Contact and assessment service
Making contact with the Hammersmith & Fulham services for children
You may already be in touch with Hammersmith & Fulham services for children which works with services such as education or health. If you feel you need additional support, or are worried about a child or young person's welfare, please contact the referral and assessment team.
Our trained and professional staff will deal with your enquiries and a member of staff will meet you to discuss your situation and tell you more about the services we can provide for you.
We work in partnership with parents and families and our first priority is always to help families to stay together wherever possible.
Can anyone get help?
We want to help as many people as possible but we have to make sure that our services go to those who need them most. Whether you qualify for a particular service will depend on your level of need.
If you need help, but don't qualify for one of our services we will try to put you in touch with someone who can help.
If you are worried about the physical or emotional welfare of a child you can contact us. It does not mater whether the child is a relative, neighbour or even a total stranger. We are there to help wherever possible.
What is an assessment?
Before we can arrange services or support for you, you will need to have an assessment. This is a meeting between you and a member of our staff to talk about your situation and any help you are already getting. You can ask another family member, friend or other person who knows you - such as your GP - to be present at your assessment. We will also provide an interpreter if you need one, please just let us know in advance.
There are two types of assessments:
- Initial assessment - which will be completed within seven days
- Core assessment - for more complex situations. This is more detailed and may take up to 35 days to complete.
Why is an assessment carried out?
To help us gather the information we need to help us decide which services to arrange for you. The level of detail needed and the length of time taken to complete the assessment will depend on how complicated your needs are.
If I qualify for a service (or services) what will happen next?
If we are going to be providing services for you we will write up a service plan for you. This details the services and support your child or family will be offered. You will be given a copy of this plan.
The referral and assessment team may work with you for a short while but will also refer you on to specialist teams for longer-term support.
Is help from services for children free?
Some services are free and there are charges for others. Charges may also depend on your individual circumstances. You should ask us to explain what charges may apply to you.
What if I am not happy with the service provided by Hammersmith & Fulham services for children?
We try to make sure we always provide a high quality service, but we recognise that there may be times when things go wrong.
If you are not satisfied with a service you receive or a decision we have made, you should first speak to a member of our staff. They will take your problem seriously and will try to put things right.
If you are still not happy you can take your complaint further by contacting:
Customer care manager
1st Floor, 181 King Street, London W6 9JT
Tel: 020 8753 3634
Email ssdcomps@lbhf.gov.uk
How do I find out more?
The Contact and Assessment service is now based at
4th Floor
77 Glenthorne Road
Hammersmith
W6 0LJ
Contacting us is simple. For more information, to ask for an assessment or to tell us if you are worried about the welfare of a child please contact:
- Barclay House: 020 8753 5842
- Australia Road: 020 8753 5231/5205
- Duty service: 020 8753 5392
- Fax: 020 8753 5880
Alternatively, please email the Contact and Assessment Service on: cas.glenthorne@lbhf.gov.uk
We are open from 9am to 5pm - except Wednesday mornings 10am opening.
