How do you make a referral to children’s social care/mash
Making a referral to children’s social care/multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) is crucial for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children. If you have concerns about a child or a family and believe they are in need of support or protection, it is important to know how to make a referral.
The first step in making a referral is to gather as much information as possible about the child and the concerns you have. This information should include details of the child’s name, age, address, and any relevant background information. It is also useful to note down any specific incidents or observations that have raised concerns.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can contact the local children’s social care or multi-agency safeguarding hub. The contact information can usually be found on the local council’s website or by calling the general council phone number. When making the referral, it is important to clearly explain the reasons for your concern and provide as much information as possible.
It is also important to remember that making a referral to children’s social care/MASH is not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but rather seeking help and support for a child and their family. The aim of making a referral is to ensure that the child’s wellbeing and safety needs are met, and that appropriate support can be provided if necessary. By reporting your concerns, you are playing a vital role in safeguarding children and helping to create a safer community for all.
Process of making a referral under Children’s Social Care Services
When making a referral to Children’s Social Care Services, it is important to follow the proper process to ensure that the child in need receives the necessary support and intervention. The process typically involves the following steps:
| Step 1: | Identify the concerns: Observe and gather information about the child’s situation, noting any signs of harm, neglect, or risk factors that may warrant intervention. |
| Step 2: | Evaluate risk and immediate action required: Assess the level of risk to determine the urgency of the situation. If the child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. |
| Step 3: | Consult with relevant professionals: Engage with professionals who have regular contact with the child, such as teachers, doctors, or social workers. Share your concerns and gather their insights to develop a comprehensive understanding of the child’s circumstances. |
| Step 4: | Complete the referral form: Fill out the appropriate referral form provided by Children’s Social Care Services. Include detailed and accurate information about the child’s current situation, the concerns, and any relevant background history. |
| Step 5: | Submit the referral: Submit the completed referral form to the designated contact or team responsible for receiving referrals for Children’s Social Care Services. Ensure the form is submitted through the proper established channels within the organization. |
| Step 6: | Provide follow-up information: Stay engaged with Children’s Social Care Services and provide any additional relevant information that may come to light after submitting the referral form. |
| Step 7: | Monitor the situation: Keep track of the child’s progress and any changes in their circumstances. Collaborate with Children’s Social Care Services and other professionals involved in the case to ensure timely and appropriate interventions are carried out. |
It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of the child during each step of the referral process. Efficient communication, accurate information, and collaborative efforts help to ensure that appropriate support and services are provided to the child and their family.
Step-by-step guide to referring a child to MASH
Step 1: Gather information
Start by collecting all relevant information about the child and their situation. This may include their name, age, address, school, any known medical conditions, and details of any concerns or incidents.
Step 2: Assess the risk
Consider the level of risk to the child based on the information gathered. Use your professional judgment and any relevant guidelines to determine the severity of the situation.
Step 3: Consult with colleagues or supervisor
Discuss your concerns and assessment with a colleague or your supervisor to ensure that you have considered all relevant factors and that your decision to make a referral is appropriate.
Step 4: Complete the referral form
Fill out the MASH referral form with all the information you have gathered. Provide as much detail as possible to ensure that the referral is properly assessed.
Step 5: Submit the referral
Once the referral form is completed, submit it to the appropriate MASH team. This can typically be done electronically, by fax, or by post. Make sure to follow any specific submission instructions provided by your local authority.
Step 6: Keep a record
Maintain a record of the referral, including the date and time it was made, as well as any relevant correspondence or follow-up actions.
Step 7: Cooperate with MASH professionals
Stay engaged with the MASH team throughout the process and be prepared to provide any additional information or support as requested. Cooperate fully with their investigations and follow any guidance they provide.
Step 8: Continual monitoring
Continue to monitor the situation and the child’s welfare even after making the referral. Document any changes or new concerns, and be prepared to provide updates if requested.
Note: It is important to follow your local authority’s specific procedures for making a referral to MASH, as processes may vary.
Important information when making a referral
1. Use the appropriate channels
When making a referral to children’s social care/Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), it is crucial to use the appropriate channels provided by your local authority. Always contact the designated helpline or referral system as instructed by them.
2. Provide accurate and detailed information
When making a referral, it is essential to provide accurate and detailed information about the concerns you have regarding a child’s welfare or safety. Include specific incidents, dates, locations, and any relevant parties involved to assist the authorities in their assessment.
3. Provide your contact details
Ensure that you provide your contact details, including your name and phone number, so that the social care services or MASH team can contact you if they require further information or clarification on the referral.
4. Understand the legal requirements and confidentiality
Be aware of the legal framework and procedures concerning referrals and the role of confidentiality. Understand that your identity may be kept confidential, but it is essential to share necessary information and not put the child at risk due to concerns about anonymity.
5. Collaborate and engage
Work collaboratively with social care services and MASH throughout the referral process. Be open to providing additional information or participating in any investigations or assessments as required to ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
Please note: If you believe a child is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm, you should contact emergency services or the police instead of making a referral.
What happens after you submit a referral
After you have submitted a referral to children’s social care/MASH, the following steps are typically followed:
1. Initial Screening: The referral is first screened to determine the level of risk and urgency. The information provided in the referral is assessed to determine if immediate intervention is required or if further investigations are needed.
2. Gathering of Information: Once the referral passes the initial screening, the social care/MASH team gathers additional information. This may involve contacting relevant professionals, such as teachers or healthcare providers, to gather information about the child’s situation and identify any immediate concerns.
3. Assessment: Based on the gathered information, an assessment is conducted to evaluate the child’s needs and any potential risks. This assessment may involve discussions with the child and their family, as well as other professionals who have knowledge of the situation.
4. Decision-making: Following the assessment, a decision is made regarding the necessary actions to provide support and ensure the child’s safety. This decision may involve offering services and support within the family, recommending further investigations, or, in cases where immediate danger is present, taking emergency protective measures.
5. Plan of Action: A plan of action is developed based on the decision made. This plan outlines the steps to be taken in response to the referral’s findings and aims to address the child’s needs and minimize any risks present. The plan may involve coordination with other agencies or professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions.
6. Review and Monitoring: The child’s case is regularly reviewed and monitored to ensure that the plan of action is effective, the child’s needs are being met, and the risks are appropriately managed. Ongoing communication and collaboration with all involved parties, including the child and their family, helps to evaluate progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.
Please note that the specific steps and processes may vary depending on the local authority or area guidelines, and the severity and complexity of the concerns identified in the referral.
Types of concerns appropriate for referral
When making a referral to children’s social care/MASH, it is important to identify the types of concerns that are appropriate for referral. These concerns can vary, but they generally fall into the following categories:
1. Child Protection concerns:
These concerns involve situations where a child may be suffering from, or is at risk of, significant harm due to abuse or neglect. Examples of child protection concerns include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence.
2. Safeguarding concerns:
These concerns relate to situations where a child may be at risk of harm, but the harm may not meet the threshold of significant harm required for a child protection concern. Examples of safeguarding concerns include situations where a child is exposed to parental substance misuse, living in a chaotic or unsafe environment, witnessing domestic violence, or experiencing emotional harm.
3. Care and support concerns:
These concerns involve situations where a child may be in need of additional support or services. Examples of care and support concerns include a child with a disability or special educational needs requiring specific provisions or a child requiring assistance due to their family circumstances (such as bereavement, illness, or parent’s mental health issues).
When referring a concern to children’s social care/MASH, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible, including relevant dates, times, names, and any supporting evidence or concerns from others. This will help the social care team to make an informed decision regarding the appropriate next steps to take.
Key contacts for referral emergencies
In cases of emergencies or immediate safety concerns, it is essential to contact the appropriate authorities for assistance. Here are the key contacts for referral emergencies:
Local Police Emergency Services:
If there is an immediate risk to a child’s safety or wellbeing, it is crucial to contact your local police emergency services. Dial your country’s emergency number and provide them with all relevant information.
Children’s Social Care Services:
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or if there are concerns relating to a child’s safety, you should contact your local Children’s Social Care Services as soon as possible. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in your area.
It is essential to provide as much detailed and accurate information as possible when making a referral to help the authorities assess and respond effectively to the situation.
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