Launch of new safeguarding team for young people

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is made up of representatives from a number of States’ departments and other agencies to provide a single contact point for members of the public, families or professionals to discuss any concerns that they may have.

The Jersey MASH involves:

By bringing these different agencies together in one place, it ensures that information is shared as early as possible with responses being timely and coordinated. A new joint MASH database will ensure that information can be collected to allow targeted support.

There are also key links to ‘virtual partners’ such as Housing and the Probation and After-Care Service. It is anticipated that the MASH will grow to provide a hub for adult safeguarding in the future.

The setting-up of the MASH in Jersey follows a number of successful launches in different parts of the UK, including Devon, Norfolk, Birmingham and London.

Sean Pontin, Head of Children’s Social Work, said “Launching the MASH will enable agencies to act quickly in a co-ordinated and consistent way ensuring that vulnerable children and young people are kept safe. Earlier, more informed decisions will be made about what support can be offered or action might be needed on the most urgent cases.

 

“Jersey already benefits from excellent multi-agency working but coming together in the same place and sharing information more quickly will help the Island respond to and understand the needs of our children and young people much better.”

 

The establishment of the MASH has been supported by Jersey’s Joint Safeguarding Partnership Board.

 

“The Safeguarding Partnership Board fully endorses the establishment of a local MASH,” said the Board’s Independent Chair, Glenys Johnston. “This is an encouraging development and shows the Island’s continuing commitment to safeguarding its children.”

 

Deputy Anne Pryke will formally open the MASH at its base at The Bridge on Friday 20 September at 3.15pm. Deputy Pryke will also be joined by key partners and the Ministers for Home Affairs and Education, Sport & Culture.

 

MASH staff are available to take enquiries made by telephone to +44(0)1534 449213 or by email. An out-of-hours service is also available by contacting the police on +44(0)1534 612612 or the hospital switchboard on +44(0)1534 442000.