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Multi Agency Support Panel (MASP)

Multi agency support panels have been established in Preston, Fleetwood, and Burnley. Staff in these districts can now make a referral to MASP.

The MASP supports early intervention at levels no higher than level 2 of the Pan Lancashire Continuum of Need. Professional in education, health, and social care can refer children at risk of exploitation to the Multi-Agency Support Panel (MASP).

The MASP does not discuss cases of immigration, referrals from Social Care from other areas or request for information from external agencies.

If you suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm do not use the MASP referral form. Instead follow your organisation's safeguarding procedures and refer to children's social care/police.

Professionals in education, health, and social care can refer children at risk of exploitation to the Multi-Agency Support Panel (MASP).

The MASP provides a forum to raise concerns about children becoming vulnerable to the risk of exploitation.

These may be concerns about criminal or sexual grooming or young people being encouraged to join gangs.

The MASP is about the earliest level of intervention and prevention and focuses on:

  • identifying root causes

  • developing bespoke plans to help young people at risk

  • signposting to appropriate support

The MASP supports early intervention at levels 1- 2 of the Pan Lancashire Continuum of Need.

The MASP is only one strand of support and does not replace other systems of accessing support and intervention for young people. For example, from the Children and Family Wellbeing Service or other agencies providing early help in Lancashire.

MASP in Lancashire

Multi agency support panels have been established in Preston, Fleetwood, and Burnley.

Staff in these districts can now make a referral to MASP.

Concerns of child exploitation

Child exploitation can take different forms such as child criminal exploitation (CCE) and child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Below are some indicators of criminal and sexual exploitation or vulnerabilities to serious violence.

If you notice any of these signs, make a referral to MASP.

If you suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm do not use the MASP referral form. Instead follow your organisation's safeguarding procedures and refer to children's social care/police.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you have any concerns or doubts, no matter how low level please make a referral.

Children or young people may:

  • be frequently missing from home, placement or school and may often be found out of the home area – may often go missing without explanation

  • suddenly have significant amounts of money, new phones, new clothing which is out of character

  • carry a number of mobile phones, receive constant calls/text messages

  • be linked to groups of young people/young adults who are older or controlling

  • have unexplained injuries or are starting to self-harm

  • have poor attendance/achievement at school or show an unexpected decline in their academic work

  • be isolated from their normal peer group/become secretive about their actions

  • become withdrawn or have unexplained outbursts which are out of character (for example increasingly stressed/anxious/angry)

  • have unexplained bus or train tickets

  • be using unusual terms

  • not want to go to specific areas without explanation

  • have keys/hotel cards for unknown places

  • return from missing episodes with injuries, or dishevelled appearance

  • be obsessed with weapons and gang culture