Submit a referral to children services: step by step

If you're a professional who is worried about a child or a young person, or you think a child or their family may need additional support, you should make a referral to our Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team.

If the child is in immediate danger call 999, or contact SPOC on 0208 255 2888 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you're a professional who is worried about a child or a young person, or you think a child or their family may need additional support, you should make a referral to our Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team.

All referrals are sent to our Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team who will triage the referral to the appropriate services.

If you're a family member or member of the public, you will need to call a different number to contact our SPOC team.

  1. When to make a referral

     You should use your own professional judgement and consult your safeguarding lead, if necessary.

  2. Get consent from the family or the young person

    You must get consent from the young person (if they are over 16) or their family before a referral can be submitted. The only exception to this is when there is an immediate risk of significant harm.

  3. Information you need to provide

    Make sure you have all the information and supporting documents required to submit a referral.

  4. Submit a referral to SPOC

    If your referral is urgent, you will need to submit your referral within 3 hours of calling the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team.

  5. After your referral is submitted

    Referrals will be received and managed by the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team who will triage it to the appropriate service.