Achieving the step change we want to see means that we need to change the behaviour of professionals working directly with children and families, so that Early intervention becomes part of their day to day business.  If we’re going to reach all those who need help in a timely way, every professional who has contact with children, young people or families, from the school teacher to the GP; from the police officer to the job advisor, needs the tools to be able to spot risk factors and ensure that support is put in place.  This is not just something for those who work in ‘support’ services or who have Early Intervention in their job title.  The first worker in the door, whichever agency they may be from, must have the Early Intervention ‘toolkit’ they need.

We are delighted to have worked with the College of Policing, the Home Office, the police and crime commissioners for Dorset, Staffordshire and Lancashire, and many others to produce this practical guide for operational police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs).