By Retired Social Worker

 

(Please note the information presented here is correct at the time of writing)

 

There is a lot of fear and misunderstanding about what Social Services do.  As a retired Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I have seen the devastating impact of delayed access to Social Services on vulnerable families. I have often been asked whether my child will be taken into care - this fear has often led to many being reluctant to engage with the Social Services. To curtail the flow of uncertainties, provided here is insight on what Social Services do and how vulnerable persons and families are supported.

 

The information shared here offers a response to commonly asked questions regarding support of vulnerable persons and families in social care.

 

Who are Social Services and what do they do?

Social Services work to keep the elderly, adults, young people and children safe. There is a dedicated department for each of these age groups. When safeguarding concerns are reported, Social Services often act as the lead agency to investigate by working with agencies, including health, the police, education and the voluntary sector to holistically assess and share the information.

 

What is a Social Worker?

Social Workers are qualified practitioners who are trained in applying the Children Act.  They work in a non-discriminatory and non-judgemental way, regularly attend training to keep updated with changes in law and new research. Every case is handled with close supervision with managers and the team to ensure quality of care is consistent and effective.

 

What happens when Social Services receive a referral?

Anyone can make a referral to the Social Services. Initially, it is the First Response Team who process the referral. The team usually uses a traffic light system to determine the level of need:

Green: (Universal needs): Where to meet the general needs of a child and their family, professionals will identify the services that may benefit them. For example, you will be informed of services available in your local area, such as GP, urgent care centre, community centres, pharmacies and any other primary care service.

Yellow (Universal plus needs): Where a child and their family have needs that require support beyond the normal universal services. For example, being supported by health professionals, children's centres, school settings and local partners including Early Help Assessment and Our Family Plan.

Orange (Additional needs): Where a child and their family require additional support that can be met without Social Services intervention, they will be provided with resources and information to access specialised organisations and services. For example, you will be signposted to Early Help, young people's services, parenting support and more.

Red (Complex/Significant Needs): Where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is likely to suffer or is suffering significant harm, child protection enquiries must be considered. Examples of specialist services include children's social care accessed via Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS); Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

 

Further information and guidance is available on Right Help, Right Time here.

Social Workers are guided by three core principles: competency, confidence and compassion.

Will they take my child away?

Only as a last resort.

If a child is referred to Social Services, it does not mean anyone has done something wrong. It simply means that professionals want to make sure the child is safe and well. The main focus is to understand the family's situation and offer help and support where needed. 

Social Services aim to work with families, not against them. Children are not removed without clear and serious reasons. A careful assessment is carried out to ensure a child is safe both physically and emotionally, and that their development is on track. Families are supported and encouraged to work alongside Social Services to achieve the best outcomes for their child.

Removing a child from their family only happens if there are serious concerns that the child is not safe or may experience significant harm. This is uncommon. In most situations, concerns can be addressed while children remain at home. 

Being open, honest, and willing to engage with Social Services helps build trust and enables issues to be resolved more quickly, keeping the child's wellbeing at the heart of every decision.

 

Will it look bad if I do not consent for Social Services involvement?

Social Services make every effort to secure consent from parents. They will contact the family and other agencies involved to get a clear picture. It is advisable to work together and co-operate.

 

Where there is reluctance to engage and the matter being considered serious, the Social Services have the power to gain consent in other ways. Therefore, families need to take responsibility with divulging information. Families, also have the right to access the complaints procedures to seek independent legal advice if they disagree with the Social Services' recommendations and actions. You can usually access the complaints procedure on the local authority's website.

 

Will Social Services turn up at my house?

This depends on the situation.

Social Workers can make unannounced visits. This would be if the family is not responding to requests for contact or for serious referrals. It is encouraged to make contact as it's an opportunity for the family to give their viewpoint and clarify.

 

In the case of a child on a Child Protection Plan, a Social Worker must see and interview the child alone every 3 weeks. This is part of meeting important timescales, at such times a Social Worker can turn up at the house or see the child at school. However, the Social Worker would make every effort to contact the family to arrange a home visit. When the family works with the department, unannounced visits may not be necessary.

Social Workers connect and advocate to protect vulnerable children and adults.

After the Social Worker has completed assessments, will they support me?

With completed assessments, the Social Worker will make recommendations. This could be:

• Threshold of concerns met: case will progress to Child Protection Procedures;
• A more comprehensive assessment: So, case transfer to specialist team, such as Disabled Children's Team or;
• Signposting: to Community resources and case closure.  

The social worker must share the assessment and information with the family and discuss an action plan. The child or young person is the subject of the assessment. Supporting the primary carer is intended, but sometimes this is not possible as the priority is the wellbeing of the child.

Social Workers are there to support families and help keep children safe and well. Their role is to work in partnership with parents, listen to concerns, and offer guidance and support when it is needed. By working together openly and honestly, positive outcomes for children and families can usually be achieved.

 

For more information about your local social services department, visit your Local Authority website and either select Adult Social Care or Children and Families.