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Isle of Wight Thresholds Chart

The following circumstances and key indicators are for guidance and should always be considered in respect of the impact on the child or young person, including unborn and newborn infants. Each child will be individually considered, taking into account the child’s circumstances and the strengths of the family.

Open a theme to compare indicators across all four levels. Supporting resources sit at the bottom of each theme.

The Threshold Pathway Guidance supports your use of the Threshold Chart in identifying and responding to children who may be in need of help and/or protection.

Universal Services and Support

My needs can be met through my family, community, and universal services.

Community Based Early Help

I have additional needs that can be met through one agency working in partnership with others around me.

Family Help

I have multiple and/or complex needs requiring a multi-agency, coordinated approach.

Child in Need of Protection

I have significant unmet and complex needs or am in need of protection.

Education

Universal Services and Support

  • I have good attendance at school
  • I am engaged in learning and am meeting my educational potential with the support of parents/carers, my family network and universal help and support.
  • There is planned progression beyond statutory education for me.
  • I am being Electively Home Educated. Registration requirements have been complied with. Where required, local authority consent has been obtained and there are no safeguarding concerns. Suitable arrangements are in place to meet my education and wider needs.

Community Based Early Help

  • I am persistently absent from education including for health reasons, and/or have poor punctuality this may impact my learning and development and/or emotional wellbeing
  • I have received a suspension and/or am at risk of further suspensions and/or permanent exclusion.
  • I have reduced hours provision in place with a plan in place to support my return to full time education.
  • I have had an incidence of absence/missing from home
  • I have a special educational need or Education Health and Care Plan
  • I have additional needs identified within my education setting that can be met within identified resources through a single-agency response and partnership working.
  • I have a disability and have specific additional needs. My parents and carers are working with universal services, and my needs are generally met.
  • Some reasonable adjustments are still to be made for me to access education sufficiently and my parents/carers need some additional support to achieve these to support my needs.
  • My achievement is significantly below my educational potential and professionals have not been successful in engaging my parents/carers meaningfully to support me.
  • I am at risk of becoming Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) post statutory education
  • There are some barriers which impact the relationship between my parents/carers and my school.
  • I am being Electively Home Educated. Registration requirements have been complied with. There are emerging concerns or gaps in information about my education or support and there are early indications that my education or wider wellbeing needs may not be fully met. I may benefit from additional support.

Family Help

  • I am persistently or severely absent from education which has a significant impact on my learning and development and/or emotional wellbeing.
  • The attendance legal process has been implemented to support my attendance at school without any positive change.
  • I have been receiving reduced hours provision for longer than six months, with no plan in place for how educational engagement will be increased in a reasonable timeframe
  • I have been permanently excluded from school (or am at risk of) or have had several suspensions, or I have no school place or education
  • I am missing from school/home regularly
  • I have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and my needs are not being met by one or more of the key agencies involved.
  • There are significant barriers to me being able to access education as appropriate to my age and ability (e.g. appropriate placement not available; medical needs cannot be met in school setting etc.) – this is ongoing with no resolution likely in the shorter/ medium term. Professionals have not been successful in engaging my parents/carers meaningfully to support me into school.
  • I am at very high risk of becoming not in education, employment or training (Spring Term Year 11) or I am not in education, employment or training (NEET) post 16 statutory school age
  • Relationships have broken down between my parents/carers and school which is significantly impacting my learning, emotional development and/or wellbeing
  • I have been withdrawn from school to be Electively Home Educated and local authority consent may be required for my withdrawal. There are concerns about whether this has been appropriately sought or agreed. There may be uncertainty about my current education arrangements, and relevant professionals are unable to clearly establish whether I am receiving a suitable education or appropriate care. I may also have additional needs or vulnerabilities, such as SEND or previous involvement with services, requiring coordinated support.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I have sustained persistent or severe absence from education, permanent exclusions or no school place/no education and this is placing me at risk of significant harm
  • I am not accessing education, or I am severely absent from school (50% or more) and there are additional risk factors such as neglect, exploitation, offending behaviour, severe mental ill health, substance use, that is putting me at risk of significant harm
  • I am frequently missing/ missing from care, school or from home and this is placing me at risk of significant harm
  • I have been withdrawn from school to be Electively Home Educated and local authority consent has been refused, or should have been sought but has not been obtained. There has been failure or refusal to engage with legislative requirements, including notification, consent or registration processes. My whereabouts, care, or education cannot be clearly established, and there are concerns that I am not receiving suitable care and/or education. I may be suffering, or am likely to suffer, significant harm.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Working Together to Improve School Attendance Schools and Education, Children’s Wellbeing Guide for Practitioners - Educational Neglect Guide for Practitioners - Fabricated and Induced Illness

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Young Carers

Universal Services and Support

  • I have no additional caring responsibilities within my home

Community Based Early Help

  • I am a young carer, and I am supported in this through support from my family network, community, universal services and/or support from relevant young carer services.
  • I am in a caring role in relation to my parents/carers or I am looking after younger siblings but I am appropriately supported to do this by my family network, community, universal services and/or support from relevant young carer services so that this is not having an impact on my ability to thrive or enjoy my childhood.

Family Help

  • I am in a caring role in relation to my parent/carer or sibling, which may be excessive, and this is directly negatively impacting me in terms of my health, wellbeing, education, friendships. Support offered by community-based services has not had the necessary impact

Child in Need of Protection

  • I have long term caring responsibilities which are excessive or inappropriate for my age and development stage, and which may result in abuse or neglect

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Young carers Neglect toolkit

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Emotional wellbeing and mental health

Universal Services and Support

  • I have good emotional and psychological wellbeing, and my actions demonstrate appropriate responses.
  • I have age and developmentally appropriate social skills, presentation and behaviour
  • I have a sense of belonging and acceptance. I can identify safe adults to speak to when I need extra support with how I feel about who I am.

Community Based Early Help

  • I am displaying behaviours that indicates my emotional wellbeing/mental health is impacted. This behaviour is starting to impact on my relationships with others and my learning/development. I am supported with this through my family/community network and universally available services
  • My emotional reactions are not in line with my age/development, and I have an emerging neuro divergent condition which requires support (with or without a diagnosis)
  • I am experiencing some discrimination and bullying. This is having an impact on my emotional wellbeing.

Family Help

  • My emotional and mental wellbeing is significantly deteriorating. This may be affecting my ability to maintain relationships that are positive or attend an education provision.
  • My mental health concerns require specialist intervention in the community.
  • My emotional dysregulation is having a significant impact on my learning, development and wellbeing.
  • I have needs relating to neurodiversity that require a multi-agency response
  • My emotional and mental wellbeing is significantly deteriorating, and I may be experiencing persistent discrimination and bullying

Child in Need of Protection

  • I have complex/acute mental health issues which are significantly affecting my developmental needs including self-harm, significant risk of suicide, psychotic episodes, severe depression - requiring a multi-agency specialist or statutory response
  • Me or others are at risk as my parent/carer or me are persistently unable to address chronic or severe behaviours (for e.g. conduct disorder, ADHD, autism, anxiety).
  • I do not have safe parents/carers that are supporting me regarding the discrimination and bullying I experience and there are concerns my development may be significantly impacted or I am at risk of significant harm as a result of emotional abuse

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Schools and Education, Children’s Wellbeing CAMHS

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Development and health needs

Universal Services and Support

  • I am meeting developmental milestones, and my health needs are being met.
  • I am appropriately supported to access health appointments and healthcare advice is being followed.
  • My developmental checks and immunisations are up to date (or an informed decision has been made not to).
  • My pre-natal health needs are being met.

Community Based Early Help

  • I am delayed in meeting developmental milestones, for example speech, language and communication difficulties, and my parents are engaging with the support and advice offered
  • I have persistent health problems that adversely impact upon me. My parents/carers are working with professionals and are following advice and support offered.
  • I am missing/not being brought to health checks/immunisations and may experience minor health problems. My parents/carers need some help to meet my pre-natal needs.

Family Help

  • My developmental milestones are not being met due to consistent parental failure/inability and support and advice offered has not had the necessary impact
  • I am regularly not brought to my health appointments which is affecting my developmental progress and/or my family are not following medical advice which is impacting on my health.
  • There are significant barriers to me receiving required health care which lead to risks to my health/development outcomes
  • I am significantly affected by health problems in ways which could be avoidable.
  • Concerns raised by health professionals regarding my symptoms that don’t have a known medical explanation and there is no immediate significant harm to my health or risk to life.
  • My mum didn’t book her pregnancy care until the beginning of the third trimester.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I have a significant delay in my development (including unexplained faltering growth), and I am at risk of significant harm due to health care not being accessed and/or health advice not being followed by my parents/carers.
  • My developmental milestones are not being met due to persistent parental failure/inability (neglect) despite previous support offered
  • Me and/or my parents/carers are refusing/ neglecting my need for medical care, and this is endangering my life/posing a serious risk to my quality of life or development. This may include me consistently not being brought to medical appointments, or where there may be a significant risk of harm through not being brought to an appointment
  • I am experiencing Fabricated or Induced Illness, where my parents/carers are causing or creating illness in me that is likely to result in significant harm
  • My mum did not seek help with pregnancy until midway through her third trimester or until she was in established labour (concealed pregnancy).

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Guide for Practitioners - Fabricated and Induced Illness Family Information Hub 0-19 Health Visiting and Community Public Health Nursing Healthier Together Neglect toolkit Safeguarding Infants toolkit Unborn/New Born Baby Protocol

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Nutrition

Universal Services and Support

  • My height and weight are appropriate when measured by a health professional.
  • I have an adequate and nutritious diet.

Community Based Early Help

  • I appear overweight or obese, or there are risk factors when I am measured by a health professional OR there are identified risk factors for obesity. There is evidence of my family working with professionals to meet my needs.
  • I appear underweight for my age when measured by a health professional and there is concern about lack of nutrition and potential adverse health consequences. There is evidence of my parents/carers working with professionals to meet my needs.

Family Help

  • I appear overweight/obese, and a health professional confirms that intervention over time is not helping and there is concern about consistent engagement of my parents/carers in support and advice given.
  • I am underweight and there is significant concern about lack of nutrition/potential consequences to my health and wellbeing or lack of my parent’s/carer’s engagement in the support and advice given
  • My diet is nutritionally poor or limited, and there is significant concern about potential adverse health consequences, and/or professionals have not been successful in engaging my parents/carers in changing this (as advised by a health professional).

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am obese (when measured by a health professional) and there is imminent severe health risk due to my weight (medical conditions and psychosocial risks such as difficulties with physical function, self-esteem) and/ or a lack of progress at Family Help and my parents/carers are consistently failing to engage fully with support and advice given to help me.
  • I am significantly underweight and there are imminent, severe health risks due to this (as advised by a health professional) or no progress has been made at Family Help and professionals have not been successful in engaging my parents/carers to support me to gain weight.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Family Information Hub Healthier Together Neglect toolkit

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Neglect and Everyday Care

Universal Services and Support

  • My everyday care needs are being met, help is provided to me in an age-appropriate and consistent way, including discipline, routines, boundaries praise etc.
  • My parents/carers support my development of age-appropriate self-care skills of feeding, hygiene, and dressing, looking after themselves.
  • My parents/carers respond to me in a consistent way.
  • I have suitable, and where needed supported, access to positive activities.
  • I am supervised (as appropriate to my age and development), and attention is given to my safety.
  • There is no evidence of me experiencing non-accidental injuries.
  • I have a consistent main carer(s)

Community Based Early Help

  • My parents/carers responses towards me are not always consistent. This may include discipline, routines, boundaries, praise etc
  • Parenting advice is needed to prevent my needs escalating.
  • There are concerns about whether I am receiving age-appropriate supervision.
  • Basic everyday care and help is not provided consistently; however, my parents/carers are willing to work with professionals to understand identified needs and make changes required.
  • My accidental injuries suggest lack of age-appropriate supervision and attention to safety.

Family Help

  • I experience inconsistent routine, discipline, boundaries, warmth and positive regard from parents/carers and this is impacting on my development or safety.
  • My ability or my parents/carer’s ability has delayed or prevented the development of self-care skills in a significant range of areas.
  • There are frequent concerns about my presentation in terms of hygiene, unwashed clothing, untreated head lice for example despite support offered. This may include parental engagement.
  • I consistently do not receive everyday care or have adequate food, warmth, or essential clothing. My home conditions are poor. My parents are consistently unable to budget effectively and are resisting engagement with support.
  • I have had frequent accidental injuries which suggest a lack of age-appropriate supervision and attention to safety.
  • I have had a succession of main carer(s) or have multiple carers. I have no significant relationship with any of them.

Child in Need of Protection

  • My parents/carers provide no consistent boundaries, routine and structure for me which has or is likely to result in significant harm for me.
  • My needs for everyday care, including supervision, emotional warmth, guidance, food, medical care, home conditions, are not being met and there are concerns this is significantly impacting on my safety and wellbeing (neglect).
  • I am at significant risk of harm from being left with unknown adults or adults who may present/have caused harm to me.
  • I am not supervised appropriately according to my age and development; this means I am unsafe (which may include me being left at home alone) that presents a risk of or has resulted in significant harm.
  • I have no one holding or exercising parental responsibility for me.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Neglect toolkit Safeguarding Infants toolkit

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Physical Harm/Abuse

Universal Services and Support

  • My parent/carer does not physically harm me, including physical chastisement

Community Based Early Help

  • My parent/carer has used physical harm as discipline (no injuries) and is accepting of advice and support to use appropriate alternative methods of supporting my behaviour. This does not relate to infants or children who are not independently mobile. In this instance, please see child protection.

Family Help

  • My parents/carers use physical harm regularly as a method of discipline to me, they require further support and advice to use alternative methods of supporting my behaviour. Previous advice and support may not have been acted on. This does not relate to infants or children who are not independently mobile. In this instance, please see child protection.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am an infant who is not independently mobile and I have actual or suspected bruising or other injury.
  • I am a child who is not independently mobile with bruising or unexplained marks.
  • I have been physically abused (including physical chastisement or as a result of domestic abuse) and it has resulted in injury.
  • I am persistently physically abused (including physical chastisement or as a result of domestic abuse).

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Guide for Practitioners - Fabricated and Induced Illness Guide for Practitioners - Injuries in Non-Mobile Infants Family Information Hub Guide for Practitioners - Child Physical Abuse NSPCC: Protecting children from physical abuse

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Substance Use (Child's)

Universal Services and Support

  • There are no concerns regarding me and my use of substances and/or alcohol.

Community Based Early Help

  • I am experimenting with substances and/or alcohol and there are emerging concerns the use may be problematic

Family Help

  • I am using substances and/or alcohol, and my substance use is affecting my mental and physical health, social wellbeing, safety and engagement in education.
  • I have needed professional assistance due to substance/ alcohol use and there is concern that this likely to significantly impair my safety and wellbeing.

Child in Need of Protection

  • My persistent and/or high-risk substance and/or alcohol use is putting me at such risk that intensive specialist resources are required.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Guide for Practitioners – Drugs and Alcohol

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Online Harm

Universal Services and Support

  • I use age-appropriate social media and gaming/ online platforms, and I am supported in this by my parents/carers.

Community Based Early Help

  • There are some concerns about my access to online platforms, including social media and/or gaming platforms that I am accessing and/or my online activity; but I am supported by my parents/carers and/or school/college to address this.
  • My use of social media is inappropriate/problematic.
  • My parents/carers may need additional advice and help to understand how to help me stay safe online.

Family Help

  • There are concerns I have inappropriate/problematic access to or use of online platforms (e.g., sexting/use of inappropriate images, harmful and/or extremist material, sending/receiving) and there is a risk of harm to myself or to others because of this.
  • I have been, or am being, groomed online by unknown adults who pose a risk to children. My parents/carers are working with professionals to safeguard me.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am at significant risk of, or have experienced, harm through inappropriate or problematic use of online platforms, including viewing, sending or receiving harmful, sexualised or extremist material, where this has resulted in, or exposed me to, intimidation, threats, coercion or other forms of harm to myself or others.
  • I am sharing harmful, illegal or extremist material online
  • I am a victim of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, including where artificial intelligence has been used.
  • I have met with an unknown adult or a child who I have met online face to face and harm has happened.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Family Information Hub Report Harmful Online Content Child Exploitation toolkit Child Sexual Abuse toolkit Online Harm toolkit Share Community Partnership Intelligence (CPI) Online safety and advice resources - Internet Watch Foundation

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Harmful Practices – linked to faith or culture

Universal Services and Support

  • There are no concerns regarding harmful practices within my family.

Community Based Early Help

  • I come from a family where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, honour based abuse, modern slavery is known to have been practiced but my parents/ carers are clear they do not wish me to experience it.

Family Help

  • I come from a family where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) forced marriage, honour based abuse and/or modern slavery is known to have been practised, and my parents/carers see it as part of their cultural heritage that includes their children

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am a victim of, or at high risk of becoming a victim of forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and/or modern slavery.
  • Me or my sibling/s have experienced Female Genital Mutilation.
  • There are concerns that Female Genital Mutilation is planned.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Guide for Practitioners - Harmful Practices linked to Faith or Culture Modern Slavery toolkit

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Child Exploitation and Extra Familial Harm, including Radicalisation and Serious Youth Violence

Universal Services and Support

  • I have age-appropriate knowledge of risks relating to absconding or going missing, and the skills to keep myself safe.
  • I am able to talk to my parents/carers or an appropriate adult if I am worried about criminal activity.
  • My parents/carers are able to keep me safe from extra-familial harm, including exploitation, trafficking, serious youth violence, online harm and are working with support where needed.
  • There are no concerns regarding any extreme views.

Community Based Early Help

  • I have gone missing/returned and there are no concerns I experienced harm whilst missing.
  • I am showing emerging signs of being exploited or engaging in antisocial or criminal behaviour, including gang involvement and/or association with organised crime groups (low/emerging risk CERAF)
  • I express some extreme views. My family are accepting of support for me.
  • I have emerging risk factors associated with serious youth violence i.e. regular association with peers involved in antisocial behaviour, low-level incidents such as fighting, carrying items that could be used as weapons, or concerning social media activity.

Family Help

  • I am regularly or frequently going missing from home, school or care and there are concerns I am at risk of harm whilst missing.
  • I am involved in offending/antisocial behaviour which is raising concern
  • I am known to be engaged in criminal activities.
  • I am showing signs of being criminally or sexually exploited (medium risk CERAF)
  • Professionals have only been somewhat successful in engaging with my parents/carers with meaningful support, and there are some barriers/unwillingness to acknowledge and/or recognise the concerns.
  • There are concerns that there is a risk of harm between me and my peers who may be being exploited.
  • I am starting to spend some time speaking with others with extreme views and may have additional vulnerabilities. This is impacting on other areas of my life, such as interest in friends, activities and education
  • I am sometimes in possession of weapons, and have had repeated violent incidents

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am repeatedly missing from home, school, or care and I am at risk of significant harm as a result.
  • I am involved in significant offending/antisocial behaviour/activity, and this is placing me at significant risk of harm
  • I have been prosecuted for offences and remanded into custody.
  • I am a victim of/or at high risk of criminal and/or sexual exploitation, modern slavery or trafficking, as identified using the HIPS CERAF.
  • I have been coerced, groomed or asked to share child sexual abuse material.
  • I am suspected to have been groomed/exploited in to engaging in sexual behaviours that are degrading, threatening or involve significant power differences.
  • I have presented at hospital or walk in GP with injuries not consistent with my explanation, and they are thought to have been inflicted in the community
  • I am known to hold extreme views, and I have additional vulnerabilities, and this is significantly impacting other areas of my life such as interest in friends, activities and education
  • My parent/s encourage my abusive/offending behaviour.
  • I am at risk of radicalisation (PREVENT)
  • I am experiencing or at risk of significant harm due to serious youth violence. I have confirmed involvement in violent offending, weapon carrying and gang-associated violence.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Guide for Practitioners – Children who are exploited’ Family Information Hub Child Exploitation toolkit CERAF Modern Slavery toolkit Serious Violence toolkit Child Sexual Abuse toolkit Share Community Partnership Intelligence (CPI) Get help for radicalisation concerns

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Sexual activity and child sexual abuse

Universal Services and Support

  • I have a safe and healthy sexual development, including a good knowledge of healthy relationships

Community Based Early Help

  • There are emerging concerns about my sexual behaviour (according to my age and developmental stage)

Family Help

  • I am a child over the age of 13 and under the age of 16 who is pregnant or a parent, and I have reported sex with a peer there is no concern regarding exploitation or abuse.
  • I am over the age of 13yrs, have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and report sex with a peer there is no concern regarding exploitation or abuse.
  • I have been sexually active and/or these behaviours have increased my vulnerability within my peer group/environment/family.
  • I am displaying behaviours or persistently displaying behaviours which have the potential to be outside of safe and healthy sexual development. This concern may be due to age or developmental differences, the behaviour itself, frequency, duration or context in which they occur.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am under the age of 13 and have experienced sexual activity.
  • I have made a disclosure of sexual abuse, contact or non-contact (including non-recent abuse).
  • I am presenting potential indicators of child sexual abuse or there are concerns that I am at risk of or have suffered child sexual abuse and exploitation (including online)
  • I am aged 14–16. I am sexually active, or have been, and there are concerns regarding age difference, vulnerability, indicators of control, abuse or exploitation
  • I am persistently displaying sexual behaviours which are outside of safe and healthy development and inappropriate for my age and stage. This may include behaviour online, such as accessing violent and/or exploitative pornography
  • I am being investigated for a sexual offence or have had allegations of a sexual offence.
  • I have multiple / untreated sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
  • I am/have been exploited to recruit others into sexual activity.
  • I have had repeated pregnancies, miscarriages and/or terminations.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Family Information Hub Child Sexual Abuse toolkit Child-on-Child Abuse toolkit

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Children with disabilities and/or complex needs

Universal Services and Support

  • I have additional needs or a disability; my needs are met by my parent/carers, family network, community resources and universal services
  • My parents/carers can seek appropriate information and advice to help them meet my needs.
  • My care & support needs do not significantly impact on family relationships and/or siblings’ opportunities.
  • My preferred language and/or method of communication is understood by my parents/carers.

Community Based Early Help

  • I require supervision during the night and/or care such as intubation, medication etc.
  • My parents/carers require some additional support from services (or to access services) in order to meet my care needs.
  • Some additional support is required from services and the wider family network in order to minimise the impact of my needs upon family relationships and/or siblings’ opportunities (young carers).
  • My method of communication is not well understood by my parent/carers which is impacting their ability to meet my needs. My parents/carers are engaging with the support offered.

Family Help

  • My parents/carers require a coordinated plan of support in order to meet my care needs. This may include (a lower level of) overnight respite care in the home.
  • The required level of parental care for me cannot be provided without the provision of substantial additional specialist services that may include overnight short-term breaks.
  • Without a coordinated offer of support from services, my family relationships and/or siblings’ opportunities will be significantly impacted due to caring for me as a result of my complex health needs/disabilities.
  • I have problems communicating with others, which is significantly impacting upon my needs being met. Professionals have not been successful in engaging my parents/carers meaningfully in the support offered.

Child in Need of Protection

  • My care needs and family circumstances are such that without substantial specialist services (including overnight short breaks) I am at risk of significant harm
  • I am a child/young person, who is not independently mobile with bruising or unexplained marks.
  • I and/or my parents/carers are refusing medical care, and this is endangering my life/posing a serious risk to my quality of life or development.
  • I have severe/chronic health problems and/or disability, and appropriate services are not being accessed.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Family Information Hub Family support for children with disabilities 0-19 Health Visiting and Community Public Health Nursing Healthier Together SEND Local Offer Children with disabilities team criteria

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Family and Environment – Relationships, Family and Community

Universal Services and Support

  • I have supportive familial relationships and wider networks
  • I have access to positive activities

Community Based Early Help

  • There are emerging concerns I am experiencing community harassment/discrimination
  • I am exposed to a bullying environment, but I am supported through family, family networks and universal support
  • Concerns are beginning to emerge regarding my relationship with my parent/carer

Family Help

  • I am experiencing frequent harassment/discrimination which is negatively impacting the child’s emotional wellbeing and mental health
  • There are continuing concerns regarding my relationship with my parents/carers, and this is negatively impacting on my wellbeing, including my learning, educational engagement, emotional wellbeing and/or mental health

Child in Need of Protection

  • I do not have supportive parents or family network in relation to my experience of discrimination, destructive behaviours of others and my wellbeing is at significant risk, or this is placing me at risk of significant harm.
  • The relationship between me and my parent/carer means the family environment is volatile and unstable and this is resulting in a significant negative impact on me

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Guidance for Practitioners – Domestic Violence and Abuse Family Information Hub

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The Family - Housing and Finance

Universal Services and Support

  • Me and my family have accommodation available, and my parents/carers may be receiving additional support to maintain their housing, including home conditions, financial commitments, and tenancy obligations.
  • Me and my family have stable accommodation and/or are able to access support from services to maintain their housing.
  • My family is in a financially viable situation with the support of universal service, family networks and community resources where necessary.

Community Based Early Help

  • The accommodation available to me and my family may not be stable, available in the longer term or suitable.
  • Inadequate housing and/or home environment is impacting on my health
  • Poverty and financial hardship are affecting my wellbeing. My parents/carers are working with services.

Family Help

  • Me and my family are homeless, or threatened with homelessness imminently, and are not able to receive ongoing rehousing support.
  • My parents/carers may need significant additional support to maintain their housing or to access more alternative suitable accommodation. My family may benefit from placement in a supported accommodation setting.
  • I am part of a family that moves frequently. There are concerns from services and/or settings.
  • Extreme poverty and financial hardship are significantly affecting my health, development and wellbeing.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I am homeless
  • I am privately fostered (please click on link for definition of Private Fostering)
  • I am a refugee child – defined as separated children seeking asylum or having been granted asylum in the UK

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help Family Information Hub Housing advice and support Homelessness Emergency help with money and bills Private Fostering for Practitioners

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Parents and Carers - Impact on the child, including domestic abuse

Universal Services and Support

  • I am protected by my parents/carers in a secure and caring home
  • Appropriate boundaries maintained
  • I experience consistency in care givers and care given
  • My parents/carers have no additional needs that are impacting on their ability to meet my needs
  • There are no concerns around criminality within my family.
  • My parents/carers use of alcohol and/or substances does not impact on my family.
  • My parents/carers’ relationship is positive and there are no difficulties which impact on me.
  • There are healthy relationships within my family, including when my parents are separated.

Community Based Early Help

  • I experience inconsistent parenting/care arrangements and a poor response to emerging needs
  • I experience inadequate supervision by parent/carer
  • My parents/carers mental health concerns, learning difficulties, health needs &/or disability may impact on the care of me.
  • My parent or other family member involved in offending behaviour/subject to supervision within the criminal justice system
  • My parents/carers alcohol and substance use may impact on their care of me - considering my age and stage of development.
  • There are emerging concerns domestic abuse in my family. My parents and carers are accessing support and advice and there are no concerns this is impacting their ability to meet my needs.
  • Concerns are beginning to emerge regarding my relationship with my parent/carer and there is a risk of relationship breakdown between us

Family Help

  • Frequent inadequate supervision by parent/carer
  • Continuing inconsistent care arrangements
  • My parents/carers mental health issues, learning difficulties, health needs and/or disability are impacting my emotional and physical wellbeing
  • My parent is in prison or custody
  • My parents/carers or other family members are involved in offending behaviour/subject to supervision within the criminal justice system.
  • My parents/carers alcohol and substance misuse / adult mental health issues have a direct impact on their care of me.
  • There are concerns about domestic abuse and the impact it is having on me
  • Conflict or emotional disharmony between my parents/carers or family relationship difficulties is having an impact on me.
  • There are concerns about the impact of domestic abuse on my emotional welfare, and the capacity of my parents to consistently meet the needs of me and/or my siblings. However, my parents are willing and able to engage with services and to act protectively.
  • Child and adolescent to parent, violence and abuse (CAPVA). This may include coercive control. Risk of family breakdown and/or siblings at risk due to exposure to the abuse
  • I pose significant/repeated child and adolescent to parent, violence and abuse (CAPVA). This may include repeated abusive behaviour, that may include physical violence, emotional, economic abuse and coercive control. Risk of family breakdown and/or siblings at risk due to exposure to the abuse.
  • There is a relationship breakdown between me and my parent/carers, and I may be at risk of not being able to remain in their home
  • My parent/ carer is unable to judge dangerous situations / set appropriate boundaries, and they may make verbal threats to me. I am rarely comforted when distressed / under significant pressure to achieve.

Child in Need of Protection

  • Continuing inadequate supervision in the home resulting in significant harm or risk of significant harm
  • Inconsistent parenting significantly affects child’s developmental progress
  • My parents/carers mental health issues, learning difficulties, health needs and/or disability presents a significant risk of harm to me.
  • My parents/carers (or significant adults in a child's life) have been convicted for violent and or sexual offences, which pose a risk of significant harm to me.
  • My parent/carer is encouraging of my abusive/offending behaviour
  • My parents/carers substance and/or alcohol misuse is significantly impacting my development or placing me at risk of significant harm
  • Domestic abuse is resulting in me being at risk of significant harm or significantly impacting my development and emotional wellbeing.
  • I pose significant/repeated child and adolescent to parent violence and abuse (CAPVA). This may include physical violence, emotional, economic abuse and/or coercive control. This means there is a risk of immediate family breakdown and/or my siblings are at significant risk of continued physical harm due to the abuse
  • Incident(s) of serious and/or persistent physical violence in the family that has or is likely to result in significant harm for me.
  • The relationship between me and my parent/carer has broken down. There is an immediate risk of alternative care arrangements being needed for me, including entry to the care system

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Guidance for Practitioners - Domestic Violence and Abuse Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway Guidance Adopting a Family Approach toolkit Neglect toolkit Guide for Practitioners - Harmful Practices linked to Faith or Culture Parent in the Criminal Justice System Safeguarding Infants toolkit

Collapse Parents and Carers - Impact on the child, including domestic abuse

Family History

Universal Services and Support

  • My parents/carers had adverse childhood experiences but that does not impact on their care of me.

Community Based Early Help

  • My parents/carers own adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may result in harm to me.
  • I have previously been in care/returned home to their family from care.

Family Help

  • I have returned home to my family from care and there are emerging concerns of relationship breakdown between me and my parent/carer.
  • There is previous history of child/ren of one or more adult in the household being in care or subject to child protection plans.

Child in Need of Protection

  • I have recently returned home to my family from care and there is a significant concern of relationship breakdown between me and my parent/carer, and I risk re-entry into the care system.
  • I have no one holding or exercising parental responsibility for me.

Supporting resources

What to do if you are worried about a child Early Help HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Adopting a Family Approach toolkit Neglect toolkit

Collapse Family History

Level of assessment

Universal Services and Support

No formal assessment is required

Community Based Early Help

A referral may be used to coordinate support

Family Help

An assessment is required. Refer to the MASH

Child in Need of Protection

A child and family assessment is required. Refer to the MASH

Refer via

For urgent child protection enquiries professionals can call 01983 823436 during office hours 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday. At all other times to contact the Out of Hours service on 0300 555 1373

To report concerns about a child's welfare please complete the Inter-Agency Referral Form (IARF) . The Thresholds Chart can help you identify the risks and types of services a family may need. The MASH team can also be contacted at mash@iow.gov.uk .

To share non-urgent information with the Police please complete a Community Partnership Information Form (CPI Form) .

Frequently Asked Questions about the MASH