What is assessment?
Assessment is a way of collecting and analysing information so that together we can understand your situation better. We can then work out with you whether services from Children's Services or others could help to meet the needs of your children and the family. Our aim is to support families in caring for their children. Sometimes other professionals can help you more than we can. Sometimes both Children's Services and others need to work together with you. Whatever the situation, we will explain what is happening and why. (See the 'Read more' section)
Are there different kinds of assessment?
Yes. There are two types - initial assessment and core assessment.
- Initial assessment takes up to 7 working days
- Core assessment takes up to 7 working weeks
Both assessments look at the same areas of your child's world. The main difference is in the detail of the information that is gathered. When situations are complicated, it isn't possible to get a clear picture of the needs of children and their families in a few days. We will explain to you which sort of assessment is being completed and you will be asked first whether you agree.
Making a referral
When people get in touch with us to ask for a service we call this 'making a referral'. Many of our referrals come from families themselves. Sometimes another professional like your doctor or health visitor may have talked to you about the help Children's Services can offer. You may have agreed with them that they will make the referral. Whatever the circumstances, we will need your agreement before we talk to anyone else, unless to get that agreement would put your child at risk of significant harm.
What happens in assessment?
Assessment involves talking to you and to other people and professionals you agree should be part of the process. We will also want to meet the children. We try to finish initial assessments within 7 working days so that you know as soon as possible if we can offer a service. However, in emergencies, we can provide services very quickly. The services provided already by other professionals should continue while Children's Services is co-ordinating the assessment. For core assessments we will make an agreement with you about how the assessment will be done, who will see you, when and where and so on. The agreement will note why the assessment is being done and how long it will take. It should take no longer than 7 working weeks. We can provide services while core assessments are taking place, when there are needs which must be met straight away. If your child is being looked after by Children's Services, the agreement will talk about whether he or she will be at home or away from home for part of or all the time the assessment is going on. This will be reviewed very regularly so that children are away from home for as short a time as possible. When there are allegations of abuse, the most important thing is to make sure that children are safe. If they do leave home (and not many do), we want them to be able to return as soon as they will be safe and well cared for.
How parents and carers can help?
You know your situation better than anyone and so we will listen carefully to what you have to say. Arrangements for the assessment will be discussed and agreed with you. You will have a copy of any assessment agreement.
What happens at the end of the assessment?
At the end of an initial assessment the social worker will tell you whether or not any services can be offered by Children's Services and what those services could be. If services cannot be offered, we will explain why and we may suggest other sources of help. We will send a letter to you explaining our decision. You can then tell us if you want to take up the offer of services. At the end of a core assessment the social worker will write a report. The report will include your views and those of other people. You will receive your own copy of the report and the social worker will keep a copy. We would encourage you to talk to the social worker about the report. At the end of the report there will be some suggestions about the type of services that may help you. If English is not your first language or you have any other special needs, please ask for the report to be made available in a suitable form. You may then be invited to a meeting where everything is confidential. Children are encouraged to give their views so they will be invited to attend wherever it is in their interests to do so. At the end of the meeting, a 'child in need' plan will be made with you if it is still needed, and a time will be agreed for reviewing the plan. Plans often involve other agencies because it is better for children and families if everyone is working together in partnership. If you have any other questions about assessment, please talk to your social worker.