What are MACPTs?
Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs) have been established as part of the Families First Partnership Programme, known locally in Milton Keynes as Child First, Family Led.
They bring key safeguarding partners together to strengthen decision‑making, planning and outcomes for children at risk of significant harm.
Who MACPTs support
MACPTs focus on:
- Children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm
- Families involved in pre‑proceedings (Public Law Outline)
- Children who are subject to care proceedings
- Complex safeguarding cases where coordinated, multi‑agency oversight is essential
The teams ensure that children are protected effectively while remaining with families wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
What MACPTs do
MACPTs provide:
- Multi‑agency oversight and decision‑making on child protection cases
- Support with child protection plans, pre‑proceedings and court activity
- Shared professional challenge and reflective discussion
- Strong, consistent safeguarding responses aligned to national reform
This approach strengthens partnership working and improves the quality and consistency of child protection practice.
Lead Child Protection Practitioners
Each MACPT includes 2 Lead Child Protection Practitioners who:
- Provide expert consultation on child protection cases and plans
- Support practitioners with complex safeguarding decisions
- Work closely with safeguarding partners to ensure plans are robust and timely
Lead practitioners play a key role in embedding best practice and supporting confident, high‑quality child protection work.
Partnership working
MACPTs operate through close collaboration between safeguarding partners, including:
- MKCC Children’s Social Care
- Thames Valley Police
- Health services
- Education
This shared approach ensures children are protected through joined‑up, timely and informed decision‑making.
How MACPTs fit with Family Help
MACPTs work alongside Family Help Teams within the Child First, Family Led model, forming an integrated system. MACPTs provide dedicated multi‑agency leadership for child protection and PLO work (Level of Need, Level 4), ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.
Where the teams are based
MACPTs are based in Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes. There are four teams, aligned to the four Children’s Social Care geographical areas:
- North
- South
- East
- West
How to contact MAPCTs
MACPT services are by referral-only via the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).