Common Language Presentation Why a common language is necessary National Assessment Framework Gloucestershire’s response How the assessment model works and complements the Child Action Model How the model has been implemented so far Summary Questions

Common Language & Assessment References in Government guidance - Guidance to Children Act 1989 National Assessment Framework “Effective collaboration requires a common language to understand the needs of children…” Every Child Matters - Next Steps “A common assessment framework should help to identify... needs earlier and avoid duplication between agencies

Why is it necessary? Professionals from different agencies often use the same terms to describe different things Each agency uses different assessment tools Families often subjected to multiple assessments by different professionals Intrusive, stigmatising, confusing, costly and inconsistent

What happened? Introduction of National Assessment Framework 2000 Research indicates that while it is good at gathering information it offers little guidance regarding analysis

Gloucestershire’s response Development of common language assessment model that: a) incorporates NAF b) provides tool for analysis of information gathered

The assessment process using the common language model Gather information - NAF Identify needs - relating to child rather than services Make a judgement about the level of need - apply a threshold Specify realistic outcomes to be achieved Identify appropriate services to meet needs and outcomes specified

How does it complement the Child Action Model? Child Action Model Low level needs - likely impairment Complex needs - impairment High level needs- significant impairment Continuum of Need Threshold Multi Agency SSD Single Agency

How does it work? CIRCUMSTANCES NEEDSTHRESHOLDOUTCOMESSERVICES LIVING SITUATION FAMILY & SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS SOCIAL & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR PHYSICAL & PSYCHOLIGICAL HEALTH EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

Implementation Training in CL assessment model has been provided to: –all social services fieldwork staff –Child Action Project staff –Health Visitors –School Nurses –EWO’s –Reintegration staff

Summary Common language is essential for integrated working National Assessment Framework - good on information gathering but poor on analysis Common language assessment model incorporates NAF and provides analysis tool Compatible with and complements Child Action Model Multi-agency training provided to some agencies - but wider training strategy required