Social Work Chronologies June 2014 Pauline Morris

Learning Objectives To establish the context for improvement To confirm practice expectations about content and use of chronologies To clarify what constitutes a significant event To clarify the use of a different chronology format for social work evidence statements To introduce the RAG rated chronology concept

Context: Common Audit Findings Where chronologies are considered ‘good’ they portrayed a child/YPs journey/experience Some chronologies have key information missing. Significant events did not always indicate outcome Some chronology entries detail unnecessary SW tasks and/or processes Excessive and unfocussed entries detract from identifying and understanding a child’s journey

What is a Chronology? A chronology: Provides a prompt, concise; factual, visual outline of significant events/information Is completed in date order Highlights significant changes in a child’s life Summarises outcomes relating to significant events Helps to understand the impact on the child Contributes to risk assessment and informs decision making through all stages of the child’s journey Is based on a study of recorded information, and in social work practice its overall purpose is to support the analysis of the history of a case

Context: Revised PLO and Pre Proceedings: Was endorsed and became statute; effective April 2014 Documents filed within Legal Proceedings are restricted to a core bundle (unless Court requests further documents) All documents need to be succinct & focused on relevant details Specific emphasis on Impact and Analysis rather than narrative Whilst cases often have extensive complex histories, a Chronology must primarily refer to the past two years Chronologies should be a summary of events: with significance to the child highlighted All unnecessary detail should be avoided If an historical significant event continues to have current relevance, then this should also be included.

Why do we need a Chronology? Keeps the ‘child in mind’, at the ‘front & centre’ of our thinking Helps identify risk, emerging /established themes in child’s life Identifies connections amidst intergenerational patterns of behaviour Helps explore trends that facilitate predictions and analysis Helps understand what is significant to a child/YP and why? Facilitates identification of chronic neglect Enables us to share concise summaries of concerns with the child, family, partner agencies and the court Provides a ‘pen picture’ of each child to enhance prompt familiarity with the child’s journey With the ‘child in mind’ it provides a ‘story board’ for each child to view if they wish to do so when they reach maturity to enhance their ability to try to understand their particular journey

RAG Rating Significant Events: RAG rating: RED: used to indicate periods of High risk AMBER: used to indicate Medium – high risk GREEN: used to indicate low/no risk but where event is still significant to a child (i.e. relocation or school transfer) When colour coded, the level of risk within the child’s ‘journey’ is easier to identify.

Significant Events – helpful tips Focus on events and changes in circumstances that had a positive or negative impact on the child Only include a CP/LAC visit if something significant happened Don’t clutter up the chronology by copying and pasting case notes or including lists of dates of visits Multiple significant events may be grouped together eg: Between April – June 2012 there were 23 incidents of absconding which increased in frequency and duration each week, rather than listing all 23 separate incidents If events are significant they require a response – a chronology of incidents with no details of what was done raises questions about the SW involvement If there was no action, explain why not Where relevant, bring together information from a variety of sources and always identify the source Always reference other documents clearly All open cases should have an up to date chronology and this should be a priority if one is missing or out of date

What to include – this is not an exhaustive list! Family history, births, marriages, new partner, separations, bereavements, changes in household composition, employment/unemployment & homelessness Referral history & outcomes Evidence of engagement or non engagement with agencies Education, behaviour, exclusions admissions, missed appointments Domestic abuse incidents Substance misuse issues Criminal Justice activity, parents, carer or YP Statutory meeting i.e. ICPC/RCPC & outcome Periods subject to LAC process Missing episodes of child or family member Concerns Re suspected specific issues CSE or Trafficking History relating to violence including convictions for such Any concerns Re Vulnerable Adults CP enquiries & outcomes Court appearances, hearing and orders Key management decisions and brief reasons Any other relevant concerns or positive improvements Sex Offender Registration – known to MAPPA or MARAC Disability, illness & mental health A&E attendance, hospital Relocations School changes