CONCERNED A CHILD IS BEING ABUSEDInitial Response Initial Response will work with the person who refers an issue (the referrer) to us . We will also work with the family that has been referred to determine:
In this way, Initial Response is responsible for contacts, referrals and initial assessments on a county-wide basis. How we will work
Assessing need The information we require to determine the appropriateness of a referral to Safeguarding and Specialist Services is outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010, a copy you will find below:
The basic information we need includes:
In line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010, there is an expectation that the referrer will have discussed the concerns with the family and they have consented to the referrer making contact with Initial Response. The issue of consent may be dispensed with, if, it would place the child or another person at further risk of harm. In exceptional circumstances, we may contact other agencies to clarify the information given at this stage without consent if we consider that a child or young person may be at risk of harm. We will always make contact with the family where contact details are known to discuss the nature of the concerns raised and, where appropriate, agree to a social worker from Initial Response carrying out an assessment of need. A qualified social worker from Initial Response will be responsible for carrying out an assessment of need in partnership with the child, young person and their family, involving other agencies who may also be involved with the family, with the overall aim of supporting families to meet any identified need in relation to their child. In this way, we aim to ensure that every child or young person who lives in County Durham is healthy and safe; is enjoying and achieving, is making a positive contribution and where appropriate, is achieving economic well being. Contacting Initial Response Contacts
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