To help us in our work with you, we need to know more about you and your family. The social worker, with help from you, your family and other agencies, will gather information on your situation
A child and family social care assessment helps us to agree with you what help and support you and your family might need and who could best give this help.
This process of getting to understand the situation, needs and wishes of your child and family is called a child and family social care assessment.
For all assessments, we will gather certain required information from you. When there is enough information to make a decision, we’ll agree on a plan of action to help you.
How is an assessment carried out?
We will usually meet with you and your family several times. With your permission, we will also talk to other people and professionals.to gather and share relevant information. We will always do this in a way that helps you to have your say and encourages you to get involved, including helping children are old enough to take part.
We will make every effort to take account of your ethnic and cultural heritage in the assessment. We can arrange help in your first language through an interpreter or other services.
Once the assessment has been completed and authorised by a manager, we’ll arrange a visit to share this with you or you can ask for it to be sent by post. If you find any information that is incorrect, this will be changed. If you do not agree with the outcome of the assessment, you can record your point of view on the assessment document and return this to us. We’ll make sure your views are clearly recorded.
How long will it take?
We aim to complete most child and family social care assessments in 35 days but at times this can take up to 45 working days.