Report concerns

When a professional, family member or member of the public is concerned about a child’s welfare or safety, they can contact us so we can look into it. This is called making an enquiry or referral.

The enquiry or referral will be handled by the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).The MASH is a partnership between Norfolk County Council Social Care, Police, Probation Services and Health Services working together to safeguard children and vulnerable adults in the community.

When they receive an enquiry or referral, partners will share information to decide if:

• The child has been hurt or could be hurt in the future
• The child or you would benefit from support from other people who can help 

Usually you will be told if an enquiry or referral has been made about a child in your care. If this has been made by a professional, for example a social worker, doctor, teacher or other professional, they will usually inform you of their concerns and ask your permission to contact us. However in exceptional circumstances, such as risk of significant harm to the child, an assessment can be made without your consent.

• Someone is being hurt or may be hurt in the future
• The information may help to stop or solve a crime

If the child is thought to have been hurt or is at risk of significant harm they will be referred to the appropriate Safeguarding team. Information may be shared with the police to help stop or solve a crime.

If there are no safeguarding concerns but we think your child or you would benefit from extra support, we will ask for your consent to share your child’s name, address, reason for the enquiry and outcome with other agencies and services to offer you the support you need. 

Your information will only be used to decide whether: You or someone else is at risk of significant harm You or your family would benefit from help and support A crime has been committed or could be committed in the future Your information will be held in a safe place and will not be shared with other people unless they have the legal power to see it.

Yes, you can see the information Children’s Services holds about you. The Data Protection Act 1998 lets you ask for a copy of the information held about you. If you would like to request this, please contact Norfolk County Council in writing.