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 NeedThreshold T

hres

hold

Multi Agency

SSDSingle

Agency

How does it work?

CIRCUMSTANCES NEEDS THRESHOLD OUTCOMES SERVICES

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