The experience of chronic neglect can be seriously damaging for children and the number of children affected by neglect is high. While this is acknowledged, serious case reviews show that the factors and judgments used to assess neglectful families are hard to pin down. 

The LSCB is committed to improving practice in the area of neglect and has developed a framework of good practice.
The components of the framework are:

• Promoting effective tools for assessing families where neglect may be a feature
• Disseminating research in promoting effective practice
• Providing forums for reflective practice and analysis

Tools - handbook
With the help of practitioners who attended a serious case review workshop on neglect in October 2007 we are now designing a handbook of good practice, which will be helpful for staff coming into contact with families where neglect may be a feature. We aim to launch this at a briefing event for the graded care profile in September.

Tools-Graded Care Profile Scale
This assessment tool was devised by Dr Orn Prakash Srivastava, Consultant Community and designated doctor for Luton Teaching Primary Care Trust. It provides:

• a framework for making assessment,
• a baseline measurement,
• a measure of objectivity,
• judgement about care and
• reliable standardised evidence

It has been used extensively in Luton since 1999; with other authorities having either implemented it or are considering its use. It has been used in the Cambridge City area for over 12 months by Social care (Family Support and Intake), Health (Child and Family Nurses) and Sure Start Home Visiting Team in the designated Sure Start area. Feedback has been extremely positive.

The LSCB has endorsed this tool and is looking for it to be implemented across the three areas of Cambridgeshire. IT IS A TOOL TO HELP PRACTITIONERS WORK WITH FAMILIES WHERE NEGLECT IS A FEATURE AND CAN HELP INFORM ASSESSMENT-IS NOT SOMETHING ELSE ‘YOU HAVE TO DO’!

A training course in June is being delivered by staff from Luton to key staff identified by Social care, education and health and a briefing event for a larger audience will be available IN September where you can learn more about it and how to use the tool in ‘have a go’ sessions. More information by broadsheet and LSCB website later.

Carol Wells
Training & Practice Development Manager
Cambs LSCB

01480 376078
Carol.Wells@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Introduction to Graded Care Profile

Graded Care Profile Form