Hlne Stewart

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Hélène Stewart Integrated Working
Team helene.stewart_at_dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
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Format of the LP Workshop
Presentation Department view of the LP policy
intent - Hélène Stewart Presentation LA
perspective on how LP works in Northumberland -
Audrey Johnson Group Work What are your
concerns/issues about the LP role? How can these
be overcome?
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The LP Vision

• All children with additional needs (including
  complex) who require integrated support from more
  than one practitioner should experience a
  seamless services where one practitioner takes
  the lead to ensure that services are
  co-ordinated, coherent and achieve intended
  outcomes.

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LP Policy Intent

• The LP is not a role but a minimum set of
  functions
• Act as a single point of contact for the child/YP
  or family
• Co-ordinate the delivery of the actions agreed by
  the practitioners involved
• Reduce overlap and inconsistency

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Why was the LP role introduced?

• Service User Frustrations
• Numerous lengthy meetings
• Lack of co-ordination
• Conflicting confusing advice
• Not knowing who to speak to
• The right support not being available at the
  right time

• Practitioner Frustrations
• Difficulties accessing specialist help
• Inadequate, misleading or inappropriate referral
  information
• Barriers to information sharing and communication
  problems
• Over-large and bureaucratic case conferences and
  management meetings to the detriment of
  delivering early intervention support

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Key Issues
From evaluation findings the key issue local
areas is that many practitioners are reluctant to
undertake the lead professional function. This
is often due to one or a combinations of the
following

• Confusion about the remit and responsibility of
  the role
• Capacity constraints due to the responsibilities
  of the role
• Concerns over the skills required
• Lack of confidence
• Concerns about accountability.

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Success Criteria

• Multi-agency team structures to support the LP
  functions
• Good initial training and ongoing on-the-job
  training and support
• Sharing practice
• Some areas have a CAF co-ordinator role to help
  support practitioners during the CAF completion
  process, organising the team around the child
  (TAC) meetings and supporting the LP in
  undertaking their functions (particularly with
  regards to the administration).

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Allocation of LP Role

• In most areas, allocation of the lead
  professional role is based on the following
  criteria
• Which agency is working to meet the priority need
• Who the young person feels most comfortable with
• Who is best able to communicate with the family.

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Whats in store for the future

• CWDC to publish integrated working evaluation in
  early 2009.
• We will work with CWDC (involving you as the
  experts) to review the LP guidance.
• The findings from the BHLP national evaluation
  will be published early 2009.

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