Keyworker

The Keyworker is part of the NHS long term plan. The vision is for all children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have a designated key worker by end 2023/24. Initially the priority will be for all children and young people currently in hospital to have a key worker, then for children and young people who are at risk of going into hospital. (red/amber on the Dynamic Support Registers), and with evaluation of the pilot, the aim will be to develop keyworking for all children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism by end 2023/24.

The 0-25 years keyworker model aims to support reduction of the number of children in crisis and Tier 4 admissions, support timely assessments/formulations, provide children and families with the support that they need at the right time, improve transitions and quality of life, resulting in happy children and parents. A key function will be to empower families and support them with navigating barriers across multiple services and organisations to effectively access the right support from the system. Our keyworking model is about a set of functions introduced to the system via the keyworking role, in addition to the current roles in place to support children, young people and their families. The keyworking function will dynamically connect the system, coordinating care systemically to maximise local resources and work more effectively with families.