Barnardo's KeyWorking Service

The Northamptonshire KeyWorking Service is for children and young people (aged 0 to 25 years) who have a learning disability and/or autism. They must also be at risk of admission to a mental health ward (or families/professionals believe things are escalating and without support, admission could be an outcome).

The Keyworking Function has been developed as a response to the NHS England and NHS Improvement Long-Term Plan. There is a commitment that by 2023/24, children and young people with a learning disability, autism, or both (with the most complex needs) will have a designated keyworker. This commitment was made as part of the implementation of recommendations made by Dame Christine Lenehan.

The Vision:Children and young people with a learning disability, autism, or both (with the most complex needs) will have a designated keyworker.

Objectives:

• Improve children and young people’s lived experience so they feel safe and happy, listened to, informed, and involved in their plans, care, and support
• Improve parent/carers and families' lived experience so they have reduced stress and uncertainty, are more stable, and feel listened to, informed, and involved
• Improving access - timely access to the right personalised support, assessment, care, and support are integrated across education, health, social care, and voluntary, community services
• Continuity of care and support
• Well-planned and well-managed transitions
• Improving quality of care, reasonably adjusted support, reducing inequalities, implementation of Care and Education Treatment Review (CETR) recommendations
• Outcomes agreed with young person and family

In order to access the Keyworking Service the young person must be on the Dynamic Support Register. For more information about the Dynamic Support Register, please contact NHFT's Transforming Care Team ([email protected]).