How to make an early help referral

Families must get the right help at the right time. If you know which early help service you need, you can go directly to them and use their specific entry routes.

To ensure you make the right kind of referral, follow the steps below.

If you are not sure what service can help, you can:

• use the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service directory to search what is available by theme or location
• drop into a Family Centre Plus
• speak to a professional who knows you, for example, a health visitor, teacher or community worker.
• access signposting from any organisation that is part of the Family Hub Network
• call the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service team at 01296 383293 or email [email protected]

For help with complex or multiple needs, you may benefit from working with a family worker from the Children’s Locality Support and Safeguarding Service. You can request help by completing the online form below.

You should first use the Continuum of Need document to assess the family’s level of need.

If the need is at level 1 or 2 and you are unsure which early help service might be suitable, you can:

• use the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service directory to search what is available by theme or location
• drop into a Family Centre Plus
• speak to a colleague who is part of the Family Hub Network
• call the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service team at 01296 383293 or email [email protected]

If the need is at level 3 and the family wants help from a family worker, a referral can be made to the Children’s Locality Support and Safeguarding Service. You can request this by completing the online form (MARF).

Use this form to request help and support.