Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership

Referring a safeguarding concern to Children's Social Care

If you are worried that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm then phone the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855 (24 hours) to speak to a social worker. If a child is in immediate danger then call 999 for a police response.

**Members of the public can discuss their concerns in confidence and if necessary, anonymously.**

The Sheffield Safeguarding Hub

• phone: 0114 273 4855 (24 hours)

• email: sheffieldsafeguardinghub@sheffield.gov.uk

 

What will happen when I contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub?

You will be put through to a trained 'screening' social worker, who will:

• Take information from you

• Provide a clear and focused telephone conversation

• Analyse your information and give you clear advice in a way that is easily understood

• Make a decision on how the concern will be dealt with

• Tell you what will happen next

If the concern is progressed they will also;

• record the discussion on the child’s file and progress the contact as agreed

• Update parents, carers and professionals of the outcome, in writing, within 3 days of all completed referrals where it is safe to do so.

The hub;

• Includes South Yorkshire Police Officers, Social Workers including Early Help Prevention and Intervention Social Workers, Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Health staff

• Will respond to new concerns about vulnerable children and young people by providing an integrated service with swift and secure information sharing between professionals

• Will signpost to Early Help services where children are not at risk but may need support

• Will advise professionals to contact the allocated social worker for open cases Children's Social Care

• Does not replace calling the police – for non-urgent matters for police attention ring 101

• If a child or young person is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999

Further Information for people who work with children and families

To Access Early Help please complete the following:

• Early Help Assessment form  where the children’s needs meet Thresholds of Need Levels 2 and 3
  

• For further advice see this page and ring the Family Intervention Service on 0114 2037485

You should also:

• Follow the guidance Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns (SCSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures Manual).

• Inform the family that you are contacting Children's Social Care unless this will put the child at risk (it is not essential to obtain consent for information sharing with other professionals, however if consent is obtained this will speed up decision making).

• Be clear about your safeguarding concern, what it is and who it is about.

• Refer to the Thresholds of Need Guidance to support the judgement about the level of concern being raised.

• As advised by your agency, follow up your contact with the Safeguarding Hub by completing a Multi-Agency Confirmation Form MACF (September 23)

Useful resources:

• • Advice on Completing the MACF

  • Referral pathway flowchart