Levels of need

Contents

About the levels of need

This guide helps professionals assess and understand the needs of a family who may require additional support. Most families stay within universal services. Some will need short term support. Others will need ongoing help.

The levels of need support decision making about:

  • the level of support a family may require
  • the tools available to help
  • other agencies that can contribute

Who should use this guide

Any professional or agency working with children, young people or their families. This includes anyone who has a concern and needs initial advice about how to support them. It is also for service providers who need clarity about how they can offer the best support.

Shared responsibility

All professionals from all agencies share responsibility for keeping children safe. Services should be effective, efficient and co-ordinated to support health and wellbeing.

Key principles when deciding a level

  • the child's safety and wellbeing come first
  • safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
  • early help is everyone's responsibility
  • consider the child's lived experience
  • do not fail to act
  • your contribution could make the difference
  • Trafford uses a restorative approach that works with families
  • a child is aged 0 to 18, or up to 25 if they have a disability

Further support

Use the navigation in this guide to move through the levels.