CADS & Early Help
Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS)
The Children's Advice and Duty Service (CADS) is the contact for either professionals working with children, or members of the public, to share safeguarding concerns for children they work or come into contact with. Concerns do occur and can be in many different forms such as neglect, or physical abuse. If you are unsure if your concern should be referred to CADS, please feel free to contact The Safeguarding team, via the school office, who would be happy to discuss and advise accordingly.
If you are a professional, i.e. working with a child or young person in a formal or voluntary setting and not a family member or member of the public, you can contact the Children’s Advice and Duty Service on their direct line: 0344 800 8021.
If you are a member of the public you can do this through Norfolk County Council’s Customer Services on 0344 800 8020.
For any call raising concerns about a child, the Children’s Advice and Duty Service will ask for:
- all of the details known to you/your agency about the child;
- their family composition including siblings, and where possible extended family members and anyone important in the child’s life;
- the nature of the concern and how immediate it is;
- Any and what kind of work/support you have provided to the child or family to date.
They will also need to know where the child is now and whether you have informed parents/carers of your concern.
Early Help & Family Support
Early Help/Family Support is a service available to all families in Norfolk. They have services to access support, information and guidance on a range of areas.
If you are worried about your child or family and think you might need some extra help you are invited to discuss your concerns with a member of the Safeguarding team. They will be able to share details of what the referral process would be like, how to do this, or signpost you to any other services that may be to offer you and your family support. You may also choose to speak to your family’s health visitor, the school nursing team or your GP.
To access advice, guidance and support on Early Help Assessment and Plans, please contact your Partner Focus Officer (Partner & Community Focus Teams).
If you wish to access Family Support Services for a family, please contact Children’s Advice and Duty Service (0344 800 8020). Further information can also be found on the Early Help website, which can be found here https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help-and-family-support