Reporting Concerns

What should I do if I think a child is at risk of significant harm? 

To report a concern phone: 0300 111 8007 and select option 1. 

9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday

8.30am- 4.30pm Friday

Ideally we would want to receive all enquiries by telephone so that we can gather all necessary information in a timely manner and make sure that parental agreement has been obtained from those with parental responsibility unless this places an adult or child at risk of harm. 

If you cannot reach us by phone, please make your enquiry online (opens in new window). 

Out of hours – call Emergency Duty Service Tel No. 0345 604 2886

Or email: eds.team.manager@staffordshire.gov.uk 

Non-emergency – call Staffordshire Police
Telephone: 101 and ask for Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door
Outside of Integrated Front Door hours, report to the Area Communications Room

In an emergency always call 999

New referrals for children who meet the threshold for Level 3 and Level 4 who are not known or are currently closed to children’s services, should be made by phone to Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door: 0300 111 8007.

There is a move away from agencies making written referrals and more of an emphasis on meaningful phone conversations with experienced staff. This changes the narrative from referral to conversation and consultation which fits with a restorative relationship-based approach.

For more information about raising a concern visit the Partnership website (opens in new window).

If you are unsure the West Midlands Regional Safeguarding Procedures Manual will be able to help guide, you or the Staffordshire Threshold Framework ‘Accessing the Right Help at the Right Time’ (opens in new window) multi-agency guidance on the access criteria to help support children, young people, and families.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service manages and oversees allegations against adults who work with children. The Online LADO referral form will make it quicker and easier for you to report concerns.  

What you need to know: 

You should make a LADO referral if you believe that an adult who works with children has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed – or may have harmed – a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against – or related to – a child;
• Behaved towards a child – or children – in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children;
• Behaved – or may have behaved – in a way that indicates that they may not be suitable to work with children.

If a referral meets the LADO threshold, LADO will oversee, monitor and support the management of an allegation.

The LADO service supports employers to handle allegations in a way that is timely and proportionate, making sure effective safeguards are in place for children when needed.

What you need to do:  

• Make a referral to the LADO service within 24 hours of an allegation being made.
• Always use the LADO referral form to make a referral to the service.

Click the link below to make a LADO referral: Staffordshire LADO referral form (opens in new window).

Please note, a LADO referral is separate from a safeguarding referral. If you have concerns that a child may have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm, you will still need to make a safeguarding referral to Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door on 0300 111 8007. There will be times when both referral processes are applicable and will therefore need to be followed.

For more information on Managing Allegations of Abuse visit Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website.