From 26th October, a new Front Door Triage Function will be introduced within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), providing professionals and members of the public with a clearer route to advice and support when they have concerns about a child.
The new Triage Function will allow you to speak directly with an experienced practitioner, talk through your concerns and identify the most appropriate next steps before a formal referral into MASH is made.
This may include signposting to universal services, Family Help, community-based support or other agencies better placed to meet the identified needs. Where the discussion identifies that a child may be at risk of significant harm, an immediate safeguarding response will be initiated through MASH.
The new approach aims to:
✅ Strengthen partnership working
✅ Support more effective use of professional expertise
✅ Improve outcomes for children and families by ensuring they receive the right help at the earliest opportunity
A new Multi-Agency Referral Form will also be introduced from 26 October to make it easier for practitioners to clearly share concerns and relevant information.
However, if you are worried that a child may be at risk of significant harm, contact MASH Triage without delay rather than relying solely on submitting a referral form.