This team is a first point of contact for referrals to children’s social care services for children who are in need of protection or support to live safely within their family. The social workers in referral and assessment carry out brief and more in-depth assessments of children who have been referred for services. A referrral to the team can be made by anyone, including families, members of the public, or professionals such as GPs, health visitors etc. A duty system is in operation; referrers should call 0191 433 2653 or send a written referral to the address below.
The duty worker will ask for some information and may signpost to other services that can help or undertake an assessment to determine what support or interventions are needed.
The team are at the forefront of:
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Solution-Focused Therapy. This is a treatment model which has proven to be as effective as traditional models but is often much shorter. Solution-Focused Therapy respects the unique strengths and resources of every individual, couple, and family;
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Signs of Safety approach to child protection. This approach focuses on the question, "how can the worker actually build partnerships with parents in situations of suspected or substantiated child abuse?"