New service to assess safeguarding referrals
A new service that will assess
referrals for children at risk of neglect and abuse has opened in Liverpool.
'The
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub' (MASH) sees children's social workers and staff
from Merseyside Police, NHS Liverpool/Liverpool CCG, the National Probation
Service, Merseyside Community Rehabilitation, Liverpool Housing Providers
(housing associations) and housing all co-located and working together.
The purpose of the MASH is to gather intelligence and share information across
different organisations to enable a more accurate assessment of risk and need to
inform the most appropriate response.
It aims to provide:-
► Earlier identification and understanding of risks to children and their
families.
► Better victim identification and intervention.
► Better harm identification and reduction concerning individuals, families and
communities.
► Earlier support for individuals and their families, reducing demand for
specialist care.
► Better responses to risk with coordinated support, planning and clear
accountability.
The MASH is focused on cases which are not clear cut and where further
information via different agencies will affirm what level of assistance is
needed.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson - who opened the new facility at Venture Place
on Sir Thomas Street - said:- "As a social worker I know the importance of
making sure we have the best possible arrangements in place to support
vulnerable people. This is a welcome addition to the City's existing
safeguarding arrangements and provides a real opportunity to give vulnerable
children, young people and their families the support they need when they most
need it. It builds on our long history of partnership working and the support of
key partners such as police, health, probation and housing."
The aim is for the service to expand to deal with cases involving vulnerable
adults and establishing links with wider safeguarding arrangements including
domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and violent extremism.
Merseyside's Deputy Police Commissioner Cllr Ann O'Byrne, said:- "I was
delighted to attend the opening of Liverpool's new MASH. The MASH is an
essential element of our new Victim Care Merseyside service, which aims to
ensure people with the greatest need are directed to the best placed team to
help them. In the case of our vulnerable young people, the MASH will be that
team. By bringing all the agencies that are involved in safeguarding our
children and young people under one roof we can ensure we are working as
effectively and efficiently as possible to protect them and delivering the
highest standard of care and support."
