Management Information Sheet
Referrals to MASH at the end of the Summer Term
The MASH Team have analysed data and identified a peak in referrals in the last days leading up to the School Holidays. This increase in referrals can occur because children disclose abuse at the end of a school term due to increasing levels of anxiety about the prospect of being in a harmful situation without the support of school. We know however that, in some cases, concerns about a child have been known by a school for a period of time but these are have not been referred to Children's Services until the end of term approaches.
The MASH Team have made arrangements to increase staffing levels over this period. However, delays in receiving a referral and at times of increased levels of referral can compromise the ability of Children's Services and Police staff to respond to concerns in a timely manner to protect the child or young person. It is important that concerns about a child's safety are referred to Children's Services as quickly as possible on the same day as the information becomes known.
What should schools do to help? The Senior Designated Professional should review any current pupils of concern and the support available to the family, including the use of a CAF, as soon as possible. If the SDP believes that the case warrants an assessment by Children's Services it is important to refer this as quickly as possible.
Procedures for Referral Any member of staff or visitor to the school who receives a disclosure of abuse or suspects that abuse may have occurred should be reminded to report this immediately to the Senior Designated Professional or to the Alternate Designated Professional if they are not available.
If the SDP believes that the child is a risk of harm and requires an assessment from Children's Services, they should immediately inform the MASH Team by telephone on 0344 800 8020.
If concerns arise where a child or young person is already being worked with by Children's Services and there is an allocated Social Worker the call can be made directly to them. If for any reason they are not available and you are not able to get hold of a duty social worker within their team who can take the call then you can still use the 0344 800 8020 number and they will make sure the information is picked up and acted upon.
If you are not clear about how to support a family and require further advice about a child, you can request a Professional Consultation from your local Duty Team. The contact details are as follows:
CITY & SOUTH OPERATIONAL DIVISION TEL: 01603 224134
NORTH & EAST OPERATIONAL DIVISION TEL: 01493 448190
BRECKLAND & WEST OPERATIONAL DIVISION TEL: 01553 669330
Thank you for your continued co-operation and support.