Important Information for Cumberland Early Help and Family Support Panels (October 2024)
As part of our Family Help transformation programme, we have taken the decision to stand down our current Early Help and Family Support Panels as we develop new support routes to ensure children, young people and families get the right support at the right time and the advice, guidance, and signposting, you as our partners and colleagues may need. Please read full briefing for more information - Cumberland Early Help and Family Support Panels
You can share information with the Panel about the family you are working with and what has been done to try and help so far. The Panel will then try to solve the issues affecting the families Early Help Plan.
You should seek the permission of the family to discuss their situation with the panel.
Members of the panel include:
- Health Visitors, Schools
- Child and adolescent mental health services (CAHMS)
- Childrens Centres
- Police
- Family Support Service
- Social Workers
- Young Carers organisations
They will bring with them any other information they have about the families' situation that might help the conversation.
Early Help and Family Support Panel Process
What happens after the panel has discussed your situation
The Panel will try and identify other agencies that might be able to provide more support and update the Early Help Plan.
Occasionally for some difficult problems the Panel might suggest that a Social Worker needs to be involved. If this happens, you should let the family know.
Make a referral
You should submit a referral seven days before the meeting date.
Check Early Help and Family Support Panel meeting dates for 2024
In order to be able to provide the panel with as much information as possible it is important that this form is populated with all relevant detail. It may delay discussion if there are gaps.
Cumberland referral
Referral to an Early Help and Family Support Panel (Cumberland)
Westmorland and Furness referral
Referral to an Early Help and Family Support Panel (Westmorland and Furness)
Preparing for the meeting
In preparation for the meeting, you can speak to an Early Help Officer who will talk you through the meeting format and what your role will be within the meeting. They can answer any questions you may have.
Contact an Early Help Officer
You can also read our guidance for practitioners.
Practitioners Guide to Cumbria Early Help and Family Support Panels
Give feedback
You can give feedback on the panel meeting, this helps us understand if they are helpful and the right people attended.
Early Help and Family Support Panel Terms of Reference (Cumberland)
Early Help and Family Support Panel Terms of Reference (Westmorland and Furness)
