Our use of cookies

We use strictly necessary cookies to make our site work. These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work please see our privacy policy.

To agree to our use of analytical cookies, click the 'Accept cookies' button. No, give me more information.
Accept cookies Reject analytical cookies Manage cookies
 

Report a concern about a child

 Previous Menu

3. Find help or contact us

Report a concern about a child

Early Help service update

From Monday 20 April 2020, we are once again accepting referrals for our Early Help teams.

Please either call SCAS (Staffordshire Childrens Advice and support Service) on 0800 131 3126 or complete an online enquiry form.

We are a county-wide telephone and web enquiry service for all children who:

  • live in Staffordshire

  • are aged from pre-birth to 18 years old

  • do not currently have an allocated worker

Have you got a serious concern about the safety of a child or young person up to the age of 18?

Do you think a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed?

Are you worried that a child is living in circumstances where they are treated badly and not cared for properly?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions and you don’t believe that the child or young person is being supported by an allocated worker, please contact the SCAS (Staffordshire Childrens Advice and support Service) immediately.

Is the child at risk of immediate harm?

If you believe the child to be at risk of immediate harm, this must be reported to the police on 999 or 101. Once you have reported to the police, please contact the SCAS (Staffordshire Childrens Advice and support Service) or Emergency Duty Team.

If you are contacting us about someone over the age of 18 please report this to the adult safeguarding team.

Please note: If the child you are contacting us about already has a dedicated worker please contact them directly in the first instance.

 


 

Report a concern

Phone: 0800 1313 126

Ideally we would want to receive all enquiries by telephone so that we can gather all necessary information in a timely manner and make sure that consent has been obtained from those with parental responsibility unless this places an adult or child at risk of harm.

If you cannot reach us by phone, please make your enquiry online.

For your information before making your enquiry you may wish to check the procedures online website for a glossary of relevant terminology.

Opening times

  • Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Out of hours

Outside of the hours above, or on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the Emergency Duty Team by phoning 0345 604 2886.

 


 

Professionals 

Please refer to the threshold document on the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children's Board website to make sure that your enquiry is in relation to tier 3 or 4 services as First Response does not deal with tier 2 referrals these can be made by yourself direct to your local tier 2 service.

The Staffordshire connects website provides a wealth of services that professionals and families can access without an enquiry being made to First Response (if you type in 'Family Support Providers' in the Children’s Centres and Parenting section it will provide you with the contact details for your local tier 2 family support services.) Parents or carers should always be informed that you are contacting us, unless to do so would place them or the children at risk of harm. 

Adding supporting documents

If you have already made your enquiry by telephone and wish to submit any forms to support your enquiry you can add these online.

 


 

Further information

Earliest help

Find family support providers on  Staffordshire Connects.

Spotting child sexual exploitation 

Information about recognising, avoiding and supporting children regards child sexual exploitation, grooming, sexting and online safety can be found on these websites: