Hi just looking for some advice here. Back towards the end of August (26th) I was in hospital, due to a collapse, I have a chronic health condition, but during the assessment I had mentioned that the day before I’d been drinking alcohol, socially. I shouldn’t drink with my condition, and I’ve not touched a drop since this incident. Anyway long story short a safeguarding referral was put through by the nurse. I have two children, 4 & 7. One with additional needs. The next day I had a call from a lovely nurse who was amazing. She asked me what support I have in place, if any additional support was needed and told me my feelings were validated. I explained I have a supported family & husband, and I expressed due to my illness I had to give up my medical degree. She signposted me to early help, and mental health services should I feel I need extra support. Since then I haven’t heard anything, but it has dawned on me due to my anxiety that I may get an unexpected visit from a sw. I asked her will one be coming and she said not at all she was ringing to check how I am etc. I have bad anxiety and prone to overthinking. It’s obviously been a while since the call and things are a lot better personally. I’m managing my health a lot better and my mh has improved.
Am I over thinking this? All I keep thinking is that I’m going to lose my children, sorry if I sound stupid. I’m a huge over-thinker and no knowledge regarding safeguarding and referrals.
What next following a safeguarding referral?
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Suzie, FRG Adviser
- Posts: 4996
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 2:57 pm
Re: What next following a safeguarding referral?
Dear Hal89X
Welcome to the parents’ discussion board. Thank you for your post. My name is Suzie. I am Family Rights Group’s online adviser.
I am sorry to hear that you were in hospital recently. I am see that you are worried that a referral was made to children’s services. You have not been contacted by them which is adding to your anxiety. You explained that alcohol impacts on your health condition and that you had a drink before you became unwell. You have not done so since. I can understand that the situation is causing you stress. It is good to hear that apart from your worry about children’s services potential involvement you are managing your health better and your mental health has improved. You also have a supportive family around you which is great.
From what you say, the hospital made a referral over two months ago. This may have gone to your local Multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) or directly to children’s services. This depends on the protocol in your local area. If a referral is passed to children’s services they must make a decision within one working day about whether to undertake an assessment or not. So if children’s services were planning to do an assessment of your children’s needs you should have heard from them by now.
You had a follow up call from the nurse who signposted you to early help support and mental health support. She stated that a social worker was not coming. It may be that MASH decided not to assess but to provide you, via the nurse, with details of support services instead. However, the nurse should have clarified this for you, if so.
If you want to know for sure what the outcome of the referral back in August was, the best thing to do is to contact your local MASH or Children’s Services department directly. You could explain about the referral made at the end of August and ask for confirmation of the outcome of that referral. They will be able to clarify this for you . It may be better to enquire rather than coping with your current anxiety about ‘not knowing.’ You can ask for a written response.
Many parents worry about losing their children when a referral is made or when social workers become involved. I don’t think this is something you need to worry about currently, based on what you have said. This only happens in the most serious situations and with a court order (unless parents agree); this is explained in more detail here.
I hope this helps. I hope you continue to make good progress.
If you need any further advice about children’s services then please contact the advice service again. You can post back on this forum, call our freephone advice line on 0808 8010366, Mon to Fri (9.30 am to 3.00 pm), except bank holidays or use our webchat or advice enquiry facilities.
Best wishes
Suzie
Welcome to the parents’ discussion board. Thank you for your post. My name is Suzie. I am Family Rights Group’s online adviser.
I am sorry to hear that you were in hospital recently. I am see that you are worried that a referral was made to children’s services. You have not been contacted by them which is adding to your anxiety. You explained that alcohol impacts on your health condition and that you had a drink before you became unwell. You have not done so since. I can understand that the situation is causing you stress. It is good to hear that apart from your worry about children’s services potential involvement you are managing your health better and your mental health has improved. You also have a supportive family around you which is great.
From what you say, the hospital made a referral over two months ago. This may have gone to your local Multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) or directly to children’s services. This depends on the protocol in your local area. If a referral is passed to children’s services they must make a decision within one working day about whether to undertake an assessment or not. So if children’s services were planning to do an assessment of your children’s needs you should have heard from them by now.
You had a follow up call from the nurse who signposted you to early help support and mental health support. She stated that a social worker was not coming. It may be that MASH decided not to assess but to provide you, via the nurse, with details of support services instead. However, the nurse should have clarified this for you, if so.
If you want to know for sure what the outcome of the referral back in August was, the best thing to do is to contact your local MASH or Children’s Services department directly. You could explain about the referral made at the end of August and ask for confirmation of the outcome of that referral. They will be able to clarify this for you . It may be better to enquire rather than coping with your current anxiety about ‘not knowing.’ You can ask for a written response.
Many parents worry about losing their children when a referral is made or when social workers become involved. I don’t think this is something you need to worry about currently, based on what you have said. This only happens in the most serious situations and with a court order (unless parents agree); this is explained in more detail here.
I hope this helps. I hope you continue to make good progress.
If you need any further advice about children’s services then please contact the advice service again. You can post back on this forum, call our freephone advice line on 0808 8010366, Mon to Fri (9.30 am to 3.00 pm), except bank holidays or use our webchat or advice enquiry facilities.
Best wishes
Suzie
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