Framework for Action

This chapter provides a link to Bolton’s Framework for Action.

Providing early help is more effective in promoting the welfare of children than reacting later. Early help means providing support as soon as a problem emerges, at any point in a child's life.  Early help can also prevent further problems arising and works most effectively when agencies work together.

Effective early help relies upon local agencies working together to:

• Identify children and families who would benefit from early help;
• Undertake an assessment of the need for early help; and
• Provide targeted early help services to address the assessed needs of a child and their family which focuses on activity to significantly improve the outcomes for the child.

The provision of early help services should form part of a continuum of support to respond to the different levels of need of individual children and families. 

More information can be found on Working with children and young people – Bolton Safeguarding Children.