LSCP Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF)

How do I make a referral to Careline about the safety and welfare of a child or young person in Liverpool?

CarelineHub will only accept written referrals from professionals submitted via the on-line Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) or a completed Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT).

The only exception to this arrangement is Section 47 Child Protection referrals, where there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. In such instances, professionals should continue to make an immediate telephone referral to Careline 0151 233 3700, followed by an online MARF.

Professionals making Section 47 Child Protection Referrals are required to complete an online MARF within one working day of making a telephone referral to Careline.

In all other cases, before submitting a request for single assessment by Children’s Social Care, it is important that professionals consider whether a child’s and their family’s needs can be more appropriately supported through Early Help.

Before submitting a MARF It is important all professionals carefully consider the LSCP Responding to Need Framework and Guidance.

Levels of Need Windscreen

Levels of Need Indicators

Professionals who submit a MARF and have not appropriately applied the Levels of Need Framework will be expected to initiate an Early Help Assessment. Please check with you local Early Help Hub if one already exists. If an Early Help Assessment is not initiated within 10 working days, a member of the Early Help Hub will contact the professional to support them in progressing this.

Further guidance about EHAT can be found on Liverpool City Council Website and by contacting your local Early Help Hub - links below.

Early Help Assessment

Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF)

Practitioner Guidance on Completing the MARF