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What support do we offer?
Social workers in the Children and Families Department provide support to children in need because of poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion. They have a remit of child protection and supporting children with disabilities.
Social workers can assess and provide or arrange services for children and families in their own homes, in schools, in child and families centres, in the community, in family care or residential care. Support could include advice and information, respite services, advocacy, home care services, help with physical care, help with behaviour management, money or benefit advice and measures to protect children and ensure their safety.
If a child or their family already has a social worker they should be involved in planning for meeting the additional support needs at school. Social workers have a role in planning for and supporting children and young people through transition stages, from entry into pre-school provision to leaving school.
Social workers can support children and families in their own homes, in schools, in Child and Family Centres, in the community, in family placements or residential care. Support could include advice and information, respite, advocacy, home care, help with behaviour management and money or benefit advice.
Who can receive our services?
Services can be provided to individual children of any age, parents, families and carers. Social workers in the Children and Families Department have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need. A child is "in need" if he or she is unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development unless services are provided by the local authority, or if he or she is disabled or adversely affected by the disability of another person.
How do school staff access the service?
Through discussion at the Pupil Support Group with the social work representative.
Through discussion with the school ASL team leader.
In a child protection situation, by following the Child Protection Guidelines and consulting the school Child Protection Co-ordinator.
By direct referral to Children and Families Duty at the Social Work Centre located in the area of the child's postal address, either by telephone or a letter to the Duty Senior Social Worker.
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