Early Help for children and families in Sandwell

early help family support

Sometimes families need extra support. They may struggle to provide the care and love their children need to be safe and thrive.

Early Help is a support system for families. It is there to help parents and carers deal with problems early. Facing problems early prevents children coming to harm or even ending up in the care system.

Teachers, nursery staff, childcare workers may be the first people families talk to. Trained and professional staff from different agencies can come together to find a successful way forward and give families the support they need.


If you need advice and support to help you deal with family issues contact:

Sandwell safeguarding team on 0121 569 3100.


Sandwell Early Help Partnership

Groups and agencies working together to support children and families in Sandwell.


Early Help Assessment

The Early Help Assessment (previously known as CAF) is an assessment of the child / young person within the context of the family and community.

The Early Help Assessment helps identify a young person's needs and brings agencies together to provide a package of support.

Professionals can complete an Early Help Assessment form to refer a family to Early Help.


Early Help Agencies

Agencies that support professionals who work with children and young people.


Getting family support

Sandwell Council aim to bring agencies together to give the support that is needed. Help can come from several different departments and agencies.


Sandwell Children's Safeguarding Partnership

Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) undertakes the work of the formerly Sandwell Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) with the aim to ensure all children in Sandwell are safe, happy, healthy and achieving. Partners include health providers, schools and education settings, probation providers, voluntary/community sector.


Advice for parents and carers

Sandwell Children's Safeguarding Partnership information, advice and guidance to keep children and young people safe.


Sandwell Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

The MASH protects children and families who may be at risk of harm including domestic abuse. It is a co-located multi agency team which securely shares information between agencies


Strengthening Families Service

The Strengthening Families Service provide bespoke family support to families at tiers 3 or 4 of the Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnerships Threshold Document. The service offers support to children, young people and families who need some help to make things better. This may include support with parenting, routines and boundaries, maintain a safe standard of  home conditions or keeping children safe. This is achieved through the development of a Team around the family (TAF)  plan, which will be devised alongside the children, family and all professionals working alongside them.

There is a Strengthening Families Service team based in each of Sandwell’s six towns and are located within multi agency offices in each town.


Family Rights Group

offers a confidential advice line and online discussion boards for parents and kinship carers. The website contains extensive free legal and practical advice and information, including films, as well as e-publications on the child welfare system.


Page last reviewed: 21/11/2023

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Get in touch with us

Family Information Service

family_information@sandwell.gov.uk
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