What is Early Help?
While most children and their families in Oxfordshire can have a good quality of life with minimal additional support from public services, some find life more difficult for a variety of reasons.
At different times in their lives, children, young people and their families in these circumstances may need additional support and help from universal, targeted and specialist services
There is strong evidence that helping families early and providing support at the right time at the right place can reduce the likelihood of problems escalating and improve long-term outcomes for children, young people and their families. This enables families to move on from difficulty and lead happier and healthier lives.
Early Help can make the most difference when family support is provided before problems escalate. Early help or early intervention reflects the widespread recognition that it is better to identify and resolve problems early, rather than respond when difficulties have become acute, and action is needed by more expensive and specialist services.
Working with a child and their family to address their needs early can reduce risk factors (worries) and increase protective factors (what is working well). We want families to know that it is always OK to ask for help.
Providing early help to children and families is a priority for Oxfordshire County Council and its partners. Together we are committed to ensuring children and families get the right help and support at the earliest opportunity.
Please find attached a link to the Early Help Guide for Families.