Multi-Agency Levels of Need and Response Framework Support for Partner Agencies

Multi-Agency Levels of Need and Response Framework Understanding the purpose of the levels of need The five levels of need assist practitioners who have explored a young persons circumstances via a strength based conversation. It provides guidance on the appropriate and proportionate response, to a wide variety of presenting areas of need. This guidance also provides a number of indicators that may highlight areas of additional need. This can enhance a professionals understanding of the level of risk. Whatever their level of need, children and young people should always have access to universal services. However, there are times when their needs mean they require an enhanced level of support, either due to their own increasing complexity of need or the impact of external factors.

Multi-Agency Levels of Need and Response Framework Understanding appropriate responses to identified areas of need The information shared about a young persons circumstances, can continually evolve/change. It is the available information that informs the process, of assessing the level of need. The level of need may change in future due to a future change of circumstances. Professionals should look to measure the level of need for a young person/family on a regular basis to ensure an appropriate level of response is identified and or is being provided. The five levels of need are each defined by the type of circumstances being experienced/presented by a young person/family at a given point in time.

Levels of Need Level 2 Level 5 Child or young person at risk of or suffering significant harm, due to compromised parenting or whose need require acute services or care away from the family home Level 2 Child young person or family with additional needs that can be met by a single agency providing additional support or by signposting to another Agency. Level 1 Children, Young Person or family who’s needs are being met, or whose needs can be met at Universal Level S17 Child in need Level 4 Child, young person or family who require intensive, coordinated support for complex issues via targeted services and where support at level 3 has not improved outcomes. Level 3 Child young person or family who would benefit from a coordinated programme of support from more than one agency using the Early Help Assessment.

How to assess the Level of Need and an appropriate response The examples of areas of need shown in the next 3 slides, provide information about “what you might see” at each level of need. There will often be areas of need that can be found in more than one of the 5 levels.

For further assistance with the Early Help Assessment process, please see our Power Point briefing pack “How to Complete and Register an E.H.A”.

For further assistance / guidance on responding to safeguarding concerns please consult your agencies procedures. The local authority also provides a professionals consultation service via the M.A.S.H consultation line 01612192895. These options should not cause delay in submitting a safeguarding referral, where a professional believes there is a significant risk of harm to a young person or vulnerable adult.

How to assess the Level of need and an appropriate response (continued) Case Study Using the information so far, please explore the following case study (next slide) and decide what is the level of need. Decide what you think is an appropriate and proportionate response, based on the information given. Please do share the exercise with other members or your team/agency to see what conclusions are reached and why. Where there is an opportunity we would suggest you discuss the information we have supplied and the case study as part of a team meeting. You can also discuss the circumstances of young people/families you are currently supporting and review the level of need and response.

EH Case Study exercise GMP Referral Police called out to the family home following complaints by neighbours of loud music being played at 1am. Neighbour was verbally abused when he asked for the music to be turned down. Neighbour stated Mum appeared to be intoxicated and was concerned as there are 2 children aged 4 and 8 living in the property. Police Officer spoke to Mum (who was visibly upset) she apologised and turned the music off. Mum explained to the officer that she had only started drinking when the children were in bed fast asleep. She was feeling down as she had recently broken up with her partner and was struggling to cope on her own emotionally and financially. Mum has significant rent arrears and some debt and was worried that she could be evicted from her home. While speaking to Mum the 4 year old came down the stairs complaining to mum he’d had a bad nightmare. Mum comforted the child and calmed him down and then took him back to bed. Mum stated she would welcome support from services and consented to a referral to Early Help

Assessing a Level of Need and Response Good Practice (points to check for yourself) Parent/Carer Child Young Person Professional Have I asked the parent/carer what is most important to them Have I explained to the parent/carer the need for consent so that support can be provided at an Early Help Level. Have I explored any support the child or parent may be receiving from other family members Have I explored the five areas of need: Home, Work, School/college, Health and wellbeing , Social and Community Have I shared my worries/concerns with the parents/carers Has the child had an opportunity to be listened to. Have I explored the areas of need of any siblings. For advice on undertaking a strength based conversation with a child/young person. Please see our Power Point Briefing Pack “How to Complete and Register an E.H.A, or visit our Early Help Practitioner Zone via:Manchester.gov.uk/earlyh elppractitioner Have I considered any previous history Do I have a clear understanding of the information Have I discussed my assessment of need with other involved professionals Have I been sufficiently professionally curious

The Request for Early Help Support The Early Help Assessment Form Please be advised that registration of an Early Help Assessment is a safeguarding administration process. The Request for Early Help Support If, as a result of a strength based conversation, recorded on an E.H.A, you have identified areas of need and are struggling to identify a suitable agency (to meet the areas of need) please do submit a Request for Early Help Support form. This is available via the following web address : manchester.gov.uk/earlyhelppractitioner

Further information For further advice on safeguarding referrals contact: MASH Consultation Line – 0161 219 2895 Further information about the Levels of need and Response Framework can be found via: manchester.go.uk/earlyhelppractitioner Further Information about local community services for adults, young people, children and families can be on our online directory, Help and Support Manchester: manchester.gov.uk/helpandsupportmanchester    If at any point during the Early Help Assessment process safeguarding concerns/significant risk of harm emerges, you must contact Children’s Services immediately on 0161 234 5001