It is important that all who practitioners who work with children and young people understand how to assess their needs and help ensure they receive the right help at the right time. 

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Our aim is identify early indicators of harm and intervene quickly. Where needs arise, then the least intrusive approach should be used to respect the dignity and right to a private family life of those involved. Where safeguarding reaches a level of complexity or risk then we need to act early to achieve safe outcomes for children, young people and their families. 

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Understanding the access criteria for services and thresholds strengthens local arrangements and help everyone to work together to identify the best support for an individual child, young person and their family or carers dependent on need.

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The guidance focuses upon the needs and risk of harm to children and families, as individuals and within their environment or context. It is intended to support discussion about the levels of need and the most appropriate response across the partnership.

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Please use the Threshold guidance to help you to identify the right help at the right time.