Multi-Agency Panels
Multi-Agency Panels (MAPs) are regular meetings
made up of people from different organisations and agencies. The
purpose of a MAP is to enable joint discussion around the needs of
a child, and to monitor the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
process for individual children, ensuring accountability and
review.
MAPs will be based around educational settings such
as high schools and children’s centres, however panels will not be
restricted to addressing the needs of children who attend the
educational setting. Panels should be flexible, and children should
be referred to the most appropriate one.
Panels are made up of practitioners who work in the
geographical area. They will have a core membership, and other
practitioners will be invited to sit on the panel when appropriate.
Suggested core members of a Multi-Agency Panel are listed
below.
Some of these are age specific:
-
Education Welfare Officers
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SAFE Staff
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School Health Advisors
-
Education Psychologists
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School SEN Coordinators and support staff
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Family Support workers
-
Children’s Centre Staff
-
Sure start workers
-
Health visitors
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Nursery nurses
-
BEST team members
-
Education Welfare Officers
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Teachers
-
Connexions Personal advisors
-
Youth workers
-
Police
-
Play workers
The MAP may also include:
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CAMHS workers
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Substance misuse workers
-
Social workers
-
Occupational therapists
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Housing support staff
-
Midwives
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Learning mentors
-
Voluntary sector workers
Children and their families will also be invited to attend the Multi-Agency Panel and it will be their decision whether or not they go. As they will be part of the assessment process, they may feel that a practitioner will be able to represent them at the panel.
What will the Multi-Agency Panel (MAP) do?
Completed CAFs that require multi-agency input and action should be referred to a local MAP. The MAP will agree the plan of action, who will do what, and by when, in light of the needs identified in Common Assessment form and desired outcomes.
The panels will agree if it is necessary for
someone to take the lead and agree the person who will perform this
role.
MAPs will also monitor, review and follow-up delivery of individual children’s action plan and recommend a reassessment if necessary.
MAPs will consider a number of Common Assessments in one meeting.
To find out who is on the local panels which are
already established, when they are meeting, and how to contact them
for assistance please contact your local
ECM Development Officer.
