Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s front door arrangements changed in February 2021. The service now focuses on early conversations with professionals and families leading to earlier support. The council has made significant changes to the way it operates, most noticeably is that the majority of contacts are taken via a phone call as opposed to paper-based contacts.

If you are worried about a child or young person you can call the Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CHaD):

• Between office hours (8.30am - 6pm Monday - Friday) on 01782 235100
• For out of these hours, you can contact 01782 234234
• In an emergency call 999

You will need the following information:

• All the details known to you/your agency about the child;
• The family composition including siblings, and where possible extended family members and anyone important in the child’s life;
• The nature of the concern and how immediate it is;
• Details of any work/support that you have provided to the child or family to date.
• Details of where the child is.
• Whether you have informed parents/carers of your concern. Please be aware that consent from the parent/carer will be required to make a referral unless this places the child at any further risk.