To help professionals who work with children and young people understand when it is appropriate to make a referral for Targeted Family Help we have created the below flowchart.
You can make a referral for Targeted Family Help
What does the child and family need today?
Best Start Family Hubs, schools, health, voluntary organisations and community support.
Coordinated whole-family support where needs are emerging, multiple or complex.
Where a child may be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.
Follow safeguarding procedures and contact MASH. Do not delay for consent if this may increase risk.
Where a child may be suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.
Follow safeguarding procedures and contact MASH. Do not delay for consent if this may increase risk.
The family help offer: coordinated support through one Lead Practitioner, one whole-family assessment and one adaptable family plan.
Share strengths, worries, impact, history, family voice, what has been tried and the outcome needed.
The request is reviewed and the response agreed: advice, universal support, Family Help or safeguarding.
A named practitioner becomes the main contact and coordinates support.
One whole-family assessment and one adaptable plan, shaped with the family and network.
Continue, adapt, step down or escalate as needs change.
Immediate danger: call 999
Torbay MASH: 01803 208100
Email: mash@torbay.gov.uk
Out of hours: 0300 456 4876
If you disagree with a decision and remain worried about a child, discuss this with your manager or safeguarding lead and use the TSCP policy.