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Getting help to address harm

What this looks like for a child and their family

help when harm slice"My life is very difficult right now, and I often feel overwhelmed and unsafe. I’m not always treated in ways that make me feel respected or cared for, and sometimes I have to look after myself even though I’m too young to do that properly. I try to make decisions, but they’re not always safe or sensible, and I’ve ended up in situations that make me scared. I’ve missed a lot of school and medical appointments, which means I’ve fallen behind other children my age, both in learning and in health.

There are times when I feel deeply unhappy, and I’ve been involved in risky behaviours, including things that could get me into serious trouble. Sometimes the pressure I feel is so intense that I hurt myself just to cope. I don’t always feel protected at home. My parents aren’t always able to keep me safe, and I’m not sure if they love me, though I feel very protective of them. It feels like their needs come before mine. I’m often left alone for long periods, with no adult checking where I am or whether I’m okay.

I feel hungry and thirsty a lot of the time, and I don’t always have proper meals or a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in. I’ve taken food from other children at school because I didn’t have enough myself. I don’t have many clothes or toys, and I rarely see other children outside of school. I feel isolated and invisible, like no one truly sees me, or listens to what I’m going through. I need someone who will take the time to understand me, protect me, and help me feel safe again."

Is a child or young person at risk?

If you are not sure whether a child or young person is at risk, you can call Bradford Children and Families Trust us and discuss the circumstances. 

There is a dedicated Practitioners Advice and Guidance telephone number to share information about any concerns you have for a child or young person within the Bradford District or to make a referral.

Before making a referral

Prior to making a referral, all practitioners need to:

  • Speak with their Safeguarding Lead within their own organisation
  • Ask themselves “Have I/we done everything I/we can to help and support the family?”
  • Refer to the Continuum of Need document 
  • Contact the allocated Social Worker directly if Bradford Children and Families Trust are already working with the child, young person and their family.

Contact

During office hours:

Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Call 01274 433999

Out of office hours:

Practitioners: share information or make a referral using online forms.

Call the Emergency Duty team 01274 431010

The Emergency Duty Team (for emergencies outside of office hours) will make an assessment, on the telephone, of any immediate need or risk and take appropriate action to ensure that child or young person is safe until the next working day.

If the level of need decreases

🔴 A 'step down’ from Children’s Social Care takes place because the needs have been met and/or the risks to the child/young person have decreased.

🔴 Plans to step down and transfer a child/young person and their family to a Getting Help response, should be discussed by the social worker with the family at the end of a Single Assessment or agreed at a Child in Need review meeting.

🔴 When a decision has been made that a child or young person is no longer in need of social work or other specialist intervention (‘step down’) a review meeting should identify the Lead Practitioner and agree the on-going plan.

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