Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership

How to report a concern

If you are concerned about a child, regardless of who you are.

Where there are significant immediate concerns about the safety of a child, you should contact the police on 999.

If you have urgent concerns for a child, or suspect that a child has been abused in anyway and needs an urgent response, contact the Multi Agency Children's Hub directly on 0300 373 2724.

The single contact form

The single contact form can be submitted by:

  • a parent/carer of a child/young person seeking help and support or reporting a concern
  • professionals requesting Early Help assessment, Family Help service or child in need
  • an adult worried about a child and wanting advice on child protection
  • parent/carer wanting a ‘child with disability’ assessment of need
  • a child who is worried about themselves or someone else

Professionals should:

  1. discuss your concerns – speak with your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or line manager.
  2. check the Cumbria Threshold Guidance – to help identify the level of risk and support needed.
  3. report your concern, by completing the online Single Contact Form.

Complete the Single Contact Form

As part of developing and enhancing our services for children, our Safeguarding Hub is being updated, ensuring that all children and young people get the right help at the right time from our services.

The aim is to develop a One Front Door approach to requesting services for Children and the Multi Agency Children’s Hub (MACH) is the newly created name to reflect this.  The first step is to roll out the new Single Contact Form creating clear accessible pathways into Family Help, support and or Protection. This means that this form can be used to request support from Children’s Services across the continuum of need.

Information about a child or family

You can request information including:

  • previous social care involvement
  • referral outcomes
  • historic concerns

WFSCP Request for Information Form (PDF , 88KB)

This form should not be used if you are aware that the child has an allocated social worker or Early Help worker. If you have their contact details, contact them directly.

Please ensure:

  • you detail what information you need
  • you have consent from the parent/guardian (or adult, if applicable)
  • if consent is not obtained, that you explain the reason

You can expect a response within five working days.

Family Help

Find  Westmorland and Furness Family Help Offer forms and information.