Multi-agency Problem Solving (MAPS)
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 assessed to have the mental capacity to make a single or multiple 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.
In regards to mental capacity and the presumption of capacity, it is important that we highlight "2 Royal Bank of Scotland Plc v AB [2020] UKEAT 0266_18_2702" (39 Essex Chambers 2025, Codes update November 2025.pdf):
"The presumption of capacity is important; it ensures proper respect for personal autonomy by requiring any decision as to a lack of capacity to be based on evidence. Yet the section 1(2) presumption like any other, has logical limits. When there is good reason for cause for concern, where there is legitimate doubt as to capacity [to make the relevant decision], the presumption cannot be used to avoid taking responsibility for assessing and determining capacity. To do that would be to fail to respect personal autonomy in a different way"
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.