Catalyst Process

Before a referral is made to Catalyst, the referring agency needs to speak directly with the Catalyst Manager to discuss the level of need / risk in the family. If it is agreed that the referral is appropriate for Catalyst, the referring agent will make an appointment to visit the family to complete a referral form (see Catalyst Referral Form). Where deemed necessary, it may be possible for this visit to be carried out with a member of the Catalyst Team.

Referrals can only be accepted from families who agree to the referral being made, are fully aware of why they are being referred and of the intense nature of the support delivered through Catalyst.

Once the referral is received, and subject to capacity, a keyworker will be allocated the family and a visit will be arranged with the referring agency and keyworker to introduce the family.

Referral meeting

A multi agency referral meeting will take place within 2 weeks of allocation to gather further information about the family and to discuss the process involved with Catalyst. The family will also attend for the 2^nd part of the meeting to confirm they have agreed to Catalyst being involved. It is vital that all agencies who are involved in working with any member of the family attend.

Assessment

As soon as the referral meeting has taken place, the keyworker will undertake a detailed assessment of the entire family. As the whole family will be assessed, this will take the keyworker approx 6 - 8 weeks. This will result in a range of recommendations forming the basis of the contract, which will need to be agreed by all agencies and family members.

Assessment / Contract meeting

The assessment will identify strengths and need within the family that can inform a contract that is drawn up in conjunction with the whole family, all agencies and the Catalyst Keyworker.

The keyworker will arrange an assessment / contract meeting which will once again be attended by all agencies and the family. At this meeting, contract will be discussed by all agencies and the family, who will be made aware of their responsibilities that they have agreed upon. The contract will clearly outline sanctions and support that will be in place for the family, and clear timescales as to when aims need to be achieved by.

Support with the families

Once the assessment / contract meeting has taken place, the keyworker can now start to work with the family in delivering the action plan. This will require a minimum of 5 hrs a week working directly with each family. The family is made aware of their short, medium and long-term goals and how the work they will be doing with the keyworker will achieve those goals.

It is the responsibility of the keyworker to ensure that all elements of the contract, through regular contact with all family members and all agencies, are met.

Review meetings

Review meetings will be held at 6-8 weekly intervals to assess the family progress in accordance wih the contract. The keyworker will convene a multi agency meeting and verify the families progress. A revised contract will be developed for each 6-8 week period. This will continue until the plan has been fully delivered and it is appropriate for Catalyst to formulate an exit strategy with the family. In certain circumstances a meeting may be arranged at short notice.

Exit strategy

As the contract nears completion, the keyworker will have a phased exit as the family become more empowered to take control. During this period the keyworker will continue making appropriate referrals to ensure support is in place for the family once the keyworker has finished.