December Vulnerable Young People Risk Management Procedure

Transcription

1 December 2011 Vulnerable Young People Risk Management Procedure

2 Purpose of this procedure To provide an effective strategy to respond to vulnerable young people who are at risk due to their own behaviour. The purpose of the procedure is to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken when considering the level of vulnerability of the individual young people who are deemed to be at high or very high risk and a multi agency plan developed. This will assist front line staff to evidence their decision making in respect of individual children deemed to be at risk and ensure decisions are made that are defensible to external scrutiny. The procedure should also; 1.3 Provide clear definitions of the type of risk and the level of vulnerability for individual young people. Identify the nature and level of risk in case allocation and the interventions are necessary to moderate the risk. Provide guidance for managing the different levels of risk. Identify roles and responsibilities. Promote the sharing of information where children and young people are deemed to be at high or very high risk. Provide appropriate management oversight Scope This procedure applies to all staff within Children s Services and staff in other agencies who are working directly or indirectly with children, young people and their families. 3 References See Vulnerable Young Persons practice guidance/child Protection Procedures Introduction This procedure sets out the process that should be used when individual agencies become concerned that a young person s behaviour is increasing their vulnerability. This procedure provides a framework that should be used when individual agency risk assessments indicate that the risk posed to or by a young person is considered to be high or very high. The procedure is not intended to replace individual agency procedures nor replace other actions that workers may take to safeguard young people. The purpose of the procedure is to ensure a coordinated approach when considering the level of vulnerability of individual young people who are deemed to be at high or very high risk and to develop a multi agency plan. This will assist front line staff to evidence their decision making in respect of individual young people. December 2011

3 Procedure If an individual worker is concerned about the welfare of a child they undertake a CAF and convene a multi agency meeting to identify a lead practitioner and to complete the vulnerability checklist. Using the following matrix the worker should, on the basis of the risk, identify the level of vulnerability of the child or young person. 5.3 If any further information becomes known to the Lead Practitioner following the initial risk assessment, the level of vulnerability should be reviewed. Level of Vulnerability Low Threshold Action Lead No evidence at present to indicate likelihood of serious harmful behaviour. No further action required. The risk assessment documentation should be countersigned by the line manager. This document should be included on the young person s case file and any actions progressed by the young person and Team Around The Young Person Lead Practitioner Medium High Very High Some risk identified but consequences not likely to result in imminent serious or significant harm. This risk should be managed through the normal supervision process and agreed actions recorded on the young persons case file. The risk of significant harm arising as a result or consequence of the identified behaviour (s) could occur at any time. The risk of serious or significant harm is imminent and the young person will commit the behaviour (s) as soon as they are able or the opportunity arises. The risk assessment should be discussed with the line manager within 5 working days and a risk management plan devised that identifies actions to manage or moderate the level of risk. This should form part of the Team Around The Young Person Plan. The risk assessment should be discussed with the line manager that day. If not already open to tier 4 service e.g. YOT/CSC to refer to CSC in order to convene a multi agency planning meeting within 5 working days. The Vulnerability Check List must be commenced during this period and completed by all parties at the multi agency planning meeting (Appendix 1). This meeting should be chaired by a Manager. The meeting should be minuted and Lead Practitioner Lead practitioner/ Social Worker/ Line Manager 2

4 Immediate action is required and will involve intensive multi agency support and/or surveillance. If the Vulnerability Check List confirms the risk to be high or very high identify the actions to moderate the risk, the professional responsible for undertaking the actions and timescales. A referral must be made without delay to the Risk Management Group (RMG) 5.4 If the child/young person is at risk of significant harm due to abuse or neglect the Child Protection Procedure must be followed. The Multi Agency Risk Management Group (RMG) will be chaired by a Children s Services Senior Manager, other representatives should include, the Police, Housing and CAMHS. The Risk Management Group will consider (using the vulnerability checklist) the circumstances and plans of all young people referred to it as being at high or very high risk and will keep a central High Risk Register. 5.5 Young people will be included on this register if the assessment of the multi agency Risk Management Group concurs with the individual agency s risk assessment. 5.6 A multi agency risk management plan will be maintained for all young people whose names appear on the risk register. This plan will identify the support services that will be or are being provided to manage the identified risks. The plan will also identify the agencies responsible for providing the support and the timescales. 5.7 A copy of the plan will be provided to all agencies identified as providing support and the plan will be reviewed on a monthly basis until the young person is no longer consider to be at high or very high risk. 5.8 The risk management plan is not intended to replace any action which an individual agency may consider necessary to safeguard and protect the welfare of a child or young person. Rather, the plan is intended to enhance the planning process in respect of individual children and ensure coordinated multi-agency planning is in place. 5.9 The risk management plan should be included on the child or young persons case file. 6.0 The risk management log will be maintained by the Head of Assess and Decide who will keep the information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. 6.1 The RMG will seek confirmation from local authorities who place young people in Newcastle where there is deemed to be a risk to self or others that appropriate risk management strategies are in place. See Appendix 3 for RMG agenda. See Appendix 4 for risk management action plan. 3

5 Appendix 1 Vulnerability Checklist This document is to be used to identify the level of vulnerability of a young person. The purpose of the checklist is to identify strengths and risks in relation to a young person and to ensure that a coordinated plan is developed to meet their identified needs. The checklist contained in the document is not exhaustive and should be used to summarise the information held by different agencies involved with a young person. It is intended to assist with decision making and does not remove the need for professional judgement which should take account of factors such as the age and maturity of the young person. Personal Detail of young Person First Name: Surname: Address: D.O.B/Age: Legal Status: Risk Matrix Level of risk No apparent risk Low apparent risk Medium apparent risk High apparent risk Very high apparent risk No history or evidence at present to indicate likelihood of risk from behaviour No current indication of risk but young person s history indicates possible risk from identified behaviour Young person s history and current behaviour indicates the presence of risk but action has already been identified to moderate risk. The young Person s circumstances indicate that the behaviour may result in a risk of serious harm without intervention from one or more agency. The young person will commit the behaviour as soon as they are able and the risk of significant harm is considered imminent. 4

6 Vulnerability and Protective Factors The check list should be completed using the scoring matrix on the first page and the total score used to identify an indicative risk using the scale at the bottom of this page. The identification of the level of risk should take into account the age and level of functioning of the child as well as professional judgement. Section 1: Section 3: Emotional Health Substance Misuse Low Self Esteem Low Mood Conduct Issues Anxiety Self Harm Delusions Suicidal Ideation Suicidal Intent Diagnosed Mental Health Difficulties: - ADAH, Depression, Psychosis. Eating Issues Physical Health Score using following scale Score Major under care of Consultant Moderate regular GP involvement Minor Self-managed or with support of carer No Physical Health Issues Amphetamine Cannabis Alcohol Cocaine/Crack Poly Drug Use Ecstasy Benzodiazepines Solvents/Gas/Aerosols Other (state) Frequency - Regular - Occasional Injecting - No - Yes/Previously Contact with Substance Users - No using friends - Some using friends - All friends using Family Substance Users - No family users - Known close family users - Significant family misuse Risk of Overdose Sexual Health Section 4: Pregnant Commercial or Abusive Sex Other (state) Section 2: Social and Environmental Looked After Child/Leaving Care Family/Relationship Difficulties Non School Attendance Homelessness Unsuitable Housing Social Isolation Involvement in Criminal Justice System Risk of Custody Offending Behaviour Section 5: Missing Frequency of young person being missing. Risk of Harm Risk of Sexual Exploitation Length of Abscond Episodes Total Score Risk Level Section 6: Indicative Risk Continuum: 5

7 Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Very High Risk 0 40/41 60/61 70/ Section 7: Protective factors Summary Professional Assessment of Risk: Please remember to note: What is it that you are worried about? What is working well? (include strengths, exceptions, resources, goals, willingness, etc) What needs to happen to decrease risk and improve safety Young persons view of risk On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 means the problem is sorted as much as it can be and zero means things are so bad that there needs to be some professional help, where does the young person rate their situation at the time of the assessment? 6

8 Parent or carers view of risk On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 means the problem is sorted as much as it can be and zero means things are so bad that there needs to be some professional help, where does the parents/carers rate their situation at the time of the assessment? Risk management plan/if Young Person subject to Care Plan, see Care Plan Completed by Date Countersigned (Manager) Date

9 Appendix 2 Vulnerability Review This document is to be used to identify the level of vulnerability of a young person. The purpose of the checklist is to identify strengths and risks in relation to a young person and to ensure that a coordinated plan is developed to meet their identified needs. The checklist contained in the document is not exhaustive and should be used to summarise the information held by different agencies involved with a young person. It is intended to assist with decision making and does not remove the need for professional judgement which should take account of factors such as the age and maturity of the young person. Personal Detail of young Person First Name: Surname: Address: D.O.B/Age: Legal Status: Risk Matrix Score No apparent risk Low apparent risk Medium apparent risk High apparent risk Very high apparent risk No history or evidence at present to indicate likelihood of risk from behaviour No current indication of risk but young person s history indicates possible risk from identified behaviour Young person s history and current behaviour indicates the presence of risk but action has already been identified to moderate risk. The young Person s circumstances indicate that the behaviour may result in a risk of serious harm without intervention from one or more agency. The young person will commit the behaviour as soon as they are able and the risk of significant harm is considered imminent. 8

10 Appendix 3 Vulnerability Review This document is to be used to review the level of vulnerability of a young person referred to the Newcastle Risk Management Group (RMG) Section 1: Section 3: Emotional Health Substance Misuse Low Self Esteem Low Mood Conduct Issues Anxiety Self Harm Delusions Suicidal Ideation Suicidal Intent Diagnosed Mental Health Difficulties:- ADAH, Depression, Psychosis, OCD, ASD, PTSD Eating Issues Physical Health Score using following scale Score Major under care of Consultant Moderate regular GP involvement Minor Self-managed or with support of carer No Physical Health Issues Amphetamine Cannabis Alcohol Cocaine/Crack Poly Drug Use Ecstasy Benzodiazepines Solvents/Gas/Aerosols Other (state) Frequency - Regular - Occasional Injecting - No - Yes/Previously Contact with Substance Users - No using friends - Some using friends - All friends using Family Substance Users - No family users - Known close family users - Significant family misuse Risk of Overdose Sexual Health Section 4: Pregnant Commercial or Abusive Sex Other (state) Section 2: Social and Environmental Looked After Child/Leaving Care Family/Relationship Difficulties Non School Attendance Homelessness Unsuitable Housing Social Isolation Total Score Involvement in Criminal Justice System Risk of Custody Risk Level Offending Behaviour Section 5: Absconding Frequency of Absconding Risk of Harm Risk of Sexual Exploitation Length of Abscond Episodes Section 6: Indicative Risk Continuum: Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Very High Risk 9

11 0 40/41 60/61 70/ Views of the young person On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 means the problem is sorted as much as it can be and zero means things are so bad that there needs to be some professional help. Where does the young person rate their situation at the time of the assessment? Views of parents/carers On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 means the problem is sorted as much as it can be and zero means things are so bad that there needs to be some professional help. Where does the parent/carer rate their situation at the time of the assessment? Risk management plan (To include actions, responsible agency and timescale) 10

12 Completed by Date Summary of issues since last review: Vulnerability Checklist Scores: Original Score Current Score Indicative Risk Continuum: Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Very High Risk 0 40/41 60/61 70/ Evidence (Provide evidence of any changes in your assessment of risk, for example, positive outcomes relating to the plan in place, change in circumstances etc. Please remember to note: What is it that you are worried about? What is working well? (include strengths, exceptions, resources, goals, willingness, etc) What needs to happen to decrease risk and improve safety? 11

13 Appendix 4 Vulnerability Risk Management Procedure Agency identifies Risk/ Vulnerability CAF to be completed if one not already in place Convene multi-agency meeting to complete vulnerability checklist If low or medium manage in accordance with agency procedures If score High/ Very High Risk to be managed as part of a team around young person plan Manager nominates case to Risk Management Group (RMG) RMG endorses risk level/plan and adds young person to RMG risk log RMG review the assessment and the plan on a 3 weekly basis If risk reduces to medium/ low young person is removed from the RMG risk. Return to agency level management If risk remains High/ Very High young person s name remains on log 12

14 Approval, Implementation and Implementation plan TITLE Vulnerable Young People: Risk Management Procedure VERSION NUMBER 1 Previously issued DATE Approved Version Approval has been given for this Procedure to be implemented with immediate effect. Implementation plan NSCB member organisations, through their Policy and Procedure Committee representative are responsible for ensuring that all relevant staff are made aware of the revised procedure and how and where to access it. Approval given by whom and when NSCB Policy & Procedure Committee Planned Implementation Date January 2012 Review Date January 2013 Process Signed Off By Committee Chairperson Date