For children who are being support at home
This section explains what support is available to you and your family and what each service means to you.
You may have a social worker or a family support worker who will be more than happy to discuss any of your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
You will find links below explaining services and help on offer from the Trust and a wide range of providers.
MULTISYSTEMIC
THERAPY (MST)
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) is a treatment program designed to help families with a child who is facing challenges with their behaviour.
MULTI-AGENCY SAFEGUARDING HUB
Sandwell Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a multi-agency service which aims to promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and their families.
HORIZONS
Horizons is Sandwell Children’s Trusts dedicated Child Exploitation Team who specialise in supporting children and young people abused through all forms of exploitation.
STRENGTHENING
FAMILIES SERVICE
The Strengthening Families Service offers support to children, young people and families who need some help to make things better.
FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCING (FGC)
Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
This is where a child’s family and friends come together to make a plan to help the child. It’s where everyone gets a chance to share their ideas.
YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICE
Youth Justice Service works with young people aged 10-17 that get into trouble with the law. They look into the background of a young person and try to help them stay away from crime
EMERGENCY DUTY SERVICE
Emergency Duty Services is a support system for families and individuals who live in Sandwell and are in need of urgent help outside of normal working hours.
FAMILY SOLUTIONS
TEAM (FST)
Family Solutions Team
The Family Solutions Team (FST) is a group of people who help families when there is a crisis or problem. They work with families who have children who might need to leave home and go live somewhere else because of relationship or conflict issues.
Quality and Assurance Safeguarding Unit (QAS)
The Quality Assurance and safeguarding unit compromises of 4 distinct areas of work within the Trust
Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) are appointed to work with children who are looked after by the Trust.
The main role is to ensure that the plans for children and young people are appropriate, and progress without drifting and without delaying permanent arrangements being in place for the child.
Fostering Independent Reviewing Officers (FIROs) are appointed to review the care provided to children who are looked after by Foster Carers working for Sandwell Children’s Trust Independent Fostering Agency (IFA). They chair Foster Carer Annual Review meetings and ensure that the care given to a child by the foster carer’s meetings fostering National Minimum Standards.
The role of LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) is to co-ordinate the response to concerns that an adult who works with children may have caused them or could cause them harm. LADO gives advice and guidance to employers, organisations and other individuals in Sandwell who have concerns about the behaviour of an adult who works with children and young people in Sandwell.
Child Protection Conference Chairs
When a child/young person is thought to have suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm then the Social Workers or professionals working with the child/family may request a Child Protection Conference be arranged.