When your child needs extra support, we are here to help you find the way forward as soon as possible.
Early Help offers both general (universal) support and more focused (targeted) support. It brings together services, families and communities to build strong networks. This helps children and families become more resilient, improving wellbeing and quality of life.
Early Help Assessment
An Early Help Assessment helps practitioners work with you to:
- understand your family's strengths and needs
- agree what support may help
- plan support at the right time
This support can help prevent problems from reaching crisis point or needing specialist services.
How the assessment works
The assessment focuses on strengths as well as challenges.
A practitioner will:
- listen to you and your child
- talk about what is going well
- discuss what support may be helpful
An action plan will then be agreed together, and you will get a copy.
How Early Help will support you
Early Help brings together people who are important in your child's life, such as:
- family members
- friends
- teachers
- health visitors
These people will work together as a team to support your child and family.
Where possible, you can choose a lead practitioner. This is someone you trust who will:
- keep you informed
- listen to your views
- coordinate support
Confidentiality
We will only share your family's information with your consent and with people who need it to provide support. However, information may be shared without consent if:
- a child or adult is at risk of harm
- there is a need to prevent or detect a serious crime
- urgent action is needed to protect someone
Older children may choose to speak to the practitioner on their own. If it is in their best interests, some information may not be shared with parents or carers.
Ongoing support and reviews
Support is reviewed regularly through meetings called Team Around the Family (TAF).
These meetings help make sure:
- the right support is in place
- services work well together
- your family's needs continue to be met
Find out more about Early Help on the Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership website.