site updated 25/08/2004

Information Sharing and Assessment (ISA)

Toolkit for document development and examples from non-trailblazer authorities

Overview

• This web based toolkit offers authorities guidance about the content of documents to support their work on Information Sharing and Assessment. It is based on information gathered during the assessment of all non-trailblazer authorities against the March 2004 minimum requirements. The trailblazer authorities have had a different focus.

• This toolkit highlights areas of 'best practice' within existing documents which are also presented in full. However, not all aspects of every document may be considered as examples of 'best practice'.

• The toolkit provides guidance on the following areas:

Participation of Children/Young People and Families Multi-Agency Child Friendly Privacy Statements Multi-Agency Consent (to share information) Forms Multi-Agency Information on Consent for Children/Young People and their Families Multi-Agency Guidance for Practitioners on How and When to Gather and Document Consent Web Based Directories of Services

• For each area the toolkit identifies 'best practice' and provides a range of example materials.

• The guidance has been produced in consultation with a range of experts (detailed in the methodology section), however, local authorities should satisfy themselves that the documents and guidelines they issue are in line with current legislation.

• Whilst this toolkit will provide guidance and help to authorities in developing or updating their materials, this process should involve practitioners, children/young people and families which will improve the materials, their effectiveness and use.

• The information which needs to be provided to practitioners, children/young people and families is detailed and authorities should consider the best ways to present it. Although this toolkit focusses primarily on documents, additional approaches such as poster campaigns, mailshot leaflets, printed mouse mats and computer screen savers in schools have all been used by authorities to help get key messages across. This will result in a multi-layered approach to disseminating information which will lead to a wider knowledge base and better understanding.