Ofsted, the CQC and HMICFRS have published a joint report on the multi-agency response to children and families who need help, noting how a lack of capacity and resources across health, police and social care is limiting local areas’ ability to make early help services a clear priority. Across the local agencies, the report found there were well-trained and knowledgeable early help workers from a range of agencies undertaking effective work with children and families. However, staff working in early help services were increasingly working with highly complex family situations, and sometimes above a level they felt was appropriate. Knowing where to go if risks escalate was key and for some children and families the skills and expertise of a social worker was needed.