than another day)?

• Can you think of a time when things have not been this bad? How did the parents/family cope?

• What do you hope will happen by involving social work?

Age Range: Pre-birth to 18 years

How to Access:  Referrals should be made via the Contact Centre, details below.

Contact Details: Tel: 01875 824 309  Email:   cfdutyteam@eastlothian.gov.uk