Guide to threshold and practice: information for professionals

The MASH is a way of working that improves arrangements for safeguarding children and young people in Waltham Forest.

The MASH is a consent based model. This means that when dealing with suspected child neglect, abuse or a need for support, professionals will endeavour to work in partnership with parents. That means:

• being open and honest with parents about the concerns the professional has about a child or children
• explaining to parents prior to making a referral how the MASH team will share information about the child and family to get the best possible picture about the child’s circumstances
• if the referring professional is able to justify that seeking a consent for MASH information sharing would place a child at further risk of harm or cause unnecessary delay, the professional may choose deviate from the normal approach of seeking consent