Locality social work teams work with colleagues and partner agencies to ensure children are protected from harm, that families are supported in caring for their children and those unable to live with their family are provided with the best possible care.
There are 2 Locality social work teams (North and South) that are based in the Patchway (North) and Kingswood (South) Hubs respectively. The teams work with children, young people and families, providing social work support and assistance .
These teams have Duty and Assessment teams and Child Protection/Children in Need teams within them. The Duty and Assessment teams take all initial referrals from professionals and the public who believe a child may be at risk. They will then complete assessments of risk and need where appropriate. Both Initial and Core Assessments are undertaken by qualified Social Workers whose action plans are designed to meet identified needs, reduce risks and promote strengths. This is achieved by working in partnership with relevant agencies, children/young people and their families.
If longer term intervention is needed with a child and family the case will be held within the CP/CIN team. Where children are deemed to be suffering significant harm living at home the social work team will look to the wider family network before placing children/young people in public care.