Make a referral for an Early Help Assessment (EHA)

Learn how to make a referral for an EHA.

What to know before submitting a family assessment

  1. Looking at the family's support network is important before submitting an early help assessment. This shows who is already helping the family and how. It's best to think about what the family and network can provide first, then consider if an assessment is still needed.
  2. It's important that the whole family, including parents and the child, agrees to support through a family assessment. For older children, we will consider their ability to consent without parental approval using Gillick competency and Fraser guidelines. But in most cases, it's best to include parents to support future plans.
  3. After an early help assessment is submitted, managers in the Family Support teams will review it. The triage process will involve a trawl and analysis of the information provided. Managers may contact families or referrers if more information is needed. The team will then decide if the assessment meets the threshold for support. They also consider if the Family Support team is the best option and if complex casework is required. If so, the child will be assigned to the team. If not, the team will provide advice on other services and support.

When an EHA referral is not needed

The EHA helps identify issues and solutions. This could include the family taking action, referring to another agency, or providing something within your own service.

For example, if a child is struggling in school, the school should first use its own resources and support teams (such as the graduated response or the Special Education Support team). An Early Help Assessment referral should not replace referring to a specialised service, like for an ADHD diagnosis, mental health issues, or immediate health needs.

A referral to the Family Support Team is for when issues require coordinated support beyond what a single service can provide.

Make a referral

What happens after submitting an EHA

  1. The triage process will involve a trawl and analysis of the information provided.

  2. The team will then decide if the assessment meets the threshold for support. They also consider if the Family Support team is the best option and if complex casework is required. If so, the child will be assigned to the team. If not, the team will provide advice on other services and support.

  3. A Family Support Practitioner (FSP) or young person's worker (YPW) will be allocated and will contact the family or young person shortly after.

  4. This is where worries will be further discussed and next steps will be agreed.

  5. This could be at home or at school. The professional involved will be invited, as well as anyone else who helps the family.

  6. Progress will be reviewed with the family, network, child/young person and professional.

  7. This will happen in between meetings. This will include the FSP/YPW seeing the child/young person at school or at home. The FSP/YPW will keep in contact with parents through home visits and phone calls.

More guidance

You can find more guidance on EHAs and how to complete an EHA using the SOS+ approach below.

Early Help Assessment guide