COMMON ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

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COMMON ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

• An opportunity and a challenge

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• We will expect every local authority to identify
  a lead official for ensuring information is
  collected and shared across services for
  children, covering special educational needs,
  Connexions, Youth Offending Teams, Health and
  Social Services. The aim is for basic information
  to follow the child to reduce duplication.
• Every Child Matters

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• Our existing system for supporting children and
  young people who are beginning to experience
  difficulties is often poorly co-ordinated and
  accountability is unclear. This means that
  warning signs are not recognised and acted upon.
  Some children are assessed many times by
  different agencies and despite this they get no
  services
• Every Child Matters

4
Weaknesses of the current system

• Children with multiple needs may be subject to
  multiple assessments.
• The core information does not follow the child
  this is inefficient and can be dangerous.
• The system is alienating for children and
  families.

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Weaknesses of the current system

• None of this ensures that families get a service.
• Some frontline services may refer to Social
  Services without a preliminary assessment.
• Other individuals and agencies may be better
  placed to undertake the assessment.

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North Lincolnshire Model

• Walking Through the System
• Worker from any agency has concern uses
  consultation process.
• If child in need of protection S47 refer to
  Police/Social Services
• If not S47 undertake Common Assessment

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North Lincolnshire Model

• At conclusion determine whether needs can be met
  within agency or is a multi agency response
  called for.
• Agency can convene Child in Need meeting or if
  simple set of needs are identified can make
  arrangements outside of a meeting.
• Agency expressing concern is responsible for
  hosting the meeting joint decision making plan
  of action process for review.

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• We must establish a common language for use
  across all agencies to help those agencies
  identify who they are concerned about, why they
  are concerned, who is best placed to respond and
  what outcomes are sought.
• From Recommendation 13 VCI

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CAF Whats the Point?

• CAF has the potential to
• Support common understanding.
• Improve understanding and communication.
• Reduce repeat stories
• Support early, appropriate and streamlined
  services
• Every Child Matters Next Steps

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• Service users dont want assessments they want
  services will the common assessment framework
  be any better at delivering?