Last updated by Stephanie Rosser on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Below is some useful information from the Essex County Council Children and Families Hub around referral responses and submitting requests.

Immediate responses

Should this be required for urgent safeguarding returns, it is very likely that you have informed us of your concern using the PRIORITY phone line where we have taken your concern and advised you immediately of our next steps. The outcome of the concern will also be notified by a letter or email.

Early Help response

Should the Children & Families Hub provide early help advice and guidance as a result of a Request for Support, the requester will hear approximately one week after submission. Please do not follow up the outcome before this time period.

Concerns that have been forwarded by the Children and Families Hub to either Children's Social Care or Family Solutions - The Children and Families Hub do not initiate any letter or email advising that your concern has been sent over, it is the responsibility of the receiving team to notify the requester of the next steps.

Social Worker triage - Where your concerns are triaged by a Social Worker in the Children and Families Hub and they are not deemed as requiring either Family Solutions or Children's Social Care support, a letter/email will be forwarded from the Social Worker in the Hub who will provide a rationale about the triage decision made.

There may be times when your concerns were explored in the early help space, and due to the information gathered, a Social Worker will be asked to complete further triage to explore possible risk.

Prior to Submitting a Request for Support

Do consider accessing an early help drop in or a TAFSO. Early Help Drop-Ins are held four times per week. Anyone can join to present an anonymised family to a panel of practitioners which may include youth workers, health representatives, school attendance, housing etc.

Should you require support with a TAF, have a TAF where the outcomes for the family are not improving or require information and advice about Early Help in Essex, please email TAFSO@esex.gov.uk.