Early Help Assessment
In October 2022, Sandwell launched the new look Early Help Assessment, this was revised again in July 2023 to include the Supporting Families criteria. There were a number of briefings for professionals introduce the new Early Help Assessment and support practitioners in completing it. If you missed them you can find a recording of the presentation here:
The Early Help Assessment IS NOT a referral for a service. It is an assessment that professionals should complete with the family, where it has been identified there are two or more unmet needs. The completion of the assessment will assist in identifying the needs of the family, devising a plan to address these needs and identifying who is best placed to meet them.
The Early Help Assessment should always be completed on the Early Help System (EHM) if you are a trained user working within Sandwell. It looks slightly different on the Early Help System to how it would look as a word document- Click below to see how the new Early Help Assessment will appear on EHM.
Example Early Help Assessment- EHMClick this link to access EHM
Email / Paper copies will only be accepted from professionals within the Sandwell Borough who can evidence they are awaiting Early Help Module training. They will also be accepted from professionals located outside of the Sandwell Borough who are working with Sandwell children and families- Click the link below to download the Early Help Assessment in word
Sandwell Early Help AssessmentOnce completed these should be emailed to this address: Earlyhelp_mash@sandwell.gov.uk
On completion of the Early Help Assessment, if you are able to lead the Team Around the family (TAF) you should save the Early Help Assessment and arrange the TAF. If you are not able to lead the TAF and unable to be the Lead Professionals please submit to the Early Help in MASH for triage.
For Early Help Module training follow this link You can use the search by category function to find EHM training by choosing Early Help from the drop down menu. You will need to register for a training account if you don’t already have one. You will need to register for a training account if you don’t already have one
The Early Help Assessment should always be completed with the Child, Young Person and Family. Other professionals involved with the family should also contribute. All boxes are mandatory, the assessment will be returned if a box is left blank. If a question is not applicable, please state giving the reason why- Click the link below for an example of a completed Early Help Assessment, please note that this is a fictitious family
Example Early Help Assessment
If you have forgotten your password for the Early Help System, or need additional support please click this link www.sandwellcss.org