Social Services

Social Work and Social Care Services have a duty under law to safeguard and promote the welfare and safety of children and adults at risk

These services are known by different terms across the 4 UK nations and are administered at a local level by the Local Authority.  They have the responsibility to investigate any concerns and coordinate any response. 

Many teams operate out of hours cover for emergencies known as Emergency Duty Teams (EDT) (or Regional Emergency Social Work Service (RESWS) in Northern Ireland) who will respond outside regular office hours, at weekends and over statutory holidays.