The Common Assessment Framework Delivered by: Gill Downton Bromley CAF Team

The Common Assessment Framework A standardised method of assessment for assessing children and young peoples needs. Recognising that promoting the well-being of children and young people and safeguarding them from harm is everyone’s business Be proactive – identify concerns as early as possible and initiate actions Relevant to any agency who provides a service to children and young people and will support multi-agency working together

Holistic Assessment 3 Dimensional Child/YP seen in the context of the whole family & community 2 Dimensional The focus is on the whole child 1 Dimensional The focus is on the needs relevant to your agency

Early Intervention (Cover of The Second Independent Report by Graham Allen MP)

It is a PROCESS which is supported by a standard form The CAF is NOT simply a FORM to fill in! It is a PROCESS which is supported by a standard form The process includes: A holistic assessment focussing on needs and strengths Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings A multi-agency action plan instead of several uncoordinated single agency plans A Lead Professional A review process

Role of the CAF Team The CAF Team (4.2 FTE inc Manager and Administrator) is responsible for: - providing appropriate training, support, advice and information to practitioners using the framework; offering a chairing facility for complex ‘Team Around the Child’ meetings; the management of Information Systems relating to CAF including a central depository for all CAFs; monitoring and auditing CAF implementation & progress within Bromley.

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TAC Meetings Where a TAC meeting is chaired by the CAF Team and the consensus is that a referral to Children’s Social Care (CSC) is required the CAF Team will make the referral and escalate it as appropriate If the case is not accepted as a referral the CAF Team can continue to support with ongoing TACs

Step-down from CSC The Social Worker (SW) will contact the preferred Lead Professional (LP) and discuss step down with them. If the family give consent, the SW can share a copy of their recent assessment report with the LP. The ongoing needs must be clearly identified and a proposed action plan put in place. The LP should then register a copy of the shared assessment and agreed Action Plan with the CAF Team. If the child has complex multiple needs, good practice should mean that the SW arranges a final case closure/ Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting and invites the LP to the meeting as well as other practitioners. The young person (where age appropriate) and/or parent/carer(s) must also be present.

Benefits Early intervention Improved joint working Much clearer information about family situations – a structure under which to gather that information Parent/carer engagement & empowerment Parent/carer and/or Young Person given a voice Via TACs/consultation Multiagency 3 dimensional approach A multiagency plan instead of several service specific plans – reducing overlap, common goals and shared responsibility Engagement of agencies Preserved history – a picture built up over time* Myth blowing assumptions about who is involved and doing what*

CAF use within Bromley

CAFs via age range 2010/11

Other sources of information CAF Practitioner and Managers Guides (July 09) http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/resources-and-practice/IG00063 Information sharing guidance and training materials www.ecm.gov.uk/informationsharing Bromley Safeguarding Children Board (info re CAF Training, relevant guidance and CAF Form) http://www.bromleysafeguarding.org/

Any Questions?