Research into integrated working

In 2009, we commissioned three research pieces to look at different elements of integrated working.  The research considered:

CAF and specialist assessments

The research to explore the relationships between the common assessment framework (CAF) and specialist assessments looked at the interface between the CAF and assessments in the health, education, youth and social care sectors, considering how they can work to support each other. 

The research outlines the concerns that local areas are facing with the interface, and the solutions that are working for them. 

CAF and specialist assessments - Full report [1.6 MB - PDF]
CAF and specialist assessments - Executive summary [ (163.9 KB - PDF]

Barriers to engaging with the CAF process

This report examines the perceived barriers to the CAF process, and the some of the solutions to address them. 

The research focussed on two main areas.  The first was to examine the barriers to engagement the workforce felt when initiating a CAF, and when taking on the role of the lead professional.  The second focus was to identify the skills needed when acting as a CAF initiator and a lead professional. 

This report examines the perceived barriers to the CAF process, and the some of the solutions to address them. 

Barriers to engagement - Full report [787.8 KB - PDF]
Barriers to engagement - Executive summary [120.2 KB - PDF]

The use of the Team Around the Child (TAC) model of multi-agency working

The research into the Team Around the Child model (TAC) looked specifically at teams working with young people between 14 and 19 years.  

Through the research, it emerged that there were lots of different models for a TAC, but that they all contained some common themes.  These included:

• A child or young person at the centre of the process.
• A joined up assessment of the child's needs and strengths, usually a CAF.
• A lead professional to coordinate the work.
• A virtual or flexible multi disciplinary team that changes as the needs change.

Team Around the Child research [1.3 MB - PDF]
Team Around the Child executive summary [638.3 KB- PDF]