Parental Support
Worried about a child?
Everybody has a responsibility to keep children safe in Wakefield.
The information below aims to provide you with guidance as to what steps you can take to help keep a child safe and where to go to access support.
What steps should I take?
Where there is an emergency about the safety of a child and they are in immediate danger the police should be contacted on 999 without delay.
Everybody has a responsibility to share concerns about a child when it is believed or suspected they:
- Have suffered significant harm and/or;
- Are likely to suffer significant harm and/or;
- Have developmental and welfare needs which are likely only to be met through the provision of family support services (with agreement of the child’s parent(s)
If you believe the situation is urgent but there is no immediate danger, please call 0345 8503 503 in the first instance to speak to the Integrated Front Door.
As part of this discussion the Integrated Front Door will advise on the next steps to take and as to whether a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) should be completed and submitted to social_care_direct_children@wakefield.gov.uk.
Should your call be outside of business hours (Monday – Thursday, 8.30am – 5pm and Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm) please still call 0345 8503 503 to speak to the Emergency Duty Team. Please note, the Emergency Duty Team operate an emergency only service, non-emergency contacts will need to be made on the next working day.
Income Related Free School Meals
Have your circumstance changed? Are you now entitled to Income related Free School Meals? Do you claim benefits? Check your eligibility and apply on line now using this link.
.https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-children/schools/going-to-school/free-school-meals
Young Minds
Mental health support for children and young people, including a parent helpline. Take a look at their website.
SEND
My Local Offer, Wakefield
http://wakefield.mylocaloffer.org
Providing support and information for families with children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or a disability. Find out about activities and groups you can join in with here.
Safeguarding
Wakefield Safeguarding Children’s Partnership
Take a look at the parents & carers section for useful information about Early Help, CAMHS, bullying, E-safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing etc.
Turing Point Inspiring Futures is a specialist drug and alcohol service for under 25s. To find out more about what Turning Inspiring Futures offer, visit the Turning Point website.
Bereavement services
WAKEFIELD CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICE
https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/health-care-and-advice/adults-and-older-people-services/domestic-abuseWDDAS
Wakefield Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Wakefield can talk to you about mental health concerns. If you’re a young person aged 16 to 17, a parent or carer of a child or young person, or a professional such as a GP, teacher or social care worker, you can get in touch now: www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/camhs-wakefield
Also available CAMHS a guide for young people, families and carers. Wakefield CAMHS have developed a resources area which has lots of information and downloadable workbooks, leaflets and materials to help support you, or your child. https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/wakefield-camhs-resources/
Children and young people may understandably be concerned or worried by what they see, read or hear in the news, online or at school regarding coronavirus. There are ways in which you can support them to understand what is currently happening click here for some resources
Health
Infant crying – advice for new parents
Infant crying is normal and it will stop! Babies start to cry more frequently from around 2 weeks of age. Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop. Is the baby hungry, tired or in need of a nappy change?
It’s okay to walk away if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you. After a few minutes when you are feeling calm, go back and check on the baby.
Never, ever shake or hurt a baby. It can cause lasting brain damage and death.
Some advice can be found in these short films.
https://iconcope.org/parentsadvice/
Further advice can be found on the website https://iconcope.org/
English As An Additional Language Support - (EAL)
ASTHMA
DadPad
What is the DadPad?
It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
Why do you need it?
As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need. The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life
Useful links:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/leaflets/home-or-out-alone-guide
https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/parents-and-carers/divorce-and-separation/parental-alienation/
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/
Helping with child arrangements Dispute Resolution Service
Thinkuknow Advice for parents Supporting positive sexual behaviour
