Multi-agency risk assessment and management (MARAM)
What is “MAPS”?
We have changed the name of the MARAM process to MAPS: Multi Agency Problem Solving.
Since its inception MARAM has been really positive for people who live in Warrington who have complex needs and the professionals who help them.
The Warrington Safeguarding Adults Board has agreed to the change in name.
As we go through the process of change, you may find some documents and information still reference MARAM, we will be editing the name of these over the following weeks.
Why has MARAM changed to MAPS?
Following the successful launch, we completed a review of the MARAM process. We have taken on board what has worked well with the process and where we need to make changes.
One of the aspects we have identified that there is a larger scope where the process can be used. Currently the process is being used as part of Risk Management; however there has been confusion about when the process should be used.
We hope that changing the name will show that the spirit of this process is to support professionals to solve the problems that come up with multi-agency working on complex cases.
Multi-Agency Problem Solving (MAPS) is a process designed to assist practitioners seeking to support individuals at risk to be able to continue to live independently, by providing support to manage, reduce and mitigate such risks. It can also be used when there are problems with a case that need a strong multi-agency approach.
The MAPS does this by drawing together practitioners to develop solutions to problems in case management that have become fixed.
Who is it suitable for?
It focuses on high intensity service users, or those who choose not to engage or may be hard to engage with, who for whatever reason engage in risky behaviours that are not captured by other safeguarding processes. The MAPS is developed for adults who are considered to have the mental capacity to make choices that we believe places them at risk. If the adult is assessed as having the capacity to understand the consequences of refusing services/engaging in risky behaviours, then holding a Multi-Agency Problem Solving meeting should be considered.
Some of the commonly occurring issues identified in cases where professionals might hold a MAPS meeting include:
- Alcohol/drug dependence
- Mental health
- Non-compliant or challenging behaviour
- Complexities around Medical Intervention, Medication and Diagnosis
- Self-neglect/self-harm/hoarding
- Refusal of access to an adult with care and support needs
- Fear of statutory bodies
- Homelessness/inappropriate environment
- Domestic Abuse combined with other complexities
For information on when to call a MAPS and the process to follow, please download the MAPS guidance document and related appendices.
Warrington Safeguarding Partnerships have also produced some Chairing Meetings Guidance to help support the MAPS process.