Threshold document

This is not the same as the threshold criteria.

Agencies involved in safeguarding children should publish a threshold document setting out how families can access services. This requirement is set out in government guidance, Working Together 2018.

The guidance requires that the document covers the following:

• The early help services that are available in the area.
• Arrangements for carrying out assessments for early help services.
• The criteria that will be used to assess need and provide services in relation to:
  • Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 (i.e. children in need)
  • Section 47 (i.e. suspicion that a child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm)
  • Section 31 (i.e. care orders)
  • Section 20 (i.e. children’s services’ duty to provide voluntary accommodation for a child).
• Clear procedures and processes for responding to:
  • Cases of child sexual exploitation (this includes how to prevent child sexual exploitation).
  • Children living in secure accommodation.
  • Disabled children.

For more information search for the threshold document on your local authority’s website.