Family Connect
Changes to Our Children and Families Front Door
Starting from 3rd March 2025, Children and Families Front Door will be called Family Connect.
Key Changes:
- No More Written Referrals: Family Connect will no longer accept written referrals, except from emergency services.
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Focus on Conversations: Family Connect will prioritise conversations with professionals and families to provide earlier support.
This change is part of Warwickshire's new approach, which aims to build on the strengths of families and communities, ensuring the right support is given at the right time.
About Family Connect:
- Early Support: Family Connect is designed to support children as early as possible. When concerns are raised, we will ensure they are directed to the right services immediately.
- Best Practice Approach: This model is based on best practice and is used by several other local authorities.
- Information and Guidance: Family Connect will provide information, advice, and guidance to professionals.
- Accepting Referrals: We will accept referrals from both professionals and the public if there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm, in need, or has more complex needs.
How to Make Referrals: From 3rd March 2025, for all new referrals, professionals and the public should call Family Connect on 01926 414144 and follow the options to get the appropriate response.
Information Required for a Comprehensive Referral:
- Child Details: All known details about the child.
- Family Composition: Including siblings and, if possible, extended family members and anyone important in the child’s life.
- Nature of Concern: The nature of the concern and its immediacy.
- Previous Support: Details of any work/support provided to the child or family to date.
- Parental Notification: Whether parents/carers have been informed of the concern. Consent from the parent/carer is required unless it places the child at further risk.
