BCP Children’s Services First Response Hub

There is one phone number and one email address for all new contacts and referrals into BCP Children’s Services.

If you have concerns about the safety or welfare of children and young people, or if you require support in agreeing an early help offer, contact the Children’s Services First Response Hub. This is everyone's first point of contact and provides access to all services for children and families living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Safe sleeping and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy

Nationally there has been an increase in cases of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). There will be further support materials and website links made available over coming weeks to support your work with families around safe and unsafe sleeping.

Factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, prescribed drug use and the use of illegal drugs all raise the risks of SUDI. Another factor to consider is infants staying at a different house, for example relatives, a weekend away and celebration events.

The Lullaby Trust provide clear advice and have a number of resources to support you, professionals and the families you work with, including a helpful guidance video and a poster.

Was Not Brought

Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board have produced a short animation to encourage practitioners to identify children as 'Was Not Brought' instead of 'Did Not Attend'. This advice applies to all practitioners who work with children, young people and families.

Be curious and act against child neglect

Child neglect is the most frequent type of abuse affecting children. It's important that professionals can identify the signs of child neglect and report concerns if they suspect neglect within the course of their professional work.

The Pan-Dorset Neglect strategy and toolkit have been updated. The toolkit contains a variety of materials to support your practice.

Please share this widely with your staff members, use it as a tool to discuss how you respond to neglect in your role and setting. Please ensure you continue to engage with children’s social care and other partners to help keep vulnerable children safe.

For more information and resources to use, including posters, please go to the PDSCP website.