Integrated Working The Team around the Child / Family (TAC / TAF)

Transcription

1 Integrated Working The Team around the Child / Family (TAC / TAF) Where a multi-agency response is required, the formation of the Team around the Child (TAC) / Family (TAF) brings together practitioners from across different services. As a result, the TAC / TAF comprises multi-agency practitioners working together to deliver an integrated package of support to meet the needs of children and families, as identified during the assessment process. The TAC / TAF intervention is coordinated by a Lead Professional (LP). A key member of the TAC, the LP is also best placed to act as the main point of contact for the family and other TAC members. However, each practitioner in the TAC is accountable to their home agency for the services they deliver to children and families. TAC members are: Jointly responsible for developing and implementing the plan identified through the assessment process; Responsible for delivering the activities they agreed to carry out as part of the plan; Responsible for attending TAC meetings and keeping TAC members informed about progress in their area of expertise; Expected to update their actions on ecaf and support the LP as relevant. TAC / TAF meetings Regular TAC / TAF meetings provide an opportunity for the child and family to interact with the LP and other TAC members in order to: Evaluate their progress; Agree new actions; Have a strategic overview of the intervention; and Discuss exit strategies. As a result, TAC meetings become the forum where the overarching Action Plan created to address the needs identified during the assessment process gets updated. Progress updates on the Action Plan as well as the minutes of the meeting are captured via the Delivery Plan and Review section on ecaf. Actions must be SMART and can be allocated to members of the TAC / TAF as well as the child and family. TAC meetings are expected to be scheduled at 6-8 weeks intervals; however, they can occur more or less frequently as required.

2 A fundamental singularity of the TAC meeting compared to all other multi-agency meetings is the key role that children and families play at the centre of the TAC / TAF, as well as in determining the effectiveness of the intervention and how in their view, it s helping them achieve their outcomes. TAC meetings don t need to be oversubscribed only those working closely with the child and family should attend. Where a wide network of practitioners is involved, practitioners who cannot attend the meeting should provide feedback via the LP. Team managers attend and chair challenging TAC meetings to provide support where difficulties may be anticipated. An Agenda Template for TAC meetings, as well as Checklist of what should be covered during the meeting has been annexed to this article. The TAC /TAF model promotes continuity, effective service provision, and a better experience for families and is essential in supporting the step-up / step-down process, to and from statutory services. TAC training is delivered as part of standard CAF training and can be booked directly via Workforce Development CPD Online:

3 TAC MEETING AGENDA Child/Young Person Name: Date: Start Time: Chair/Lead Professional Location: End Time: Minutes: Invitation List Professionals and Family Name Organisation Invited Attended Documents or Reports to table/circulate 1. CAF Delivery Plan & Review Form AGENDA ITEMS 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Actions and Progress (including Distance Travelled) Date of next meeting: Note: Please use the CAF Delivery Plan and Review Form to record updates, actions and views from this meeting.

4 PREPARATION FOR THE MEETING CHECKLIST FOR RUNNING TAC MEETINGS Explain the purpose and process of the TAC to family/young person, and ensure they agree to going ahead with the arrangements Book suitable venue, refreshments Consider practicalities for the family/young person such as transport, childcare Check if there are any confidentiality issues that should not be discussed with any parties Send invite to all attendees, with Start and End times; purpose of meeting outlined and Agenda attached, plus any other paperwork (e.g. Delivery Plan & Review if there have been updates since the previous meeting) For initial TAC meeting agencies could be asked to bring information/leaflets to explain what their service/agency does Any practitioners who are unable to attend are given the opportunity to send any relevant information/updates AT THE MEETING Ask family/young person to attend a little earlier so they feel fully briefed and practitioners can be introduced to them as they arrive, rather than vice versa Chair not to be over-formal, structure follows an agreed agenda but allowing for some flexibility Introductions, each practitioner giving brief details of who they are and what agency they are from Explain the purpose of the meeting Ground rules confidentiality, consent, respecting everyone s view, taking turns to speak etc Ensure family/young person have the opportunity to speak throughout the meeting; allow them to confirm expectations / goals Use Delivery Plan & Review Form to update on actions Focus on strengths / positive aspects Review the Action Plan, note progress towards goals and any new actions agreed Formally identify Lead Professional (at first TAC Meeting) Agree date for next TAC meeting 10 Minute Rule allowing time to re-visit any points to clarify, ask questions etc Thank everyone for attending Leave on a positive note FOLLOW UP ACTIONS AFTER THE MEETING Speak to family/young person alone to get their views on the process how was it for them especially after the first TAC meeting. The CAF Questionnaire should be used at the end of the CAF process, but can also be used along the way as a temperature check Update the Actions on ecaf and add any new ones; write up the Review page and circulate finalised DPR to family/young person and any practitioners who are not ecaf system users, including those who could not attend on the day.

5