Child protection cases
Professionals referring a family for an assessment of need should complete an Early Help and Family Support Assessment.
Children's Single Point of Contact (C-SPOC) managers will discuss the referral with the Children With Disabilities Team (CWD) managers to discuss eligibility of new referrals that may meet the CWD criteria. Where there are other children in the family without a disability who may be in need and require an assessment.
If there is a concern that a child with a disability is at risk of harm, referrals should be made to the Childrens Single Point of Contact (C-SPOC):
- Children’s Portal: Welcome to the Southend Children's Services Portal
- Phone (working hours): 01702 215007
- Phone (Emergency Duty Team – out of hours): 0345 606 1212
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – 0808 800 5000
- Police - 999
Where a child is already receiving a service from CWD, they will:
- continue to assume case responsibility
- apply the Southend, Essex and Thurrock procedures
- carry out any necessary action under section 47 of the Children Act 1989
If a child has been receiving a service from CWD in the previous 6 months, C-SPOC managers will discuss the referral with CWD managers to agree which team would be the most appropriate to take case responsibility and carry out any necessary action under section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
For example: where there is a child protection referral and there is a child with disability as one of a group of siblings, it may be more appropriate for the case responsibility to be with the Assessment and Intervention Service with CWD providing consultation and support in respect of the disabled child.