Darlington Borough Council has a new integrated service, the Children’s Initial Advice Team (CIAT). Staffed by social workers, this service is a point of access for both the public and professionals, and offers advice and information to ensure families are directed to appropriate support services swiftly. This is part of Darlington’s new front door which seeks to improve efficiency and ensure those working with families receive the guidance they need to make the right decision for and provide the best advice to families early on. Since implementing this new front door service, Darlington has seen a decrease in the number of re-referrals.
darlington.gov.uk/education-and-learning/childrens-social-care