CADS Request For Support portal: updated go live date
Message from Phil Watson, Service Director, Children's Services (Help, Care and Protection)
Further to our previous communication, I would like to thank you for your continued patience and engagement as we have progressed the development of the Professional Request for Support (PRFS) portal.
As previously communicated, we took the decision to pause the initial rollout in order to complete additional testing and address a small number of requirements. This was necessary to ensure the portal meets the needs of both partners submitting requests and our front door services, and that it supports a safe, consistent and effective approach to requesting support.
I am pleased to confirm that this work has now been completed, and the PRFS portal will go live on Monday 22 June.
This development represents an important step in strengthening our collective approach to ensuring children, young people and families receive the right support, at the right time, through the most appropriate service. The portal provides a more structured and consistent method for seeking Children's services support, improving the quality of information received and enabling more effective triage and response.
From 22 June, unless there are immediate safeguarding or child protection concerns, all requests for support (PDF, 1 MB) should be submitted via the PRFS portal. Following submission, professionals will receive a follow-up conversation with the relevant service to ensure the most appropriate next steps are identified.
The portal will be accessible via the Norfolk County Council website (from the same location as the previous form), alongside supporting guidance to assist professionals in completing the form. I have attached the supporting guidance here for ease.
We recognise and value the continued commitment of our partners in supporting children, young people and families. We are confident that this approach will further strengthen our shared practice and help ensure that support is provided at the right time and through the right service.
We will also be running a drop in Q&A engagement session on Wed 24 June at 09:30-10:15. The link is: CADS Online Q & A Session for Professionals.
Phil Watson, Service Director, Children's Services (Help, Care and Protection)
