The approach to Common Assessment being adopted in Leeds focuses more on solutions than problems. That means taking a particular interest in what is working in people's lives, as opposed to what is not and helping people to work out how to change the parts of their lives that are not running so well. Adopting a solution focused approach across Children’s Services will help embed a common language of need and response. It is intended to be a tool for early intervention and promoted within Leeds as the primary way in which children and young people enter and exit coordinated multi agency activity.
Parents and carers and children and young people should be at the centre of the assessment. It is important that they are helped to understand the process using the information leaflets for parents and carers and children and young people, in order that they can contribute in an effective partnership. The process should be experienced by them as helpful and empowering.
The common assessment is intended to complement rather than replace specialist or statutory assessment processes. Where a child is already undergoing a specialist assessment, the common assessment may not be necessary if universal and targeted services are already coordinated by a lead professional under an agreed planning and review process. However there may be circumstances where a child is being supported by more than one agency, possibly involving specialist assessment, and the common assessment provides the structure to summarise information into a single, simple format that can be shared quickly and easily. This can particularly support integration of the child, young person, their parents and carers perspective. Similarly Common Assessment may be appropriate as part of an exit strategy from specialist services to coordinate ongoing universal and targeted responses.
Electronic enablement of Common Assessments is a national aspiration. Leeds has developed an interim solution with a database hosted by Children Leeds. Examples of the assessment form and additional guidance related specifically to the electronic enablement can be found within this toolkit.
Quality assurance processes are supported by electronic enablement. Local Integrated Processes Coordinators have an opportunity to monitor assessments and provide support to practitioners on the next steps. For summary information on good practice in undertaking assessments link to the “Quick CAF Guide”Monitoring and reporting procedures for Common Assessment are linked to the Children Leeds and Local Safeguarding Children Board structures at a local level.