• Introduction
• Tool Kit
• e-SCARF
• Latest News
• SCARF/CIN Differences
• How CIN became SCARF
• CIN in the UK
• Underpinning Knowledge
• Values and Principles
• Assessment Model
• Online Learning
• Thinking of Using SCARF?
• Resources
• Further Reading
• Contacts

The Children In Need
Framework Trial

Outline of the implementation process, and research methodology.

Barnardos and the UNSW obtained 3 year grant from the Australian Research Council Strategic Partnerships with Industry Research and Training (SPIRT) Scheme to examine best practice in Family Support (assisting vulnerable families with children in need).

A preliminary search led to parallels being drawn with the underlining principles of UK The Children In Need and their Families Assessment and Planning Framework” (CIN Framework) and those of Family Support.

The UK Dept of Health was approached and a research licence was given to conduct a trial.

Barnardos established a CIN Framework implementation strategy commencing January 2000.

1. 6 family support programs involved in 4 geographical locations

2. Implementation consultative group established to meet monthly

3. UK material edited to suit Australian context/language only.

4. 2 initial days + 1 follow up day of training and supervision focused on the model for workers and managers.

5. Use of the CIN Framework on all new referrals commenced January 2001.

6. To allow workers time to develop assessment skills caseload were adjusted temporarily and individual supervision focused on CIN requirements.

UNSW evaluation research methodology

1. The first 206 child and family assessments and plans were audited for compliance with the CIN Framework’s recommended assessment and planning practice and procedures.

2. Worker and manager opinions of the model in practice using questionnaires and standard focus groups were conducted after 9 months of implementation.

3. Outcomes study using before and after interview techniques of client families (parent and children over 8) and their workers was conducted over a period of 18months.

Changes were made to incorporate the recommendations of the research and further revisions may be made as a results of Outcome Study due 2005. (see SCARF/CIN Differences)

Full report is available from the UNSW :

Implementation of the Framework For The Assessment of Children In Need and their families:
The experience of Barnardos Australia
Elizabeth Fernandez and Rosanna Romeo School of Social Work, The University of NSW.
Obtainable by email from Dr Fernandez

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Introduction - Tool Kit - e-SCARF - Latest News - SCARF/CIN Differences - How CIN became SCARF
CIN in the U.K. - Underpinning Knowledge - Values & Principles - Assessment Model
Online Learning - Thinking of using SCARF? - Resources - Further Reading - Contacts