ContactPoint

ContactPoint (previously known by the working title of the 'information sharing index'), will be a basic online directory that will enable practitioners delivering services to children to identify and contact one another easily and quickly, so they can share relevant information about children who need services.

ContactPoint is a key element of the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme to transform children's services by supporting more effective prevention and early intervention. It will support a range of tools that have been developed to help services work together more effectively on the front line to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.

ContactPoint will contain basic information on all children in England including;

1. Name, address, gender and date of birth of child

2. Name and contact details for:

• Parents or Carers.
• Educational setting (e.g. school)
• Primary medical practitioner (e.g. GP practice)
• Practitioners providing other services.
• A lead professional for that child (if appointed).

There will also be a facility for practitioners to indicate that they wish to be contacted in relation to a child because they have information to share, are currently taking action, or have undertaken an assessment (such as a CAF).

ContactPoint will not hold assessment or case information or subjective observations about a child. It will not contain any information about birth weight, exam results, or fruit and vegetable consumption.

Authorised practitioners in children's services, including education, health, social care, youth offending and some voluntary services will have access to ContactPoint. Everyone who has access will have had relevant training and undergone appropriate security checks, including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Section 12 of the Children Act 2004 provides the legislative basis for establishing ContactPoint, which the Government is committed to introducing in all areas of England by the end of 2008.

Factsheets detalling further information about ContactPoint can be downloaded using the links below:

ContactPoint Factsheet (146 kb)