Family CAF and Transition to Family eCAF Update

1. Family CAF and Transition to Family eCAF Update Christine Oker Policy Manager, Early Intervention & Targeted Support and Jackie Clementson Service Manager, Services for Young People Children’s Services, HCC

2. Outline • Brief overview of CAF Review • Outcome of unannounced Ofsted Inspection - CAF • Response to Review findings – Strategic Direction • Underpinning principles for Family eCAF • Transition arrangements from current CAF to Family eCAF • Next steps

3. CAF Review – Key Findings • CAF Review • perception that CAF is operating at a much higher level of need than was set up to do i.e. at level 3 rather than level 2 • Clarity on the definition & purpose of CAF • Step up Step down • Lead Professional role • Substantial feedback on the CAF tools • Workforce Development • Practice support for practitioners

4. Unannounced Ofsted Inspection Jan 2013 • Unannounced Inspection Jan 2013– Outcome on CAF • CAF process is well embedded across the county and it is being used effectively to assess the needs of children. • Whole family approach through TAF to address identified issues & concerns • Parents spoke positively about how swiftly agencies offered support and guidance • Evidence of partnership working • CAFs becoming increasingly effective in identifying, preventing and intervening to support the most vulnerable families • However, • Quality of assessments remains variable

5. Response to Review findings – Strategic Direction • Agreement on the direction of travel for CAF as a multi-agency single assessment and planning tool for prevention and early intervention work in Hertfordshire. • The introduction of a Family CAF, which will allow for both individual and whole family assessments. • The procurement of a multi-agency electronic CAF system, using the Family CAF as the template. • The strengthening of practice support at local level through the introduction of 5 eCAF Co-ordinator roles

6. The Underpinning principles for Family eCAF • Family centred approach • Multi-agency approach • Evidence based assessments • Focus on clear intended outcomes – evidencing impact from universal, targeted to specialist regardless of point of entry • Robust and timely assessments & reviews • Ability to track and evidence track impact of intervention • Skilled & confident workforce • Consistent quality & standard of practice • Clear accountability

7. Transition arrangements from current CAF to Family eCAF • Family CAF – what is different about the Family CAF • Multi-agency steering group • Pilot – Overview, findings & next steps • Operational Roll Out • Strengthened Practice Support • Central CAF Team • CAF Co-ordinators • How can partners contribute to and support transition over the coming months

8. Next Steps… • Family eCAF Launch event – 11 December 2013 • Transition timeline • Reviewing pilot and amend system to reflect pilot outcomes – December 2013 • operational roll out to commence – mid Jan 2014 • Stakeholder Communication – from December 2013 • Further information will be posted at http://www.hertsdirect.org/familyecaf