What will happen once I refer a concern to the Local Authoritys Childrens Social Services (CSS hereafter)?
Once CSS receive a concern about the welfare of a child they will clarify with you the nature of the concern, how and why they have arisen and what appear to be the needs of the family. Should a referral be made by telephone to CSS you should confirm your referral in writing within 48 hours. At the end of the discussion both you and CSS should be clear about any proposed action, timescales and who will be taking it, or that no further action will be taken. CSS will record the decision taken. They will also acknowledge a written referral within one working day of receiving it. If you have not received an acknowledgement within three working days then contact CSS again. CSS will decide and record the next steps of action within one working day. Where they decide to take no further action feedback will be given to the referrer, who will be told of the decision and the reasons for making it. An initial assessment of each child referred to CSS to determine whether a child is in need, and th
If you contact CSS about the welfare of a child they will want to establish the nature of the concern, how and why it has arisen and as much information as possible about the family involved. If you make the referral by telephone, CCPAS strongly recommend that confirm the referral in writing to CSS within 48 hours. CSS should acknowledge a written referral within one working day of receiving it. If you have not received an acknowledgement within three working days then contact them again. An initial assessment will be made by CSS to determine whether a child is in need, and the nature of that need, and whether a more detailed assessment is required. The initial assessment should be made within 7 days of receiving a referral. At the end of this process it should be made clear to the referrer what will happen next, the contact person at CSS and the timescale of any action that needs to be taken. Where no further action is necessary, CSS should decide this within one working day and notif
