Child Protection

Children and families

Social Care staff work together with other professionals to give help and support to children and their families who are in difficult circumstances. We link with education, health, the police and courts and others, to give help to those who are most in need.

We believe that children should live with members of their family unless it is not safe for them to do so.

Family support services

If there is a risk of family breakdown, we may be able to give advice and support. This could be practical help in the home, advice about parenting, or help with family relationship problems. We work with families in their own homes and in different community settings.

Child protection

If you think that a child is being harmed, you must report this as we have a duty to investigate when a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. We work closely with other professionals to help keep children safe.

Looking after children

When support in the family home is not the answer to serious problems and no-one else in the family is able to help, then it may be necessary for a child to be looked after within public care for a while, usually with foster families. This is usually with parents' agreement, but sometimes is part of Court proceedings.

Most children return to live with their family. However, if this is not possible, every effort is made to find them a safe, long term place to live. This might be fostering or adoption.

Children with disabilities

Our integrated team gives services to children and young people with a learning or physical disability or long term illness. This may include advice, practical and emotional support, respite care and/or equipment in the home after a report from an occupational therapist. We can also offer specialist advice and help to family members.

Inter agency child protection procedures for safeguarding children can be found at: http://www.proceduresonline.com/west%20mercia%20consortium/