Updated guidance for accessing support from the Multi-Agency Teams
Updated guidance is available on who to contact for consultation about potential referrals to agencies based within the Multi-Agency Teams (e.g. DIVERT, Barnardo’s, CAMHS) and some of the agencies based in the local Multi-Agency Team areas.
Please see the links on this page to the document 'MAT consultation and referral guidance' and the Multi-Agency Team web pages for more information.
Revised ISA/CAF Practitioner Toolkit available
The revised electronic ISA/CAF Practitioner Toolkit is now available. It combines local and national guidance into one document and includes:
- Guidance on information sharing and consent
- A step by step guide to the ISA/CAF process
- Multi-Agency Teams and how to access the support from MAT members
- Guidance on the Common Assessment Framework, including a step by step guide for completing the CAF
- Guidance on the Lead Professional role, including choosing the Lead Professional
- Guidance on the Team around the Child, including best practice for arranging TAC meetings and what makes a good TAC plan
- Guidance for managers
- Guidance for the administration of the ISA/CAF process
To access the Toolkit, click on the 'Practitioner Toolkit' link on this page.
Changes to support for vulnerable children and children in need
On 1 October 2010, the way Shropshire Council provides support for vulnerable children and children need changed.
An extensive service review carried out earlier this year, coupled with reductions in public sector spending has resulted in the refocus of social work capacity. Priority will be given to ensuring that vulnerable children and children at risk of significant harm receive appropriate timely assessment and support.
The aim of these changes is to make the response to referrals and initial enquiries clearer, more robust and to ensure we are able to strengthen our safeguarding function.
This has implications for the structure of social work teams and for the support provided for the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) process across Shropshire. The changes and their implications are summarised within the ISA update attached.
The documents produced as guidance to support the changes can be found within the web page entitled: Practitioner Toolkit (see link below) and now form part of the Toolkit.
ISA/CAF Managers' Training
The ISA (Information, Sharing and Assessment)/CAF Managers' Training has been set up to support managers across the children’s workforce to be aware of their responsibilities in supporting staff to ensure the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) Process is conducted in a high quality way across all services.
The training will ensure all managers are aware of the new CAF Quality Assurance Framework which has been adopted by the Shropshire Children’s Trust.
To book a place call 01743 254419 or email mapadmin@shropshire.gov.uk