The Emergency Social Work Service (ESWS) provides an emergency social work service out of hours in situations that cannot wait until Social Care Direct and offices reopen. It operates on behalf of the City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Councils.
The ESWS provides a support service to all social work units and carers in the three participating councils when their managers or support liaison workers are not available.
Service Priorities
Contact with the ESWS is made primarily by telephone. The main priorities for the service are statutory assessments for child protection, adult support and protection, detentions under the Mental Health Act and urgent community care/child care assessments.
All phone calls are screened by experienced staff who will prioritise those referrals that need to be dealt with as emergencies, and pass on other referrals to daytime services. When necessary, ESWS staff will visit you in your own home, in hospital, at a police station or other relevant location.
Times of operation
The ESWS operates from 4.45pm – 8.45am Monday – Thursday and from 3.45pm Friday – 8.45am Monday. During public holidays the service is open 24 hours.
