Gateway is a social work service for children and families.

• It is the first point of contact for people who wish to share a concern about a child/young person who is not already known to Social Services.
• It exists to respond quickly to the needs of children and families who are referred for a Social Work Service.

• To ensure an immediate response to safeguard children in need of protection.
• To ensure that everyone involved with a child can make a meaningful contribution to the assessment of the child and his or her family.

• To identify children/young people who need ongoing social work involvement and to pro-vide this for them.
• To work closely with other agencies when there is a concern about a child/young per-son or when additional support is needed.
• To make sure that all new referrals are responded to promptly.

Child/young person up until their 16th birthday who is not already known to Social Services.

The following list of referrers can access this service by calling the telephone number during the access times listed:

• GP
• Trust Consultant
• Health Care Professionals