We are currently at capacity for referrals involving children who are subject to a Child Protection Plan. We will continue to provide updates here as our capacity changes.

If you are working with a family who you think could benefit from the support of Home-Start you should:

• Check the family’s eligibility: Our service supports families with at least one child under the age of 5.
• Check this page for current status updates.
• Discuss Home-Start Teesside with the family: The family must agree to receive support before a referral is made.
• Download and complete the referral form in full, then return it to admin@homestart-teesside.org.uk.

Once you have referred a family to Home-Start we will:

• Set up an initial visit with the family to discuss their needs
• Carefully match the skills and experiences of a volunteer, or a family support worker, to the needs of the family
• Introduce the volunteer/worker to the family
• Let you know when Home-Start support starts and ends
• Keep you informed about progress
• Monitor and assess their support

Please note: Our support is always tailored to each individual family, taking into account their needs, strengths and circumstances. Families may sometimes share their experiences with others, but it’s important to note that what we offer can look different from one family to another. Our volunteers are not paid staff and have a choice about what they feel able to do, guided by training, risk assessments and what is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.

There are also clear boundaries around our role, and some things we’re not permitted to do, such as school runs or providing childcare. In some situations, a volunteer may support a parent by staying with children in a safe setting, for example in a GP waiting room, while the parent attends an appointment, but this will always be agreed in advance and based on assessed need.

Referrals where Children's Social Care is involved

Home-Start Teesside works with many families who are receiving support from Children's Social Care, and we value the positive relationships we have with our partner agencies. To ensure we can safely assess each family's needs and identify the most appropriate support, we require sufficient information before starting support where Children's Social Care is involved. This includes families who are:

• Subject to a Section 47 enquiry
• Supported through a Child in Need Plan
• Subject to a Child Protection Plan

Unfortunately, we are often receiving referrals with very limited information, making it difficult to assess risk, understand the family's circumstances and decide whether support should be provided by a volunteer or a Family Support Worker. With immediate effect, we will be unable to start support until we have received the relevant information from Children's Social Care. This will normally be through:

• An invitation to attend the family's Core Group meeting; or
• A conversation over the phone with the lead Social Worker; or
• Copies of the most recent Child Protection Conference minutes, Child in Need Plan or Core Group minutes, as appropriate.

This information enables us to understand the family's current circumstances, work safely alongside other professionals and ensure that the support we offer is appropriate. We appreciate the continued support of our partner agencies and look forward to working together to provide the best possible outcomes for families.

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