This is local arrangement which involves different agencies cooperating and sharing information in relation to concerns about children. The aim is to encourage better decision-making, and earlier help for families. Taking earlier action to support a child and their family may help prevent a crisis developing.
Many local authorities have set up a multi-agency safeguarding hub. As well as children’s services, the agencies which may be involved are:
- Schools, nurseries and other education providers.
- The NHS.
- The police.
Youth offending services.
There is no standard way to organise a multi-agency safeguarding hub. In some local authorities, the agencies may be based in the same building to encourage closer working. Sometimes the hub may agree a method of working which makes clear how different agencies share information. It should set out how they are to consult each other when making decisions.