New webinar: Effective referrals into children's services in light of the new Families First reforms

The way professionals work with children, young people and families is changing. As the Families First Partnership Programme (FFP) continues to reshape safeguarding arrangements across England, it has never been more important for Designated Safeguarding Leads and frontline practitioners to understand how to make effective, evidence-based referrals into Children's Services.

Our webinar, Effective Referrals into Children's Services, taking place on 30 November at 12.30pm, explores what good referral practice looks like in the context of these significant reforms, helping practitioners navigate changing thresholds, multi-agency working arrangements and expectations around early help and statutory intervention.

The Families First reforms place greater emphasis on earlier intervention, stronger partnership working and shared responsibility for supporting children and families. This means referrals should not simply be viewed as a gateway to services, but as an opportunity to identify who is best placed to help a child and how support can be provided most effectively.

During the session, participants will develop a clearer understanding of:

• How Children's Social Care assesses concerns relating to significant harm and statutory intervention.

• Risk assessment, professional judgement and understanding "reasonable cause to suspect" when making referrals.

• The importance of high-quality recording, chronology, evidence gathering and professional curiosity.

• How to make referrals that clearly communicate children's needs, risks, strengths and the outcomes professionals are seeking.

• Working collaboratively with families wherever appropriate and understanding the role of consent within the referral process.

As safeguarding partnerships begin implementing the Families First model, effective referrals will be crucial in ensuring children receive the right help, at the right time, from the right service. This webinar provides a timely opportunity to refresh knowledge, strengthen practice and ensure referrals remain child-centred, evidence-informed and aligned with the future direction of children's safeguarding services.

Ideal for: Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, education safeguarding teams, early help practitioners, family support staff and anyone responsible for making referrals into Children's Services.

All registrants will receive the session recording and slides.

Non-members - book here for £10 + VAT

Members - please make sure you are logged in to view the booking link below.