Child Protection

Anyone can contact Children's Services if they are worried that a child may be at risk. Our Contact and Assessment Service are told about cases of possible abuse or neglect by teachers, doctors, health visitors and members of the public. They are also contacted by parents needing support, by other family members concerned about a child’s welfare and sometimes by children themselves. 

Regardless of who contacts us, we take the information seriously. All councils have a legal duty to investigate if any child is suspected to be at risk of significant harm. 

It may be that the concerns are unfounded and that no further action is necessary.   To get in touch with the Contact and Assessment Service call 020 8753 5392

If some intervention or further support is needed, the family will be referred to the Family Support and Child Protection Service that works with the most vulnerable children and families in the borough to ensure that children are protected from neglect and abuse. These families will often require a significant level of support. In some cases it may be necessary for a child protection case conference to be held to ensure that all the agencies involved with a family share information and develop a plan to make sure that the child is protected. To contact the Family Support and Child Protection Service please call 0208 753 5534.

What happens when a child is referred to us?
We recognise that our involvement can be stressful for families but our first priority is to keep children safe. 

We explain to parents why we have been asked to help them and try to involve the whole family in working out what is best for the child. Where necessary we also speak to other professionals such as nursery or school teachers, doctors or health visitors. This is to help us build up a clear picture of how the child is being cared for to establish what support the family needs.

If we believe that a criminal offence has been committed against a child we may need to involve the police. They work with us in cases where a child needs urgent protection. 

What happens next?
This varies from case to case. The social worker who has been assigned will work with the family to develop the best plan for the child and will put them in touch with the services they need. We will hold regular meetings to make sure that we continue to provide the right support to the child and his or her family.

It is very unusual for a child to be removed from their home. We believe that children are usually best brought up in their own families and will provide support to help keep families together wherever possible. In extreme cases, and where no other option is available, social workers can apply for a court order to look after a child away from their family home.

Contact us:

Contact and Assessment Service 
4th Floor
77 Glenthorne Road
Hammersmith W6 0LJ

Tel: 020 8753 5392

email: cas.glenthorne@lbhf.gov.uk