main content Child Protection - Social Services

The Council's Social Services & Housing Department has a duty to investigate any concerns about a child aged under 18 who lives in the borough or who is 'looked after' by the Local Authority, who may be in need of protection from physical, sexual or emotional abuse or from neglect.

Details

In most cases, an investigation of concerns about a child may lead to the provision of help or services to the child and his/her family.

In extreme cases it could mean the removal of the child into the care of the Local Authority.

In some cases it leads to placing the child's name on the borough's child protection register and to the development of a child protection plan in which all the agencies involved with the family work together to protect the child. The plan is coordinated by social services and led by a social worker known as a key worker.

All statutory and voluntary agencies in the borough who provide services to children may participate in a child protection plan; for example, Health Service providers, the Police and local schools. All such agencies operate under the guidance of the London Child Protection procedures / What to do if you are worried /  Working together.

Next Steps/Conditions

If you have any concerns about a child's welfare contact the social services area office at either Penge or Orpington and ask to speak to the children and families duty social worker. Outside of office hours contact Bromley Council’s emergency `out of hours contact` service.

It should be noted that not all concerns raised about a child will automatically lead to a child protection investigation. Less serious concerns may lead to a more general assessment of need and the provision of services or the offer of advice and information.

For general information and advice on child protection; including child protection procedures, case conferences and information for parents and carers, contact the Quality Assurance Unit.

Contact Details

Contact the Children & Families Referral & Assessment team nearest to where the child lives. Offices are open Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5.00pm.

Quality Assurance Unit (for children & families)
St Blaise Building, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH.
Telephone: 020 8313 4325
Monday to Friday: 8.45am to 5.00pm

Council’s ‘Out of hours’ emergency contact:
Telephone: 020 8464 4848