What is MASH?
MASH replaces the Devon County Council Referral and Consultation Unit and is the enquiry (referral) point for professionals and members of the public who may have concerns about a child’s welfare. It is the central resource for all safeguarding and child protection enquiries for the whole of Devon.
How does MASH work?
When MASH receives a referral, it is graded to indicate the level of urgency and potential risk to the child or children. Information is immediately gathered from other agencies, within an agreed timescale, which depends upon the initial grading which has been given. Once all the information has been received, then MASH reviews the case and makes a decision as to where it should be referred on to.
There are three possible options:
- No Further Action
- Referral to the Early Response Service (ERS) hub for a CAF (Common Assessment Framework)
- Referral to the Assessment Team for Initial Assessment/ Section 47 enquiry
MASH does not undertake any formal Social Work assessment, but focus on making decisions and/or recommendations on the basis of the information they have been provided with.
Social Workers at MASH also act as a point of contact for professionals who are seeking advice/ consultation on particular matters.
Who Works for MASH?
Staffed with professionals from the Police, fire and ambulance, health, education and social care, MASH is able to promptly and effectively gather information from each agency. It’s this wide-ranging insight and experience that allows our professionals to decide the most appropriate responses to a child’s individual needs.
More information about MASH can be found at:
www.devon.gov.uk/index/childrenfamilies/childprotection/mash.htm