Early Help for Parents
Safeguarding can involve providing universal services that help children thrive and develop, for example schools, nurseries or youth clubs. Sometimes services may identify an issue which needs to be addressed to support the welfare of a child. Intervening early when a problem emerges as known as Early Help.
Early Help is an approach to safeguarding which focuses on services offering the right support in a timely fashion. Sometimes this is something the service can provide itself. Sometimes it might require a referral to a more Specialist Service for example Speech and Language, Mental Health or a Paediatrician.
More Information
Newcastle Support Directory
If you are unsure about which support is available in your area you can use the Newcastle Support Directory this provides information on what support is available via area, age of the child and type of support.
Enquiry Form
If you are unsure about which support is available to address the concerns you have you can submit an Enquiry Form outlining the presenting issues.
What is an Early Help Assessment and Plan
Sometimes a family might require a range of help from several services. For example, a child with more than one support need, or a family in which several members have support services working with them. Professionals should considers undertaking an Early Help Assessment and Plan, in which a single assessment and plan are developed with the family by all the professionals involved in supporting them. This ensures the support is coordinated and everyone understands each other’s roles.