Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

All children and young people are unique and have differing needs. Similarly, parents also differ in their capability to respond to and meet their child’s needs.

Children’s Services are expected to provide help and support to children in their area as part of a continuum:

• Early Help services
• Section 17 Children Act 1989 support for more complex needs
• Action under section 47 if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

The Children Act 1989 defines a Child in Need as in need if:

• He/she is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him/her of services by a Local Authority;
• His/her health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired without the provision for him/her of such services;
• He/she is disabled.
  (Section 17(10), Children Act 1989)

To determine whether a child is 'in need' according to the above definition a Single Assessment will need to be carried out by a qualified social worker

To provide statutory Social Work services to children with disabilities who are:

• Children In Need (Section 17 of the Children Act 1989;

• Looked After (Section 20, Section 31 and Section 38 Children Act 1989); Or

• Subject to Child Protection safeguarding arrangements (Section 47 Children Act 1989)

Bracknell Forest MASH is the single point of contact for all requests for a Social Work or Family Work assessment or service from Childrens Social Care.  The MASH is the single point of contact for any safeguarding concerns regarding children and young people living in Bracknell and is the ‘front door’ to services which support children and their families, as well as ensuring that children and families are safe.

The MASH brings together a team of professionals from Social Care, Early Help, Health, Policing, Education and other partners to ensure that children and families get the right help at the right time from services which are the ‘best fit’ to meet their needs. This includes undertaking screening, providing advice & information and making referrals to organisations to complete an assessment and provide services.

If you have concerns that a child or young person may be at risk of harm or neglect please seek advice from (MASH) MASH@bracknell-forest.gov.uk . If you believe that urgent action is needed please contact :01344 352005 (Mon-Fri 9am-5om) or 01344 786543 (5pm-9am and weekends)