Multi-agency threshold guidance

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 states that “the safeguarding partners should publish a threshold document, which sets out the local criteria for action in a way that is transparent, accessible and easily understood”.

Westmorland and Furness Council Safeguarding Children Partnership Threshold Guidance (PDF , 2MB)

Please note this is a legacy document, it should still be used and is relevant to practice within Westmorland and Furness but will be updated in due course to reflect our local arrangements.

The continuum of need 

Cumbria has developed a continuum of need along with features that might be expected to be seen in families across the continuum. 

This does not represent a fixed definition of need; it should be used alongside professional judgement and form part of a wider discussion about how best to meet the needs of a specific child or family and support the consistency of response to children and young people. 

The guidance identifies four levels of need.

Level 1 - universal needs

These are children who make good overall progress through an appropriate universal service; have no additional unmet needs and where there is a single need identified that has been or can be met by a universal service.  

Level 2 - Early Help

Children whose needs are emerging and cannot be met though universal services and require additional support. This includes children whose needs are unclear. 

A multi-agency Early Help Assessment will be initiated, a Team Around the Family will be developed and coordinated with an evidence based clear plan about actions to be taken. 

Level 3 - Targeted Early Help

There is an increasing level of complex and/or multiple unmet needs where coordinated support is required to prevent worries escalating. 

A multi-agency Early Help Assessment will be initiated or already in place, a Team Around the Family developed in coordinated with an evidence based clear plan about actions to be taken. Support can be sought from the Early Help and Family Support Panels or Team Around the School/Setting.  

Level 4 - statutory services (CiN/CP)

These are children who have experienced or are at risk of significant harm (section 47) and where there are significant welfare concerns (section 17). These children will require a response from Children’s Social Care. 

When there is reason to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, a referral must be made to the Westmorland and Furness Multi Agency Children’s Hub. 

Understanding the level of need and practice response 

Understanding the level of need and the practice response (PDF , 92KB) should be used alongside professional judgement and form part of a wider discussion about how best to meet the needs of a specific child or family and support the consistency of response to children and their families.