If you have immediate concerns or are worried about a child or young person's safety please telephone the Multi Agency Referral Unit (MARU) on 0300 123 1116
Multi Agency Referral Unit (MARU)
The MARU provides a multi-disciplinary response to concerns about the welfare or safety of a child or young person. This is in line with Statutory Guidance from Our Safeguarding Children Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Download the MARU poster for display
Inter-Agency Referrals
Children and Families Services
The MARU will try to help you by signposting you to the service that can best help meet your child’s needs. Sometimes they will recommend you speak to the Early Help Hub and they will complete an Early Help assessment. If you, or someone else, is concerned about the safety or welfare of your child(ren), the Children and Families Service will carry out an assessment to consider the most appropriate help. The allows us to talk to you and your child(ren) about any problems and, if appropriate, to plan the right help for you to solve these problems.
Read more about the assessment process
Child Protection Conferences
A child protection conference is a meeting to discuss concerns which have been raised about the safety and well being of your child(ren). It is set up by social care. The social worker will explain the reasons for the meeting in your case. The leaflets below provide more information:
- Child Protection | Information for Younger Children and Young People
- Child Protection | Easy Read Information for Younger Children and Young People
- Child Protection | Information for Older Children and Young People
- Child Protection | Easy Read for Older Children and Young People
- Child Protection | Information for Parents / Carers
- Child Protection | Easy Read for Parents / Carers
- Child Protection | Information for Professionals
You can view the child protection procedures on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual. These are managed by Our Safeguarding Children Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The procedures provide more details about the nature of child abuse and the legal framework.
Our Safeguarding Children Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
The Children Act 2004 (Section 16E) sets out the provision of ‘local arrangements for safeguarding and promoting welfare of children’. Our Safeguarding Partnership (OSCP) is the local organisation that fulfils this for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The partners in the OSCP are:
- the local authorities – Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly
- the integrated care board for the area – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership
- the chief officer of police for the area – Devon and Cornwall Police
The members of the OSCP work together to safeguard children in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They also provide assurance that the arrangements are effective to bring about good outcomes for children.
Visit Our Safeguarding Children Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
