Practitioner Safeguarding Consultation

DSPs ringing the Targeted Advice Service for a safeguarding consultation will be put through to the duty Child Protection Schools Liaison Officer. Generally there is a duty CPSLO available three days a week. When there is not duty CPSLO, consultation may be provided by one of the TAS management team.

DSPs who are advised that there is no one available to provide consultation, will need to use their professional judgement to decide whether the concerns require a referral to Children's Safeguarding and Specialist Services. To assist their decision making they should consult the guidance Meeting the Needs of Children and Families in Hertfordshire available here:

• Integrated Practice/CAF - Meeting the Needs of Children and Families in Hertfordshire

Further guidance can be found in the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board Inter- Agency Child Protection Procedures here:

• http://hertsscb.proceduresonline.com/

Concerns that a child may be at risk of/have suffered significant harm do not require a consultation prior to making a referral and should be passed to Children's Safeguarding and Specialist Services without delay. If the DSP's judgement is that the threshold for significant harm, or the risk of this is not met, they may wish to call back for consultation when the duty CPSLO/ member of the TAS management team is available.

The consultation line is for professionals only. The number is 01438 737511. For all other contacts with Children's Services use 0300 123 4043.

Targeted Advice Service Leaflet

• Adobe pdf, 701kb/2 pages, 06/09/2011, tas_postcard.pdf