Child Protection and Children in Need Information for Professionals

Local Authorities have particular responsibility where a child is to be a possible child in need or a child in need of protection. If you are a professional working with a child or family and believe or suspect the child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, then you should always refer your concerns to children’s social care.

Below you will find a range of tools designed to help you in this process. We do not require you to complete the referral form. However it is very helpful in aiding you to provide us with evidential information in a timely, constructive way.

If you believe the child is in immediate danger, please call us first using the Access and Assessment contact details above.

The Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has procedures in place that have been agreed between all agencies and describe how we will work together (see link in the Related Information box at the top right of this page).