If you’re worried that a child or young person is at risk of neglect, harm or abuse, it’s important that you tell someone.
We’re not asking you to make judgements or interfere unnecessarily in other people’s lives, we just want to make sure that the child gets the help, support and protection they may need.
The Thresholds of Need Guide (PDF) underpins the Bedford Borough vision to provide the right support for children, young people and their families at the earliest opportunity - right through to specialist and statutory interventions, when needed.
The Thresholds of Need Guide explains the different levels and how practitioners and their organisations should work together to offer Early Help to prevent matters from getting worse for a child, young person or their family.
The needs of children, young people and their families do not always easily fit into a category or a tick box and a their circumstances can change quickly and they may move across the levels of need dependent on a number of different variables.
Making a judgement about the level of need is not an exact science, but this Thresholds of Need Guide seeks to provide a degree of clarity and guidance to support a consistent understanding and application of thresholds.
Who to tell
If you think the child is in immediate danger
Call the police on 999.
- Or Bedfordshire Police: 01234 841212
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
If the child is not in immediate danger
If the child is not in immediate danger, but you're still concerned about them, please complete our 'Report a concern about a child' form and email it to IFDinformation@bedford.gov.uk. By submitting the form you agree that you have read and understood how we process your personal data.
If you are a member of the public and are unable to use the online form, you can contact us at the Integrated Front Door (previously known as MASH) by phone:
- Tel: 01234 718700 (office hours)
- Tel: 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)
If you are a teacher or other professional, are worried about a child and would like to discuss your concerns, you can contact the IFD professional consultation line on 01234 718 211 for help and advice from a social worker.
The IFD professional consultation line is available Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), from 9.00am to 5.20pm and Fridays from 9.00am to 4.20pm. The consultation line does not offer a call-back feature.
All cases are treated in confidence by highly experienced staff who work with children and young people.