From May 1st
The Children's Help and Advice Team (CHAT) is the front door of our service. We are the first people you will speak to if you have a concern about a child or young person
We will talk through your concerns and discuss what support we can offer. We may arrange for a social worker to visit the family, pass you to our Early Help colleagues or signpost to services available to all in the community.
Whatever the outcome, you will be a part of making a plan to alleviate any pressures or issues that may be present and finding the best solution for the family.
You can call the CHAT Team on 0151 934 4013
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-5:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am- 5:30pm (an answerphone service available 9am-10:30am)
Friday 9am-4pm
If the issue cannot wait until the next working day, please contact our Emergency Duty Team outside of the above hours, including weekends and bank holidays, on 0151 934 3555
Remember, if a child or young person is in immediate danger, please call 999.
What is a Concern?
You may want to report a concern if you:
- Are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child
- Suspect neglect or abuse
- Would like to report an incident
- Are a child or young people who needs support
We appreciate that making a referral to us may be difficult for you. Please be reassured that your concerns will be recorded and any response carefully considered.
Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility - families, carers, the public and professional staff in Children's Services and partner agencies.
You should always report your concerns, even if the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting a child is your partner, or a member of your own family or someone you know well.
You can also discuss your concerns with someone who works with children and families, e.g. health visitor, school nurse, social worker or teacher who can contact CHAT instead.
Information for Professionals
For emergency out of hours service e.g. fire, police and a&e we will still accept paper referrals, however where possible, a phone call is best for the family
Members of the public can remain anonymous if you wish to however as a professional we need to know where the referral has come from and how we can put something in place to help that family together