 Test how multiple existing referral pathways can be streamlined to provide a more seamless support offer for children and families. • Initial assessment to be framed as a supportive conversation, focusing on the strengths and needs of the whole family and involving the wider family network wherever possible. • Appropriate child protection and SEND expertise as part of a multi-agency front door team to determine response required and identify and manage risk. Minimum expectations: Establish a single Family Help assessment and plan Detail 84 Local areas must: • Develop and implement a single, flexible, dynamic Family Help assessment which removes the unnecessary duplication of early help and CIN assessments. • The assessment must outline and consider the needs of the whole family in a strengths-based way. It should cover presenting and underlying issues, including any context outside the family home contributing to poor outcomes for the child; explore needs of whole family and how these impact on one another; and be carried out in partnership with the family. Lead practitioners should remain mindful of situations where the absolute needs of the child overrides whole family working. • The plan will reach across the whole family help system as appropriate, ensuring that families receive joined up, holistic support that meets their needs. • The plan must be flexible and tailored to children with disabilities. • Consider the IT infrastructure changes required to implement the single assessment and also ensure partner can access relevant systems. Child Protection Establishing family help will result in a new approach to the way families access and receive support. This must run alongside a child protection system that protects all children from significant harm – inside and o