Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Referral and Assessment

What is a Referral?
Sometimes you and your family may need help and support from the Local Authority. A wide range of people can ask this for on your behalf or by you. The request when received is what we call a Referral. You will be informed when a referral is made involving yourself or your family, and you will be told what action, if any, will be taken.

What is an Assessment?
To Assess, is to consider and weigh up, this is what we do. Children, Education & Social Care (Children & Young Peoples Services) lead the assessment but other people will be involved. This involves collecting information from you, your child and from other people involved with your family. Any information you give to us will be held in confidence. The worker will ask your permission to talk to other people about you. The only exception to this is if information comes to light, which, in the social worker's view, may indicate a serious threat to the welfare of your child. If this is the case, you will be told what your rights are in this new situation.