New Front Door Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), model

In Hertfordshire, the Children’s Services ‘Front Door’ provides a single point of contact for all families, residents and professionals to request help and support for families or report safeguarding concerns for a child.

Children’s Service’s funding was agreed and the project to redesign the Front Door model with a view to strengthening the staffing establishment to meet the changing needs of children and families in Hertfordshire.

With the introduction of the Gateway model which came into effect on 2nd May 2023, ensures the safeguarding element of the Gateway will become a stronger, fully resourced Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, that where possible seeks local knowledge about children and families. 

What this will mean in practice is that, there will be:

• Strengthened thresholds with partner agencies referring
• Parental consent obtained where applicable
• Co-Location and a joint decision making model with all MASH Partners
• Adolescent specialists incorporated into all MASH Pods
• Increased staffing
• Improved processes and Pathways

Please see the below, new model flow chart:-