⚠️ If you are worried about a vulnerable child and would like our help, please don’t stay silent.
⚠️ 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 on 0300 123 2224
Email: childrens@somerset.gov.uk
Police: 101 or in an emergency 999
The Family Front Door Consultation Line
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
Give us information about a suspected vulnerable or exploited person
If you come across any information to suggest a young person is at risk of exploitation, please submit intelligence through the Avon & Somerset Police portal.
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/forms/vul
Please note – this is not a referral form or early help notification form and does not replace any pre-existing referral or notification mechanism.
Allegations Reporting Form
To notify the LADO of an allegation, an Allegations Reporting Form (ARF) will need to be completed and forwarded to Somerset Direct: sdinputters@somerset.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can phone Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 and request an ARF.
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.
For guidance visit Making a referral to Prevent.
For Referrals: please note, Prevent referrals cannot be made with an EHA.
If a prevent referral is appropriate, you will need to complete the National Prevent referral form which should be sent to the Regional Police Prevent Team: PreventSW@avonandsomerset.police.uk
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.
Early Help Assessment
When a child, young person, or family needs support, early identification is key. The Somerset Early Help Assessment helps families and professionals understand current circumstances, identify strengths and needs, clearly record how things are for the family at the moment, followed by a plan which will help to improve the family circumstances.
The assessment is completed with the child/young person and their family, who will receive copies of all relevant documents.
Early Help Assessment (EHA) and Child Protection Form
For guidance on completing an EHA, call Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 or download the Early Help Assessment Practitioner Guidance.
⚠️ If a child is at risk of significant harm, follow local safeguarding process immediately.