Changes to Professional Consultations: January 2014

With effect from 6th January 2014, all professional consultations relating to safeguarding concerns will be offered by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). You can request a professional consultation if you are not clear about how to support a family and require further advice about a child. MASH can be contacted by calling Customer Services on 0344 800 8020 and you should state that you request a professional consultation. Customer Services will then put the call through directly to the MASH team. This procedure replaces the consultation service previously offered by the local Duty Teams.

Please note that consultations should not be used in circumstances where you suspect immediate risk or harm to a child e.g. when the child has made a disclosure of abuse or you suspect the child is presenting with a non-accidental injury. In these circumstances, you should contact Customer Services and explain that you wish to make a referral.