The key feature of an integrated service is that it acts as a service hub for the community by bringing together a range of services whose practitioners then work in a multi-agency way to deliver integrated support to children and families, says Gerard Kiely-Jones.
It is important to recognise that every local area will face differing multi-agency challenges and that the safeguarding threats and issues will vary across areas.
The need for effective multi-agency working and information sharing in order to secure improved safeguarding outcomes is clear from a whole host of reports, reviews and published work.
Although multi-agency models may appear different in presentation they are all largely based upon three common principles:
· Information sharing
· Joint decision making
· Coordinated intervention
The multi-agency model affords the opportunity to compile intelligence from a wider range of sources – this helps to build a more complete picture of cases in a timelier way and can lead to a reduction in repeat referrals. Serious risks may be assessed more accurately where there is a multi-agency approach allowing an earlier intervention which can be a preventative action before risk levels escalate.
Some of the processes needed to facilitate multi-agency working:
· Shared risk assessment tool
· Clear governance
· Good leadership
· Frequent scrutiny & review
· Strategic buy-in form all agencies
Significantly, multi-agency working avoids duplication of process across agencies which allows practitioners to use a “step-up/step-down” risk assessment process. This offers a better allocation of resources. In time this could lead to a more efficient service provision which is more cost effective.
Multi-agency working also has the advantage of creating better understanding between professions in terms of terminology used and approach to safeguarding. It can also lead to a greater insight into other professions and the challenges they face.
The benefits are clear:
· Improving outcomes for children and families
· Benefits for staff and services
· Providing what children, young people and families say they want
· Access to services not previously available
· A wider range of services
· Easier or quicker access to services or expertise
· Improved educational attainment and better engagement in education
· Early identification and intervention
· Better support for parents
· Children's needs addressed more appropriately
· Better quality services
· Reduced need for more specialist services
· Can significantly reduce service involvement
There are enormous benefits in multi-agency working. It is difficult to isolate one singular component from another but collectively as a process it works.
Gerard Kiely-Jones is Child Safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation Specialist at Ven Training Solutions.