Interim findings from the agency's Integrated Workforce Strategy Project revealed children's professionals found it easier to form partnerships than those in adult services. The Every Child Matters agenda was found to be a factor as it gives all children's professionals a clear focus, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for children and the introduction of the common assessment framework. The report said: "In general, progress towards integrated workforce strategies is more advanced in the children's services study areas than in adult social care ones."
Seven areas were studied for the report, with study teams in Barnet, Calderdale and Walsall focused on children's services. Walsall was particularly praised for successfully introducing the common assessment framework across health, social care, education and the voluntary sector. The framework was introduced in June 2007 and involved training for around 700 professionals. In Calderdale, a workforce strategy manager interviewed more than 20 heads of service regarding partnerships and service integration. The report said this approach "informed prioritisation and promoted buy-in".
Problems encountered included workforce integration being left to human resources specialists instead of service heads, which meant partnership working was "not regarded as core business" and therefore not prioritised.
The agency also produced a series of recommendations, which include setting up a strong multi-agency leadership team and making sure shared visions for services are drafted and well promoted.
Joan Munro, national workforce strategy adviser at the Improvement and Development Agency, said: "There is a strong buy-in across agencies into the Every Child Matters agenda. It has also helped that the government has stuck with this agenda for a number of years."
AND MORE ...
Refugee and asylum seeking children in the UK struggle to deal with trauma, according to interviews with 54 children by the Thomas Coram Research Unit. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering, which commissioned the study, said those involved in their care need to put a greater emphasis on emotional support.
School-based sex education programmes fail to reach those most at risk of teenage pregnancy, according to a study by the Scottish Government into the effectiveness of health interventions. The most vulnerable children are least likely to engage with education systems, the study found.
Support from teachers and strong friendships in school are crucial to reducing the risk of antisocial behaviour. A study of eight-year-olds found school enjoyment was a strong factor in avoiding antisocial behaviour.
You can access these reports at www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.
