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Overview of the Integrated Children's System (ICS)

The Integrated Children's System (ICS) is an integrated, framework of records for children from the point of Referral to Closure.

It was developed to improve outcomes for children defined as being in need, under the Children Act 1989 by providing a conceptual framework, a method of practice and a business process to support practitioners and Managers in undertaking the key tasks of assessment, planning, intervention and review.

It is based on an understanding of children's developmental needs in the context of Parental capacity and wider family and environmental factors and has full regard for current legislation.

The national ICS project was disbanded in 2010. One of the recommendations of The Munro Review of Child Protection was to:

"remove constraints to local innovation and professional judgment that are created by prescribing or endorsing particular approaches, for example, nationally designed assessment forms, national performance indicators associated with assessment or nationally prescribed approaches to IT systems".

Wandsworth has now adopted a single Child and Family Assessment in line with this recommendation (see How 2 practice and Frameworki guidance)

Wandsworth is also an early investor in the development and review of Frameworki software to support improved flexibility and social work practice rather than dictating how they practice. The product will be delivered in phases over the next two years.

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