ContactPoint
ContactPoint was previously known by the working title of the 'information sharing index'. It will be the quick way for a practitioner to find out who else is working with the same child or young person, making it easier to deliver more coordinated support.
It will be a basic online directory, available to authorised staff who need it to do their jobs. It is a key part of the Every Child Matters programme to improve outcomes for children.
ContactPoint is one of a range of tools that will help services work together more effectively on the frontline to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.
ContactPoint will hold the following information:
- Basic identifying information for all children in England (aged up to 18): name, address, gender, date of birth and a unique identifying number.
- Basic identifying information about the child's parent or carer.
- Contact details for services involved with the child: as a minimum, educational setting and GP practice, but also other services where appropriate.
- A means to indicate that a practitioner has information to share, is taking action, or has undertaken an assessment under the Common Assessment Framework in relation to a child.
ContactPoint will not hold assessment or case information, or subjective observations about a child or their parent. It will not contain any details such as birth weight, exam results, medical records, diet or any other detailed personal information about a child or their family.
The informed consent of the young person or the child's parents and carers will be required to record details about practitioners providing sensitive services These services include; sexual and mental health, and substance abuse services. Where consent is given, access to the information will be restricted.
Section 12 of the Children Act 2004 provides the legislative basis for establishing ContactPoint. ContactPoint will be made available to all local authorities in England during 2008.
Who will have access to ContactPoint?
Access will be restricted to authorised users who need it as part of their work. This will include those working in education, health, social care, youth offending and some voluntary organisations. All users will have to go through appropriate security checks, including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks.
Users will be trained in the safe and secure use of ContactPoint, information sharing practice and the importance of compliance with the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act. All users should receive training as close as possible to the time that they will start to use ContactPoint.
Robust procedures and mechanisms will be in place to guard against access by unauthorised users, and the inappropriate use of ContactPoint by authorised users.