Who will I speak to when I contact social services?

When you visit or phone Social Services you will be put through to a duty social worker. They will ask you basic details about yourself and your children, or the children you are concerned about.

Who can we help?

We have to make sure that our services go to those who are most in need. Anyone can ask us for help and we assess any request and decide if we are able to help (see information on Assessments below).  When we can help we will make a plan of action, and, if we cannot help, we will advise about other services that could assist.

What is an Assessment?

Either you or someone on your behalf has asked Social Services for help with some difficulty that affects your child (or children). Before we can help you we need to know more about you and your family. This will involve collecting information, talking this through with you and agreeing what might be done. This is called an assessment.

What will happen at an Assessment?

Usually a social worker will meet with you and members of your family. When children are old enough to take part in an assessment the social worker will encourage them and help them to do so. When other people are already helping you and your family, like school and the health visitor then it is likely that the social worker will talk to them as well, normally we will ask your permission before we do this.

Information will be gathered and written down. Although social workers and other professionals will normally take the lead in completing the assessment, this should always be done in a way which helps you to have your say and encourages you to take part.

An assessment is an important part of working with you. In a very small number of cases, there are serious concerns about a child’s safety. Making sure the child is safe will be our first concern. Please ask your social worker to explain this to you. Initial assessments will usually be completed in seven working days. Full assessments, known as Core assessments will usually take 35 working days.

What will be expected of you?

We know that most parents want to do their best for their children and completing the assessment will help your social worker recognise the strengths you and your family have as well as your difficulties. Your contribution to the assessment is important and will help us to know what would work best for you and your family. We can help best if you tell us what you do well in your family and your difficulties.

What will it cost me?

There are no charges for assessment and most services we provide are free. There are charges for some services. These are means tested. Your social worker will be able to give you further details.

How soon can I expect to get help?

We aim to give a prompt response to any request for help and our services are provided according to set time scales.

What kind of help can we offer?

Children and families can have a number of different needs, and the following are some of the ways we can help:

• We have services for children at risk of harm or neglect.
• We have family link services to provide support and short breaks for disabled children
• We have looked after children placements
• We have adoption and fostering services
• We offer support to carers, including young carers
• We provide after care services to help young people to successfully move from care into independent living
• We provide social work services for children in hospital 
• We provide help for teenagers and their parents

Will my child be taken away?

Our priority is to keep families together, and wherever possible, we will seek to do this.

What happens if I’m not happy with the service I receive?

There is a complaints procedure  which you can follow if you wish to make a complaint.