Issue details
Children's Safeguarding Hub
The Children's Hub is the first point of
contact
for anyone who has a concern about the safety
or wellbeing of a child or young person who lives
in Stockton-on-Tees. The Children's Hub is
delivered in partnership with and managed by
Hartlepool Borough Council. The Stockton-on-
Tees activity is funded from the Children’s Social
Care budget at an annual cost of £902,000
The Families First nationally mandated
children’s services reforms and the strategic
direction of both Hartlepool Borough Council
and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council means
the current approach is not consistent with the
future direction of children’s services for both
Authorities. As a result, both Authorities are
seeking to disaggregate the Children’s Hub.
This means that each Authority will develop its
own front door to services that will have a
stronger focus on Early Help for families at the
point of access and have a stronger focus on
reviewing activity and adapting services and
finance accordingly.
It will give Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
the opportunity to develop its services by
engaging with people who are supported by
Children’s Services and partner organisations
the Authority works alongside to support children
and families.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 14/05/2025
Decision Type: Executive (Cabinet);
Decision due: 12 Jun 2025 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
Contact: Majella McCarthy Email: majella.mccarthy@stockton.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Meetings with partners involved in the
current
Children’s Hub arrangements
Partnership meetings supported by the
Department of Education
The development of a strategic board for the
Children’s reforms
Consultees
The Children and Young People’s
Partnership
Hartlepool Borough Council
Cleveland Police
Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Tees Esk Wear Valley Trust
Harrogate District Foundation Trust
Education Partners
Commissioned Domestic Abuse Services
Making Representations: Aishah.waithe@stockton.gov.uk Final date for comments feedback 24th May
Notes/Comments: There is no immediate change as a result of this decision, however as the Authority develops its approach to access to children’s services an impact assessment will be completed as part of its development.