Safeguarding (Children)
All staff at Walsall Healthcare Trust (WHT) have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children (aged 0-18 years) who use our services; this is a responsibility we take seriously. We will always take action if we are concerned about a child’s welfare.
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility which we all have a part to play in ensuring children are safe and not at risk of harm or abuse.
Safeguarding Children, is a key priority at (WHT) and there is a designated team to support this. The team consists of a Lead nurse for safeguarding children, Named Midwife, Named Nurse for Children in Care named nurses, named doctor, and additional nurse specialists.
The Safeguarding Children’s Team at WHT provide:
*Advice, guidance and support to all trust employees.
*Deliver Safeguarding training and safeguarding supervision.
*Completion of audits.
The Safeguarding Children’s team are actively engaged with Walsall Partnership Trust to ensure a joined up approach to Safeguarding Children with other partner organisations.
If you think a child is at immediate risk of danger, please call the Police on 999.
Contact social services if you have a concern about a child’s welfare who resides in Walsall.
Walsall Children’s Social Care:
Weekdays – 0300 555 2866
Evenings, weekends and bank holidays- 0300 555 2922 or 0300 555 2836
Charity helplines:
The NSPCC and Childline are available to offer help, advice and support.
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
The duty line is in operation between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday – Friday. Outside of these hours, safeguarding concerns should be reported to MASH on 0300 555 2922. In the event of a genuine safeguarding emergency, always dial 999.
All public and professional referrals for concerns regarding areas of abuse should be submitted on a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) and sent to MASH based at Walsall Civic centre via email: MASH@walsall.gcsx.gov.uk. MASH can also be contacted on 0300 555 2866 or out of hours on 0300 555 2922.
The team does not directly accept referrals but does monitor and can advise on safeguarding occurrences within Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
If you have any safeguarding concerns that you would like to discuss please feel free to share these with a member of staff who will be able to support you. They will contact the safeguarding team for any additional advice and support.