First Response and Family Solutions
Single Point of Access (SPA)
The Single Point of Access (SPA) for children and families is our front door to early help family solutions and statutory social work services. Qualified social workers and early help practitioners assess against the threshold criteria, to make timely and proportionate decisions for children and young people.
The missing team sits with SPA completing the Return to Home interviews for Medway children.
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
When more information is needed to make informed decisions, we have a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) to step in. This includes partners from police, education, health and early help to make the best decision for children. The Probation Service and Housing are also involved to improve information sharing at the front door. Social work managers lead these assessments.
Assessment team
Our assessment teams conduct comprehensive child and family assessments. They work collaboratively with partners sharing information on risks, family circumstances and providing early intervention during the assessment process.
Family Solutions
We offer effective targeted early help to families to promote their wellbeing and resilience. Pracitioners based at our children and family hubs support families in addressing challenges early on. These challenges relate to:
- education
- health
- work
- domestic violence
- housing
- relationships
- finance
- crime and anti-social behaviour.
Children and family hubs
Children and family hubs are designed to work with partners to support families. They offer activities for children, support for parents and lots of useful information. The hubs are the place to go for advice or a friendly chat.