Children’s Social Care
If someone is worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing and thinks a child could be at immediate risk of harm, they should contact the local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). You should be informed of any referral to MASH unless it is considered this could put a child/ren at further risk. The parents and/or carers should be made aware of the concerns and the referral, unless it puts the child at increased risk of harm, prior to the referral being made.
The referral will be looked at by a social worker, and you will be contacted to discuss any concerns that have been shared with the MASH so that they can obtain your views and understand what support you feel you may require. The MASH has workers from key agencies who are responsible for safeguarding children in Coventry, co-located in one building. MASH may offer you advice, signpost you to local organisations or offer support to your family through Early Help.
A decision may be made for a Children and Family Assessment to be completed; this will be completed by a qualified social worker. This assessment can take up to 45 working days and may include a range of information gathered from other people that work with or support your family such as teachers, health professionals and anyone else working with your family. The decision of the assessment will be informed by all of the necessary people sharing information and working together with you, using expertise to determine what support you may require based on what they’ve learnt about your situation. Decisions will always be made with children’s best interests at the centre and take into consideration your current circumstances.