What is a Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub MASH

What is a Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) • The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)is a single point of referral for all agencies / public in relation to care and welfare concerns about children (unborn- 18 years) 1

To identify and make the best possible decisions about the right help for all vulnerable children and their families in our community through sharing of information and intelligence across the safeguarding partnership 2

What is the Aim? To improve the quality of the referrals from partners by promoting consultation with MASH managers Unified multi-agency response Timely Improve quality of information sharing between agencies Decision making both quicker and better

MASH partners Early Help Health Probation Service Police Substance Misuse Service Mental Health Service Housing CAMHS Children Safeguarding & Social Care DV service Solace MASH (Collocated ) Youth Offending Service 4

CONSULTATION The starting point for every practitioner concerned about a child should be a quality conversation with every member of the family and with other professionals. All practitioners are change agents that use their skills to build relationships and capacity within families to improve outcomes. We encourage professionals to use the consultation function in MASH before completing a referral form to ensure that it is the right response for the child and family 5

MAKING A REFERRAL All Requests for Support and Protection must be sent to the MASH. Requests must have the consent of the family unless seeking their agreement is likely to place the child at risk of significant harm The MASH acts as the front door for all children’s safeguarding in in Southwark and protects children and young people from neglect, harm and abuse. 6

• The Multi Agency Referral form can be filled out by any professional • You must provide as much information as possible on the referral form. • If it is a help and support concern, please tick the help and support box. • If it is a child protection concern, please mark the protection box and call 0207 525 1921 • The information is then screened by MASH social workers during the MASH Screening process • If the referral meets the threshold for Level 3(statutory) intervention it will be sent to Children’s Social Care, Assessment and Intervention Team. • • If the referral request is for help and support, this will be sent to Early Help The outcome of any referral will be shared with the referrer and partner agency involved 7

How do we know its working outcomes • A reduction in the number of inappropriate referrals, repeat contacts and repeat referrals • Early help for families where children and families do not need intervention by a social worker. • A system allowing feedback to referrers and reduction of inappropriate referrals