Referral & review
From a panel, local authority team or school. Describe the starting point and the progress sought; ECNM reviews suitability and capacity.
Children’s social care
Reach the child.
Reconnect the support.
When a child keeps pulling away from support, it can be hard to watch and harder still to know what to try next. We listen to the child, the people who care for them and the professionals who know their story. We work alongside you towards agreed goals, with statutory responsibilities remaining with the allocated professionals.
Discuss support for a child or family Explore the care-sector evidence
Support around
the person.
Children in foster care finding a space to communicate. Care leavers preparing for employment. Our care-sector recommendations describe work built around relationships, practical goals and coordination with the services involved.
Build the engagement plan around the child and family, with a named liaison. Agree the child’s goals, work with parents and the contribution of the schools and agencies involved. Progress reviews keep the work connected; statutory responsibilities remain with the allocated service.
From enquiry to delivery
A clear project.
A shared understanding.
Initial conversation
Discuss suitability, education or engagement goals, scope and investment. Agree the delivery, safeguarding responsibilities and review arrangements.
Engagement plan
Build the plan around the child and family, with a named liaison. Connect direct engagement with the schools and agencies already involved.
Progress reviews
Review participation, child and family voice and available records alongside the referring team. Agree what needs to continue, change or happen next.
Before you commission
Your questions.Clear answers.
Know what to expect before you enquire. We’ll agree the support, responsibilities and next step with you.
Can I enquire about one child?
Yes. Describe the need at project level initially. Identifying referral information follows through an agreed process.
How will you work with the allocated social worker?
We agree the objectives, reporting arrangements, professional contact and responsibilities before delivery. Participation in meetings or reviews is specified in the brief.
Do you support care-experienced young people?
The June 2026 TwentyFive/7 recommendation describes ECNM’s work on an NHS Care Leaver Recruitment Project, including person-centred recruitment guidance. Availability and suitability are discussed for each enquiry.
Evidence from care and employment programmes
“providing them with a forum and platform to develop their communication skills, and learning how to build relationships with peers.”
“They were dependable, solution-focused and committed to achieving positive outcomes for the young people involved.”
Recommendation
Accalia Care Services
A home manager’s account of the value of consistent support.
Recommendation
Spectra
Programme engagement and progression into NHS roles.
Your next step
Let’s explore a way forward.
Tell us where engagement is missing and the progress you want to make possible. ECNM reviews suitability before agreeing the next step.