Early Help

What is Early Help?

Early Help is about receiving the right help at the earliest possible stage. An Early Help Assessment can empower families to achieve change. It can also prevent family members from having to repeat information to different professionals by recording this in a single document which, with consent, can be shared.

Different practitioners working with the family can be requested to contribute to an assessment. Having an action plan helps to clarify who will be doing what to address the changes wanted.

There are seven areas to be explored as part of an Early Help Assessment: Health, Education, Behaviour and Routines, Family and Community, Finances, Housing and Safety.

An Early Help Assessment is a form is filled in alongside a family to identify the family’s strengths and areas of need. This assessment helps practitioners to identify what a family would like to change and develop an action plan.

For more information about Early Help, Salford Family Partnership has produced an animation; click here to access.