Devon County Council

Index of questions:

• When should we complete the eligibility criteria checklist and where should we record outcomes?
• How does FACS impact on use of the level 1,2,3 Assessments and Single Assessment Process?
• If the person is above the threshold for personal care but below for domestic support, how do we complete section 2 of the criteria?
• What should happen when health colleagues undertake the assessment?
• Where should the Eligibility Criteria Checklist be filed and should the individual receive the original?
• Should the eligibility criteria checklist be shared with the individual?
• Will the Eligibility Checklist and public information be widely available and in a range of formats?

When should we complete the eligibility criteria checklist and where should we record outcomes?

• The 'Additional Guidance for Staff' clarifies this issue. Your managers have copies.

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How does FACS impact on use of the level 1, 2, 3 assessments and Single Assessment Process?

The differentiated approach policy as set out in care management 2002 appendix A states

Level 1 assessment should be undertaken where there is:

• A stable situation
• Needs are clearly defined, straightforward, require no further clarification
• The individual has a clear view of what is required and why
• There is agreement on needs and how best they can be met
• Risks are easily identifiable and can be reduced without further intervention or assessment

Level 2 assessment should be undertaken where:

• The level 1 assessment indicates needs require further clarification / identification
• The level 1 assessment indicates risks are set at a moderate level
• Where a carer requests a separate carer assessment, the cared for person should normally be offered at least a level 2 assessment

Note: The decision to do a level 1 assessment is determined by the above criteria being met and not whether a visit is needed or not.

• When a level 1 assessment is completed (whether over the phone or during a visit) the practitioner should ensure they have asked the person about other aspects of their life as set out in the FACS headings.

• Where there are no other issues identified, the practitioner should record this either on the back of the ss1 or on the ss6 using the FACS headings. (Health, personal care, domestic routine, home environment, family and social responsibilities, carers).

• Where the person raises other areas of concern or there is disagreement about the situation between the assessing worker and the user / carer, consideration should be given to the need for a level 2 assessment (reference level 2 criteria above).

• If the situation is more complex for example, vulnerable adult , multi agency needs and so on, the assessing worker should discuss with their manager.

• Whilst the Single Assessment Process is not fully implemented in Devon yet the national guidance recommends:
  
  'Where presenting needs or requests are straightforward and people have indicated they have no other needs or issues, it would usually be inappropriate for professionals to prolong the assessment. These requests can be dealt with promptly, provided there are no other needs, the needs are eligible for support….

In making decisions about the breadth of assessment, professional will often rely on their judgement. '

• More details are available at Single Assessment Process in Devon.

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If the person is above the threshold for personal care but below for domestic support, how do we complete section 2 of the criteria?

• If someone is above the threshold for services for personal care, tick the relevant box in substantial or critical. If they are below for managing daily routines (includes domestic tasks) then tick the relevant box in moderate or low. An individual can be above the line for some needs and below for others within a section on the Eligibility criteria checklist.

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What should happen when health colleagues undertake the assessment?

• The protocol 'Use of FACS by Staff in Partner Agencies' gives guidance on when staff from other agencies should be familiar with FACS and when they should use FACS. Your managers will have copies of this and your health and housing colleagues should also have received copies. It is also available at Devon FACS.
  
  Whilst staff in other agencies are receiving training about use of FACS, interim guidance has been agreed for staff to use within social services Additional FACS Guidance for staff . Your managers have copies of this and it is available at Devon FACS.

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Where should the Eligibility Criteria Checklist be filed and should the individual receive the original form?

• The Eligibility Criteria Checklist should be filed with the appropriate assessment paper work on the client file.
  
  The form is a tool we use to identify and advise whether the individual is eligible to receive services from us. Where the individual wants a copy they should be sent / given the original copy and we should keep the photocopy.

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Should the eligibility criteria checklist be shared with the individual?

• The individual should be asked if they want a copy and if so, a copy should be sent / given to him / her together with a copy of the assessment / summary and / or care plan where relevant.
  
  Where individual's do not want a copy this should be recorded on the assessment form.

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Will the Eligibility Checklist and public information about eligibility criteria be widely available and in a range of formats?

• Both are currently available in ordinary and large print formats. Work is underway on a total communication format. Many other languages and formats are available from the Public Information and Communications Section with 48 hours notice.