The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) process has been in utilised in Gateshead for a number of years now as a means of providing help at the earliest possible opportunity in order to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Although developments have been significant, Improvements are still needed in the use and quality of CAF to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
The recent Inspection of safeguarding and looked after children services in Gateshead identified that although use is made of the CAF for the early identification of need, the quality of assessments is variable.
In response to these findings and as part of the inspection action plan, a framework has been developed to centrally monitor CAF activity, audit the quality of the CAF process, measure its effectiveness and identify gaps in provision in order to improve outcomes for children, young people and families across Gateshead.
Please find attached an explanation of the framework along with the tools that will underpin the process.
Essentially, its about
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Self assessment - Practitioners can use a simple checklist as a guide
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Supervision - Regular supervision sessions should consider, support and challenge the use of CAF processes as standard practice
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Central Monitoring - Children’s Commissioning Team will facilitate a comprehensive central system monitoring the quality and effectiveness of the assessment of need and the delivery of support packages
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Service User Feedback - The views and experiences of children, young people and families will be sought as part of the framework
The new framework will be fully implemented from Monday 12th September 2011.