Many practitioners will be familiar with their own multi-agency links through children’s centres and relationships with local health visitors and GPs. But not all are aware of multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASHs). The first of these was created in 2010 by Devon County Council. MASHs, which include social workers, police officers, education and health workers, may have slightly different focuses and memberships, but all aim to improve child protection. Early years workers can seek information, advice or guidance about a safeguarding concern if they have identified a child who may be at risk, before deciding whether or not to make a referral to the local authority. They may also have to respond to a request for information about a child who has been referred to the MASH.
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