Early Help Assessment information for parents and carers

As a family or young person, there may be times when you need some extra support. If you can, talk to a professional you feel comfortable sharing this information with.

They may suggest that all of the information is recorded on an Early Help Assessment form. With your consent, this form can be shared with other professionals and services that can offer additional support to you or your family.

The Early Help Assessment document means you will not have to repeat the same story to different workers. An action plan is agreed with you to make sure you get the right sort of help.

Early help can support you with:

  • Family relationships
  • Behaviours that are challenging
  • Housing and financial issues
  • Any other issues affecting your family

How does early help work?

The Early Help Assessment is made up of three parts:

  1. Consent: This part consists of your consent and basic information about you or your family
  2. Assessment: An in-depth description of what is working well for your family and what you are worried about
  3. Action planning: The action plan will enable support to be co-ordinated from different agencies or professionals that may or may not already be supporting you and your family

Once the form is written, you will receive a copy. The Early Help Assessment is only shared with those professionals and services that you require support from. The Early Help Assessment is owned by you and can be cancelled at your request at any time. A lead practitioner may be appointed who will co-ordinate the services and review your support plan regularly with you.

The lead practitioner will review your Early Help Assessment progress with you at regular Team around the Family (TAF) meetings. TAF meetings are small meetings that you attend alongside the different agencies needed to support you and your family.

The early help documentation will be stored securely in accordance with the children's wellbeing services privacy policy for a minimum of six years after closure of early help.

For more information and to discuss your family's needs, contact CHAT (Children's Help and Advice Team) on 01432 260261.