Referring Young People to Platform
If you would like to refer a young person into our service then please follow the steps below.
Step 1 Early Identification
If you have concerns about a young person surrounding substance misuse please complete the early identification tool. This is a simple user friendly questionnaire that is there to assist practitioners in ‘identifying’ actual or potential need for assessment by monitoring any risk factors that may contribute to a young person’s vulnerability to substance use, misuse or related issues.
This tool is designed to be used by individual practitioners or staff groups and not with the young person.
It is an ongoing process and needs repeating as a child/young persons’ circumstances change.
There are three possible outcomes of the early identification tool:
- No Action Required- ongoing monitoring needed
- More frequent or ongoing monitoring of an identified vulnerable child/young person
- Referral for Initial Assessment
- Fast track referral to Platform
Please download the Early Identification Document here.
Step 2 Referral for Initial Assessment
Initial Assessment is an initial evaluation of the need of a child/young person that considers the nature of their substance use, the extent and impact of any possible substance misuse. This is an intervention that needs to be completed with the young person.
The Initial Assessment uses a traffic light system that indicates what level of support the young person needs.
Any substances highlighted within the RED grid indicate that you need to provide the young person with information, immediately complete the referral process and send it in to Platform.
Any substances highlighted within the AMBER grid indicate that you need to give a brief intervention to the young person and give them targeted drugs education in relation to the substance highlighted. Support for professionals in delivering brief interventions to young people is given through our two part training package.
Any substances highlighted in the GREEN grid indicate that you need to provide the young person with appropriate information in relation to the substance highlighted.
Whilst completing a Platform Referral for a young person, other issues or concerns may arise which are not "substance" related, and additional support may be required from another agency/service. If further support is required, Platform would recommend you complete a Pre-Assessment Checklist to identify the families needs and to ascertain whether a full CAF assessment is needed (www.mgrid.org.uk/go/caf).
There are three different age specific Initial Assessment forms to choose from, 13 and Under, 13-15 and 16+. Please choose the appropriate form for the young person’s referral.
Download forms here:
13 and under
13-15
16+
If you have any concerns/questions or for more information regarding the Platform training, please contact the team on 01642 246241.
