In an emergency always contact the police by dialling 999
Safeguarding is everybody’s business
If you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger, please contact Children’s Social Care by phone on 0300 123 2224 or email childrens@somerset.gov.uk. Otherwise, contact the police.
You can contact the police directly by dialling 101 and they will discuss with Children’s Social Care what action should be taken.
If you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours, please phone the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 123 2327
Calls will always be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
For Professionals:
Early Help Assessment
If you are a professional and wish to make a request for support or referral to Children’s Social Care, it must be submitted using the multi-agency Early Help Assessment form which you can find on the Professional Choices website.
For guidance on completing an EHA, call Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224
The Family Front Door Consultation Line for Professionals
Contact the Family Front Door if you are a Designated Safeguarding Lead or GP and you require real time advice about a child/ren/family you are supporting, or if you are considering making a referral to Children Services but are unsure and want guidance, or to sound out your thinking in a safe space.
To contact the Family Front Door call: 0300 123 3078
If you are a family member or member of the public you can contact the Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 for advice and support.
Information about a suspected vulnerable or exploited person
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/forms/vul
If you are acting in a professional capacity, for example, as a healthcare, education, social or support service worker, use this form to share intelligence or information with us about:
- vulnerable or exploited people
- risks to children or young people
- violence against women and girls
- serious organised crime
Please note – this is not a referral form or early help notification form and does not replace any pre-existing referral or notification mechanism.
Prevent
If you are concerned that a child, young person, or adult might be at risk of radicalisation due to their ideology, membership, or affiliation with extremist groups (including online or social media activity), you should (1) Share your concerns with your Designated Safeguarding Lead; and (2) Follow your organisation’s due process. In Somerset, we have a local referral process which links to existing and established safeguarding process. Please note, Prevent referrals cannot be made with an Early Help Assessment (EHA).
For further guidance on making a referral please visit Prevent in Somerset. You can phone 01278 647466, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. For out of hours advice, phone 101. For general enquiries and guidance contact Somerset Council at Prevent@somerset.gov.uk or visit Prevent in Somerset.
Allegations Reporting Form
If you need to report an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by someone who works with children / young people, please complete an Allegations Reporting Form and send to Somerset Direct at – sdinputters@somerset.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can phone Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 and request an ARF.