Barnardos Assessment Framework

Abstract

Barnardos is needs-led and outcomes-focused in our approach to service delivery, thus ensuring that we provide the service that is most responsive to the families' needs. This is evident in our assessment process and in the outcomes we aim to achieve for children. Assessment frameworks such as the Irish Assessment Framework (Buckley et al., 2006), the UK Framework for Assessment (Department of Health et al., 2000) and the Common Assessment Framework (Every Child Matters, 2006) provide a common language about the needs of children which helps with the prioritisation of outcomes. The Barnardos Assessment Framework (BAF) complements other assessment frameworks by encompassing a “whole child” approach whilst considering the strengths of families and the ability of parents to address their children’s needs. BAF is a visually straightforward framework with a spatial element to the design of its forms. It allows for flexibility in gathering information to ensure a holistic view of the child’s situation and needs. The aim of BAF is to highlight needs, in order to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people through successful services. BAF enhances and complements the professional training and skills of staff and strengthens existing quality practice with children and their families. Information gathered in the assessment is recorded in a concise way that enhances clarity and leads to LESS writing and MORE meaningful analysis by workers. BAF supports workers to clearly record, consider and analyse information on the history of a family, while keeping the child’s safety and healthy development at the centre of the work. The framework assists staff in working with children and families in terms of gathering a clear picture of their strengths and needs, what outcomes they want to achieve and planning what services will be most successful and beneficial. The design of the framework enhances a holistic view of the child. Seeing their histories in a visual, spatial format can help families in making connections between events and reactions in the life of the family and highlight the potential positive and negative effects of these events on their child. This document provides background information on assessment and outlines the steps involved in the BAF process. It defines the key concepts of needs, outcomes and services and outlines the core principles of assessment.