Information for Professionals
The broad aim of Social Services Children and Family Service is to promote the social inclusion of children in need and to manage risk or harm to children. The purpose of this leaflet is to help professionals understanding of the principles that need to be considered when prioritising access to services.
Other related information from Cheshire Social Services includes:
Cheshire Social Services has a general duty:
a) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in its area who are in need; and
b) so far as is consistent with that duty to promote the upbringing of such children by their families.
(Children Act 1989 Section 17).
Should Cheshire Social Services "have reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found, in their area is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, the authority shall make, or cause to be made, such enquiries as they consider necessary to enable them to decide whether they should take any action to safeguard or promote the child's welfare."
(Children Act 1989 Section 47).
The Children Act 1989 and other legislation places duties and responsibilities on other agencies to provide and co-operate with the provision of services for children in need, and to assist in enquiries where there is concern that a child is at risk of significant harm.
As the County Council resources are not unlimited, it is necessary to make decisions about which requests for services will receive the most urgent attention, and which will require a service from Social Services
The following principles will be applied:
- Priority of speed of response will be given to those children assessed as being in greatest need, this includes the local authorities' dual role of safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.
- Research evidence shows that assessment of need and the provision of family support is a more effective way of fulfilling our duties in meeting the needs of children and families. Our response to referrals will follow this principle.
- However, if there is concern that a child is or may be at risk of suffering significant harm, this must be addressed before the assessment can progress.
- We will work closely with other statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure a range of services are available to children in need. Access to Social Services will follow an assessment of need.
Children may be defined as in need or vulnerable in many different ways. Most children will have their needs met by their families, friends, and services in the community.
The families referred to Social Services will have differing levels of need. Many will be helped by advice and information, practical services or short term intervention. A smaller proportion will have more complex and serious problems that require a detailed assessment, involving other agencies in the process, leading to plans and interventions.
Diagram show the extent of children in need in Cheshire in the context of all the children in Cheshire.
In order to ensure that referrals to Social Services are dealt with in a consistent manner and appropriate priorities are established, Social Services have drawn up three broad levels of need, level one being the most in need.
Level three - This may include children whose health or development may be adversely affected, but the family is coping, or families might need help with a specific issue.
In these situations Social Services' response would be to offer advice and information and/or direct to other services.
Level two - Children whose health and development is suffering significantly.
This may be due to complex or critical needs of children and families that are causing difficulties and may include disabled children.
In these situations, Social Services will commence an assessment following referral, involving the family and other agencies. This is to gain a better understanding of the child's needs, consider if and what services are needed and how and by whom they will be provided.
Level one - Referrals to Social Services that raise concerns that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
This may include situations where there is concern about serious abuse to a child, or the breakdown of a child's care arrangements.
There will be an immediate response by Social Services along with other key agencies. Enquiries and assessment will be needed involving the family and other agencies, to consider the impact of any harm, the needs of the child and any action or services that are required.
It is acknowledged that the boundaries between these levels are not rigid, but are areas for judgement and consultation.
Consultation is important between agencies if there are any uncertainties regarding the level of need of children and how they can best be met.
The Access Team will be able to give you further information and advice regarding referrals to Social Services.
Below: diagram show the extent of children in need in Cheshire in the context of all the children in Cheshire. |