Helping to protect children

If you are worried about a child or young person living in Newcastle call Children's Social Care on 0191 277 2500.

We get calls from parents, relatives, friends and neighbours, and people like teachers, health visitors and doctors. The law says we must find out if children need our help to keep them safe.

We work with families to understand what support a child or young person may need from us or other organisations to be healthy and safe.

New words and phrases when working with Children's Social Care

"Social Worker"

A social worker is responsible for supporting children and young people through difficult times and ensuring they are kept safe from harm.  Your child's social worker will speak with you and explain what they will be doing, and who they will be speaking to as part of any involvement with us.

"Child and Family Assessment"

This is what we complete to try to get to know your child and family.  We will speak to professionals that work with your family and we may want to talk to your child on their own.  The assessment is a way to identify your child's needs and understand what (if any) support would help make a positive difference to their life. Yours and your child's views are central to the assessment.  If you find it hard to talk about your family you can ask for help,  your child's social worker can tell you how to find someone who can help you say what you are thinking. 

The assessment will be completed within 45 working days.  You will be kept informed about the progress of the assessment and told about its outcome.  You will also receive a copy of the assessment.

"Child Protection Enquiry Assessment"

This is what we complete if there are concerns that your child is at risk of significant harm.   We will speak to professionals that work with your family and we may want to talk to your child on their own.   We do this assessment to decide what may be required to keep your child safe.  Yours and your child's views are central to the assessment.  If you find it hard to talk about your family you can ask for help,  your child's social worker can tell you how to find someone who can help you say what you are thinking. 

The assessment will be completed within 15 working days.  You will be kept informed about the progress of the assessment and told about its outcome.  You will also receive a copy of the assessment.

"Family Support Worker"

A Family Support Worker may work with your child's social worker to help support your family.  They provide emotional and practical advice to families.

"Professionals"

These are people who work in a range of organisations that may be involved with your family.  Examples include health visitors, teachers, your family doctor, and police officers.

"Independent Reviewing Officer (IROs)"

IROs lead a variety of meetings including Child Protection Conferences, and Looked After Child Reviews to make sure children and young people are getting the best possible care and support.  They work for us but are independent to your child's social worker.  They want to make sure the best plan is made for your child. You are encouraged to speak to your child's IRO to share your views and feelings in relation to the involvement of Children's Social Care and about the plan for your child.

"Core Group"

This is a group made up of relevant professionals involved with a family and the parents.  It may also involve the child or young person if possible and appropriate. The core group is led by the child's social worker and is for Child Protection cases. Members of the Core Group will meet on a monthly basis to review the progress of the Child Protection Plan.

"Care Team"

This is a group made up of relevant professionals involved with a family and the parents. It may also involve the child or young person if possible and appropriate.  Care Team meetings are held regularly, to review the progress of children who are looked after or on a Child in Need Plan.

"Child in Need Plan"

This describes how families and professionals will work together to help a child to thrive and to promote their welfare.  It will describe what additional support and services may be provided for the child or young person.  It will set out what professionals, parents and family members will do to make the plan work, and how everyone will know when the plan has been achieved. 

"Initial Child Protection Conference"

This is a meeting with the family, child or young person (if possible) and professionals involved with your family.  An IRO will lead the meeting and you will have an opportunity to describe, in your own words, the things that have happened or are happening for you and your family.   We will discuss any concerns about your child and the work that may have been happening with your family.  Together the meeting will discuss any risks to your child and agree plans to keep your child safe. 

"Child Protection Plan"

This describes how families and professionals will work together to keep a child safe.  It will describe what changes need to be made to help keep a child safe.  It will set out what professionals, parents and family members will do to make the plan work,  and how everyone will know when the plan has been achieved.  It will also describe what to do if things go wrong.

"Review Child Protection Conference"

This is a meeting to review the progress of the Child Protection Plan.  Your child's IRO will plan the first review at the Initial Child Protection Conference so you will know when and where this will take place.