Multi Agency Group Supervision

The framework is to support all partners working with a child/young person to jointly assess need, risk and vulnerability. It enables joint decision making, strengthening how we can work in a preventative way to develop a plan to address need and risk.

There are seven stages to the framework and multi-agency chronologies are a key part of this. The framework draws on the core model of New Ways of Working including trauma informed practice and motivational interviewing.

The graphic illustrates how the framework can be undertaken within the seven stages influenced by the work of Wonnacott & Wallbank 2016 and Keller & Protinsky, 1986.

Multi Agency Circle

Who will lead it?

A facilitator will lead the multi-agency group supervision. This is someone who is independent from the professionals involved with the child and family.

What does the independent facilitator do?

  • Create a safe environment to facilitate joint assessment, analysis and decision making
  • Be neutral in the process
  • Ensure the group supervision is summarised and shared with the Lead Professional

When do they take place?

This framework should be used where there are concerns or risk for a child.

Multi-agency group supervision does not replace any other statutory process involving a child or young person. Examples of when this could be considered are:

  • At any point on the continuum of need for example, partnership plus, TAF (Team Around the Family), CIN (Child in Need), and statutory social work intervention
  • When a child is on the edge of care to prevent entry to care
  • When secure accommodation becomes a potential option to keep a child safe
  • Where there are new emerging risks e.g. child exploitation/anti-social behaviour
  • Prior to 12 month review of a child being subject to a Child Protection Plan/CIN/TAF

What about my own professional supervision or 1 to 1?

  • This framework does not replace single agency individual professional supervision.
  • It is important that all attending ensure that they have delegated authority from their agency.

What outcomes can we achieve through this approach?

  • Reduces professional concern, builds confidence and knowledge through improved multi-agency working
  • Shared outcome of success for every child
  • Increased use of assessment tools

What is my role and how do I prepare?

  • You will be asked to complete a chronology in order to identify key themes for your agency’s involvement with the child and family.
  • This will be sent to you in advance of the group supervision.

Are the family involved?

  • Prior to a request being made for a multi-agency group supervision, families will be made aware, and informed of the purpose.
  • The child/family voice will be gained prior to the supervision and used to inform the discussion. If following a multi-agency group supervision any changes to the child/family plan are suggested, this will be shared with the child/family by an identified member of the multi professional group.

Making a request for service for a multi-agency group supervision

  • Agreement for the group supervision must be reached as part of an existing multi agency process
  • The lead professional makes the request

Make a request

Information for parents/carers

Multi Agency Group Supervision

  • Your views are very important.
  • We want to talk to you about multi-agency group supervision and listen to what you have to say.
  • Your views will be shared as part of the multi-agency group supervision
    All the people working with you and your family want to make sure they are working in the best way to support you. We want to make sure you get the right help, when you need it and where you need it.
  • We want to learn how to make it better for your child and for your family.

What is it?

  • A multi-agency group supervision does not replace any other meetings in place for your child(ren).
  • It is about the people working with your family coming together to ensure that your child’s needs are being met and that your child is safe and feels safe.
  • We want to do this so that your child’s plan can move forward.

How will this happen?

The person sharing this information with you will:

  • talk to you about multi-agency group supervision
  • answer any questions you may have
  • ask you about your views
  • tell you when this is happening and what will happen next

Complaint procedure

Concerns or complaints about a multi-agency supervision need to be raised first with the independent facilitator. If this is unable to be appropriately resolved, then concerns will be escalated to the innovation and practice development lead through the Partners in Practice email: PiP.Admin@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk