What is the role of Local Support Teams?

Local Support Teams work with children and young people who have a problem that can't be solved within the family or at school (or with the help of other services that everyone can access such as doctors or children's centres) but who don't need intensive social work support.  

Child Welfare

Local authorities have a duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of all young people.

It is a sad and disturbing fact that a small number of people in our society abuse children and young people. It is also unfortunately true that some of those people will get access to the young people they abuse through their employment and they are very expert at concealing their intentions and their acts. All adults who work with children and young people should now have checks made about them with the Criminal Records Bureau before they can be employed.

Although this gives no absolute guarantees, it does provide an additional safeguard that the people who are entrusted with the welfare and safety of children and young people do not present any known risk to them. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children at all times, and while not wishing to raise undue alarm, it is recommended that anyone who you engage to help in your child(ren)'s education who has not been subject to a recent check, should complete the declaration form attached to this booklet (HE5). Children's Services will have the necessary checks made for you free of charge.

While education law is primarily written in terms of the rights of parents and carers, the 2004 Children Act is clear in its expectation that children and young people will be involved in decisions about them, and that age appropriate weight will be given to their views. Where they are of sufficient age and understanding it is important that they should have given informed consent to decisions affecting their health, education and welfare.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Staffordshire County Council abides by the Data Protection Act and the Human Rights Act and respects your right to confidentiality. Information about you or your child(ren) can only be shared outside of the personnel named in this booklet if you have given informed consent. Information can only be shared without your consent in exceptional circumstances and where there are statutory grounds to do so, for example to prevent serious harm or to detect or prevent crime.