Referrals to the Social Work Department should be made with parents agreement, the only exception to this would be if the referral is one of a Child Protection nature, the parents should still be informed that the referral is being made to the department unless it is detrimental to the child.
Where advice or information is needed by health staff regarding a referral, the Duty Social Worker should be contacted to discuss whether a referral should be made.
Child Protection
Children suffering significant harm i.e. physical abuse, sexual abuse and / or neglect.
Social Services are the lead agency and will set up a Strategy Meeting with Police and Health to determine initial action. Following on from this, an assessment will be undertaken to determine the safety of the child. If immediate protection is needed i.e., threat to remove child from hospital then an E.P.O can be taken out through the court - if the parents are not co-operating.
No child should be discharged until safety plans are in place. Social Work Department will keep health staff informed of process. If the child comes from outside of the Bristol area, the Social Work Department will liaise with the appropriate local authority.
Health implications / social care
The health issues of a child could have serious effect on the family and how they cope in hospital and the home and community. Support work may need to be undertaken with parents, siblings, friends and school. Assessments and support will be needed for children and families with long term illnesses.
Long stay patients
If a child is in hospital for more than twelve weeks, then a Child in Need Assessment must be undertaken to establish that the child's needs are being met whilst in hospital. This is a statutory requirement and will look at schooling , family support, friends and facilities in the hospital.
Can the child's situation be improved? Are support services possible?
Behavioural and emotional problems
Appropriateness of responses to others, parents, carers, staff etc. Appropriate self control, adaption to change - is the child presenting as being inappropriately sad or miserable?
Mental Health
Assessment of the mental health of the child and what appropriate action is to be taken - referral to locality Social Services may be necessary.
Self harm / overdoses / addiction
Assessment of need of child and any underlying issues and factors for the child and their family, school and community. Research shows that the presenting problem is sometimes the 'tip of the iceberg' and a fuller assessment is needed.
Disabilities
Ensuring that the disabled child has the correct input whilst he/she is in hospital and preparations made for their discharge from hospital. Listening to the child, parental support. D.L.A applications - where appropriate.
Housing Issues
These will be addressed if part of a larger problem. Will be directed to local Housing Department if not appropriate.
Family Support
Support for families in crisis, this includes emotional, physical and counselling of assessment of carers needs, where necessary.
Difficulties at home
Assessment of need at home. Liaison where appropriate Local Authority or locality family support agencies i.e., Community Care.
Child care arrangements
Arrange child care for siblings at home, in a crisis or emergency.
Link with Locality Social Services Departments
Liaise with community social worker. Refer family on discharge to locality - if appropriate.
Liaison role - Out of County
Liaise with appropriate Social Work Department / Child Protection teams.
Repeat admissions
A child who is repeatedly admitted to the hospital should be referred to the Social Work Department. Where appropriate a social worker will be allocated.
Discharge Planning Meeting
A Discharge Planning Meeting should take place where there are concerns around the child leaving hospital or where it is necessary to involve other agencies, who will be needed to offer an ongoing comprehensive service.
Schedule One Offenders (Crime against child under sixteen years of age)
To inform Social Work Department if Schedule One Offenders are visiting the hospital. Hospital policy to be implemented.
At all times put the child's needs first and listen to the child
In the new hospital there will be an allocated Duty Social Worker who will be available to take all new referrals. It is envisaged the Social Work Team will have a high profile on the wards so that issues can be discussed and referrals made direct. All referrals will be seen by the Team Manager and allocated to a named Social Worker, where appropriate. The Social Work Team endeavour to promote good working relations between Health staff and themselves, which in turn will enhance the service to the child and their family.
Chrissie Savage / Arthur Panton, Team Managers, BCH / St. Michael's