The Information Sharing & Assessment Programme

(Formerly IRT)

The programme is funded by central government and is driven by the Minister for Children Margaret Hodge MBE MP. She has stated that:

“All too often in the past, professional’s failure to share information has damaged children’s welfare and safety (remember the failure of partner agencies in the Climbié case). Where practitioners pool their knowledge of a child’s circumstances, that child is far more likely to receive the services they need, when they need them.

Victoria Climbié (1991 – 2000)

“It is vital that authorities support and develop trust and confidence between professionals in different agencies. There must never be another tragic case where a child suffers as a result of professionals NOT sharing what they know.”

The programme aims to engage and support partners within the Statutory, Voluntary & Community Sectors to develop specific areas of work such as information sharing, common assessment and commissioning of services.

Nationally, the North West are seen as the leaders in implementing this agenda and within this Halton plays a key part in facilitating and negotiating regional development.

For more information about the Programme please contact Barrie Vallance, ISAP Manager on 01928 567 350. Alternatively email Barrie.Vallance@Halton.gov.uk

What is ISA?

ISA is an advanced human and technology system that is made up of:

· A universal child information hub, based upon national data standards, that talks with local case management systems and enables agencies to ensure that every child receives services and support from statutory and voluntary agencies in relation to their needs

· An supporting service and information network that:

-Securely delivers “Notifications”, “Alerts”, “Concerns” and “Referrals” to people working with children & young people aged 0 – 19.

The ISA development will help statutory and voluntary organisations providing services and support to children and young people aged 0 – 19 and the communities within Halton in the following ways:

· ISA will help improve communication between services and organisations and provide a system within which the welfare of a child or young person is most important.

· There will be fewer children at risk

· Reduced cost of services

· Reduced cost of administration

· Fewer children at risk of removal from home

· Less disruption and family stress due to Social Services involvement and other stigmas

· More children achieving their potential at school

· Less crime due to youth offending

· Compliance to “Laming” recommendations

Proposed ISA Process

Stage 1

The initial referrer would submit an enquiry to all partner agencies through the use of a I.T database.

Stage 2

The software would find out the key contacts currently involved in providing services or support to the child or young person.

Stage 3

A message would be sent back to the referrer with the contact name ad telephone number of the relevant key workers.

Stage 4

It would then be the responsibility of the referrer to establish links and communicate with any organisations that have involvement with that child or young person.