Our service is increasingly receiving referrals for children and families in need and at risk. Several are, after investigation, not as much of a concern as was first suggested. How can we cope with the demand?
As economic pressures intensify, so will family stress and the likely demand for services. So it is important to use all the resources available to deliver preventative support and help families to cope, and thus reduce referrals.
Rather than referring families in need to local voluntary agencies on an ad hoc basis, you should work with all the agencies to set up a strategic “local pathway” that diverts referrals of families to the local support available. Ensure the agencies are clear about the risk factors and can re-refer swiftly to statutory services at any point where child protection is a concern.
This will help reduce “lower level” referrals, support families at an early stage, and enhance the engagement of local agencies with the issues of families at risk.
Answered by Paul Clark, director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years
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