Social care and short breaks

The Children Act 2004 states that safeguarding children is about:

• Protecting children from maltreatment, abuse, and neglect
• Minimising risks of harm to children
• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
• Addressing children’s needs at an early stage rather than when serious problems have developed
• Ensuring that every child has an opportunity to fulfil their potential
• Promoting children’s welfare

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

If you need help caring for your child or young adult or are concerned about their welfare, contact Children’s Social Care Services. 

When we receive a referral to Children's Social Care, it will be dealt with by our Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

Waltham Forest MASH consists of professionals from:

• Children’s Services
• Health
• Education
• Police
• Probation
• Housing
• Early Help Service
• Youth Offending
• London Victim Support

 This allows joint decisions to be easily made about how best to meet a child’s needs.