Information Sharing Index
From SR
Purpose
The information sharing index will aid more effective prevention and early intervention as a tool to support practitioners to improve outcomes for children, and is therefore a key element of the Every Child Matters programme.
The over-riding goal is to improve the outcomes for children, young people and families. The information sharing index will be a vital part of delivering early intervention for children who need additional services and effective safeguarding for children at risk of harm.
Background
On 8 December 2005, the Government announced their intention to implement a national information sharing index across all 150 local authorities in England by the end of 2008.
The index is being developed in response to a key recommendation of Lord Laming following his inquiry in to the tragic death of Victoria Climbié. It is being developed in consultation with children's work force practitioners and will enable them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively by providing them with contact details for other services working with the same child. Security is a key concern and access to the index will be tightly controlled and audited.
Content
The index will only hold basic details including name, address, gender, date of birth, identifying number, contact details for the child’s parent or carer, educational setting and GP practice. It will provide contact information for practitioners engaged with that child, and indicate whether they have completed a Common Assessment Framework (a generic assessment form completed by practitioners in relation to children with additional needs), have taken action or have information to share. It will not hold any case details, clinical data, SEN statements or academic and attendance records1. There will be no subjective opinions or observations about a child or parent and no automatic triggers for action or investigation.
