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Children And Families Safeguarding Now Under Isle of Wight Council Control

The delivery of the Isle of Wight’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for children and families on the Isle of Wight is changing.

As of Monday 24 February, the Isle of Wight Children’s Services will have its own Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), following the ending our partnership with Hampshire County Council.

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a collaborative initiative that unites professionals from various sectors, including children’s social care, police, health providers, and education. The primary goal of the MASH is to share critical information and make timely, informed decisions to ensure the safety and promote the welfare of children.

By working together, these professionals can identify risks early, provide appropriate interventions, and promote the well-being of children in our community.

The Isle of Wight Council, along with its partner agencies, holds a statutory duty to safeguard children and promote their welfare. This duty is fulfilled through coordinated efforts and a shared commitment to protecting children from harm. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of all involved agencies, the MASH ensures that children receive the support and protection they need in a timely and effective manner.

If Island residents are worried about the welfare or safety of a child they can report any concerns through the Isle of Wight Council's website or by calling 01983 823435.

There is a separate line for those who work with children and families 01983 823436.

To reflect these changes, from the 24 February the Inter-Agency Referral Form (IARF)  will be found on the Isle of Wight Council's website, the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership website. The link will be shared via email with all partner agencies.

Statement from the Director of Children's Services:

‘’We are delighted to announce that the multi-agency safeguarding hub for our children and families on the Island is now being delivered in-house by Isle of Wight Children's Services. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care and protection for the children in our community.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hampshire County Council for their invaluable support and collaboration over the past years. We also extend our thanks to the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children Partnership, their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in helping us reach this point, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership as we move forward.

"Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of children and families on the Isle of Wight.’’

Further information on what this means can be found on the Isle of Wight Council's website.

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