What will happen during an initial assessment?
The initial assessment will involve:
- collecting information
- talking this through with you
- agreeing what might be done
A social worker will meet with you and members of your family. Where children are old enough to take part in the assessment, the social worker will encourage and help them to do so.
Depending upon your situation the process may also involve talking to a range of people, for example: teachers, doctors, health visitors to get as full a picture as possible. You will usually be asked to give your permission for this to happen.
What happens after the initial assessment?
We aim to complete the initial assessment within seven days. After this assessment we will be able to decide the best way to help you and your child. The duty social worker will keep you informed and help you understand what's happening at all times.
We will listen to what you have to say, and your views will be taken into account in deciding what is best for your child.
The initial assessment can result in a number of possible outcomes:
| No further action |
In some cases we decide that no help is needed in this instance and no further action needs to be taken |
| Referral to another organisation |
The initial assessment shows that the family needs help from another organisation, for example doctors or teachers etc. In this case we will supply the relevant contact details to the family. |
| Service provided |
The initial assessment shows that the family will benefit from a short-term service. For example we can supply childcare for a week to see a parent through a difficult time. |
| Further assessment |
The situation is complex. For example the child may have a disability which requires a more detailed core assessment to look at how best to meet these needs |
| Only in child protection cases - where there are concerns about this child's immediate safety |
| Further assessment |
The child is suspected to be at risk of significant harm and therefore a more detailed core assessment is required. |
| Immediate action |
The child is suspected to be a risk of significant harm, and immediate action is taken to ensure the child's safety. |
For further information please contact your local office