As part of the national Families First reforms, professionals who work with children and young people will make referrals to Targeted Early Help using a short online referral form via the Children’s Services Portal on Torbay Council website. Following a referral, a Family Help Lead Practitioner will contact the family directly and complete a Family Help Assessment with them, ensuring families have one assessment and one plan that evolves with their needs. 

Please note this is only for Targeted Family Help, where there is a need for social care input. It is not for general Early Help which is managed within the local community sector.

Before making a referral, practitioners should seek advice from TESS and/or their Designated Safeguarding Lead, consult the Threshold Document, and ensure consent has been obtained from all parents or carers with parental responsibility. Further changes are planned between January and March 2027, including the introduction of a new integrated single point of access for Children’s Services, with updated guidance and links to be shared with partners as they become available.

Find out more and complete the form here.