The Responsibilities of Children's Services Staff Receiving Referrals

The link with the Common Assessment Framework:

These arrangements are designed to facilitate the introduction of the Common Assessment within Cumbria. All children/young people referred to Children's Services should have a CAF Pre-assessment Checklist by a professional known to them which identifies the needs and desired outcomes for the child. Children's Services staff will assist referrers in the completion of the checklist if needed. (If the child already has a full CAF this will also be accepted as a basis for referral)

The Service Directory is designed to specify the various services provided by the Children's Services Directorate and the relevant service/eligibility criteria so that the referring person knows the information required before making a referral and the likely response.

The role of the Referrer:

When CAF is fully implemented the person who makes the referral is likely to be the 'Lead Professional' whose responsibilities are to:

• Act as a single point of contact for children young people and their families, someone they can trust, who is able to support them in making choices and decisions and guide through the various services and support systems. 
• Co-ordinate the delivery and review of the agreed actions of all agencies.
• Reduce over-lap and inconsistencies in the services received. 

The responsibilities of the Children's Services Staff receiving referrals:

Children's Services is committed to ensuring an appropriate and coordinated response to all referrals whichever service receives them. The worker or manager who receives the referral becomes the 'responsible children's services professional' who must:

• Acknowledge the referral by phone or writing within 48 hours. 
• Attend planning meetings and deliver the service alongside the existing 'team around the child' if the referral meets the relevant criteria.
• To take over the role of 'lead professional' if this is agreed as appropriate at the relevant planning meetings.
• If the referral does not meet the relevant criteria ensure the referral is passed to and accepted by a more appropriate service within the Directorate.
• Keep the referrer advised as to the progress in redirecting the referral.
• If the child/young person needs services from more than one service within the directory ensure the referral is received and responded to by the other service.
• If the referral does not meet the criteria for any service explain the reason to the referrer and give information as to other services that may be more appropriate.