Referral decisions
It is important to be clear about the purpose and intended outcome of the referral.
How to decide whether to make a referral to early help or MASH
It is essential that where possible you consult other professionals in the child's network - such as health visitor, youth worker, teacher - if you have concerns to support a comprehensive and good quality common assessment framework (CAF).
When the concern is around risk of harm to a child, speak to your own agency lead for child protection and safeguarding. Alternatively, you can speak with one of your local authority's child protection advisers or a Thurrock MASH social worker about a potential referral and to help guide your next steps in regard to the child.
Professionals in all agencies have a responsibility to refer a child to MASH when it is believed or suspected that the child:
- has suffered significant harm
- is likely to suffer significant harm