Child Protection

Quality Assurance Service

We provide an independent reviewing service for looked after children and those subject to child protection plans. The service also provides consultation to other agencies on child protection and child care matters, with a responsibility to investigate all allegations against professionals.

A key part of the service is its quality assurance function, where regular audits are conducted to ensure children are safeguarded. There are two further teams within the Quality Assurance service, one responds to complaints, compliments and access to records, while the other provides a high quality training programme for social workers.

Referral and Assessment

This is the first point of contact for new referrals to Children's Social Care.

We carry out all new child protection investigations, initial assessment on children in need (within seven working days) and core assessments (within 35 working days).

We also undertake emergency legal action to safeguard children when they are assessed to be at risk of significant harm.

Family Support and Intervention

We work with children, families and other agencies in instances when children are subject to Child in Need Plans and Child Protection Plans in order to protect and promote the best interests of children. This can include safeguarding children through care proceedings.