Toolkit for general practice

Referral to Social Services

Any concerns that practice nurses or other members of the team might have about a family will probably be referred to the GP, who may then refer back to the Health Visitor if the child/children is/are under 5 years of age. However, referral to Social Services or to the local specialist alcohol service may be made.

Referral to Social Services needs very serious consideration. It may be necessary if there are clear child protection issues, but children who are distressed because of a parental alcohol problem do not necessarily require child protection. To determine whether any given child requires referral, further information must be gathered. This will involve both talking to the child and gaining information from other sources such as workplace colleagues. The issue of whether or not to refer to Social Services is discussed at greater length elsewhere in this toolkit in Addressing child protection.

Points to be considered if a referral is made are:

Referrals need to be child-focused firstly, reflecting your thinking about the possible impact on the child of what you are concerned about.
Give clear information about the events, circumstances which gave concern, with examples, and what approach has been adopted in-house.
Parental involvement, response to concerns raised and engagement in any support provided is essential information.
Some information about each member of the family known to your practice is helpful, giving a fair picture of strengths and weaknesses.

During this whole process ensure:

That observation is child focused
That issues and actions are recorded, discussed with carer and clear information given
Discussion and consultation within the practice, planning for management of concerns
Recognition of change – step-down of concerns or increased concerns; decision making for action.