Children who need a social worker (Child in Need and Child Protection Plans)

337. Children may need a social worker due to safeguarding or welfare needs. Children may need this help due to abuse, neglect and complex family circumstances. A child’s experiences of adversity and trauma can leave them vulnerable to further harm, as well as educationally disadvantaged in facing barriers to attendance, learning, behaviour and mental health.

338. Local authorities should share the fact a child has a social worker, and the DSL will hold and use this information so that decisions can be made in the best interests of the child’s safety, welfare and educational outcomes.

339. Where children need a social worker, this information will be used by the DSL (or deputies) to inform decisions about safeguarding (for example, responding to unauthorised absence or missing education where there are known safeguarding risks) and about promoting welfare (for example, considering the provision of pastoral and/or academic support, alongside action by statutory services).