The Children and Families team provides longer-term and more intensive intervention to children in need and their families. Typically, these are children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection or Care Plans. The team also undertake child welfare reports for the court and pre-proceedings work, including preparing statements and evidence and initiating pre-proceedings and care proceedings. This includes supporting children and sign-posting parents for advice until the first Court hearing. We are also responsible for children who are looked after under section 20 until permanent decisions about their care have been made.

Our team work with children and families whose needs are so complex or significant that intervention is necessary to prevent the risk of harm. They are always focused on achieving positive outcomes, working in challenging yet supportive and collaborative ways, using Child Protection Plans and Child in Need Plans.

The team strongly links with the Bridges Service, Permanency and Transition teams, Education Services, Fostering and Adoption, and the Leaving Care Service. We work closely with various partners, including the Health Service, Schools Service, and our own Independent Reviewing Service, to ensure the voices of children and young people are always central to our practice.