Parents / Carers
Being a parent can be the hardest, but most rewarding job that any of us will ever do. There are times when we all need a little support and there are many ways that this can be offered in the East Riding. In the early years, between 0 - 5 years support can be offered via the Health Visiting service but also in Children's Centres. There is a network of Children's Centres across the East Riding offering information, support and advice around childcare, early learning, parental outreach and employment advice. As children grow, learning new techniques to help with parenting and meeting with other parents can be really beneficial and supportive. Parent Drop Ins and three kinds of parenting programmes, Family Links Nurturing Programme, Getting to Grips with adolescents and the Triple P Positive Parenting programme are all offered county wide. Information about these can be found at the Customer Service Centres, in libraries and on the Families Information Service website.
If there is a concern that your child is or has been at risk then a Child Protection Enquiry will take place. A Child Protection enquiry starts because someone has concerns that a child may be being physically injured; neglected emotionally harmed or sexually harmed. This concern may come from a parent who has injured a child; the police; social care services department or the NSPCC. It could also be a neighbour, teacher, health worker or from hospitals when a child has been taken to the casualty department or admitted to hospital. Some turn out to be malicious however some are correct therefore every concern is treated seriously. Dependant on the outcome of the enquiry either things may go no further or further enquiries may need to be made. Those may include talking with other children in the family and family members and in some circumstances could involve your child being interviewed jointly by the police and social care workers on video. Social care Services may call a Child Protection Conference if it is likely your child has suffered significant harm which you will be invited to. Your child's welfare comes first and social workers, police and medical personnel will all want to work together with you to protect your child. You will be kept informed as to what is happening and support can be offered to your child and yourself either through a Child Protection Plan or the Family Support Service. The booklet "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused" has full details and can be accessed on www.everychildmatters.gov.uk.
