The Process

In the early days of every placement Parents and children are offered round the clock support, helping them to settle into life in the center.

Key Workers complete an induction and provide parents a Welcome Pack and a timetable, so they will know what to expect over the coming weeks.

All Assessments are completed utilizing a number of resources, including daily logs, intervention reports, direct observations and 1:1 Assessment Sessions with the allocated Social Worker. Placement reviews are generally held weekly, to give parents feedback and get their insight. An Interim Report is provided at the midpoint of the assessment period, with a Final Assessment generally submitted one week before placement is due to end, to give everyone time to review and plan the next steps.

 The framework is based on the well established DOH Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) , but uses a range of tools and tables to help parents with additional needs engage and understand the process. A separate Abridged Parent Report is provided which explains the outcome in a way the parent can understand.   Parent Assess can be used in the assessment of any parent. Many parents have had adverse childhood experiences which can make parenting harder. Some parents have mental health issues and need their difficulties to be understood and considered. We encourage assessors to adopt a sensitive approach and we find by ensuring the parent understands the assessment process levels of anxiety can be reduced. Trained Support Workers & Qualified Social Workers work collaboratively to complete the Assessment; Support Workers will complete the toolkits with Social Workers Completing the the Final Assessment.

Conducted by highly experienced child protection Social Workers have undergone training with the Lucy Faithful Foundation. This assessment is best utilized when assessing a parent's strengths and weaknesses in relation to future protection and when working with the non-offending parent where abuse has occurred.

Parenting Assessments  incorporate evidence based research, analysis, risk management and recommendations; an interactive process which explores all aspects of an individual’s parenting capacity and a child’s developmental needs in accordance with the framework for assessment. 

All assessments will include observations from group work and individual key work sessions.  

Our program of Interventions has been evolved over four years working with families from all walks of life, and with a tapestry of their own experiences and histories informing the development of the program.

We offer a structured intervention timetable so all parents are fully informed and are able to structure their own day in advance. Sessions are delivered based upon the identified needs of the individual ensuring they are fully inclusive. 

Staff are highly experienced, with dedicated intervention workers specializing in topics ranging from Domestic Abuse, Emotional Resilience and Child Development to Stress Management, Positive Relationships and Self Esteem.

We also offer Post-Assessment Support services, with families remaining until final hearing or for a further period of support to help them regain their independance in a safe, manageable way.

Additionally we have community properties, "move-ons", homes for families who have had a positive assessment but require some on going support and monitoring in a community setting, or who may be at risk returning to their previous address or who are facing homelessness. 

We are here to help families through the assessment process and beyond, to give parents the best possible opportunity to meet their childrens needs and build the foundations for a successful future.