11/11/03 - Child Protection Partners reminded of referral guidelines

Today, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet endorsed a letter to go to the Council’s partner agencies clarifying the existing eligibility criteria for children’s social services after children’s fieldwork teams in Carlisle have raised concerns about the number of referrals received not meeting the eligibility criteria.  The move promotes better inter-agency understanding and will help all agencies work better together to support children and families.    

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,   

“The Carlisle team is a pilot for this approach as the problems experienced in Carlisle are also experienced elsewhere in the County.  The letter merely confirms the existing eligibility criteria for referral to Social Services but it will act as a reminder to partner organisations to more closely consider the proper route for referrals for children in need.  It also outlines the procedures for making referrals to the team.  This move reflects the need to re-shape children’s services in the light of the Green Paper `Every Child Matters’ and will support staff and managers, ensuring that only appropriate work is undertaken by the teams.”   

The focus on inter-agency working and information sharing is a priority for children’s services.  Cumbria Social Services hosted a multi agency conference at the end of September to further the development of integrated strategies for family support.  Early intervention and support to families leads to less families finding themselves in crisis and less children and young people coming into the care of the Council.