There are a range of assessments in care proceedings which could be completed to determine what is in the best interests of the child.
All assessments in care proceedings have a different purpose, and not all are needed in every case. Some require an external expert.
The need for an assessment ultimately depends on the concerns professionals have and what is required to consider what is in a child’s best interests in the long-term.
Assessments in care proceedings look at parenting capacity, risk, a child’s needs and available support.
1) Parenting assessment
An assessment usually (but not necessarily!) is completed by an ‘in-house’ social worker from the local authority. This evaluates a parent’s ability to meet a child’s physical, emotional and developmental needs. It will highlight both positive aspects of a parents parenting, and where there are vulnerabilities and may need support/teaching.
2) Child and Family Social Work assessment
This gathers and analyses information about parents and family circumstances, including needs, risks and strengths. This assessment in care proceedings helps guide decisions about the appropriate support, services, or interventions required. The aim is to promote well-being, protect vulnerable individuals, and empower people to improve their situations.
3) Risk assessment
Considers situations within the home and around the child and decide whether there is a likelihood of harm to the child. A party’s understanding of risk, protective factors, management of risks, resilience of children in the home and whether it is long-term, or short-term risk can all be considered.
The risk to a child will always be considered in all the above assessments. Generally speaking, either a parenting or child and family social work assessment will be done. Risk assessments may be completed if there have been specific events which have led to the need for care proceedings. Risk assessments may also need to be specialised if there are specific risk concerns.
What about assessments of family and friends?
If family members or friends have come forward and are willing to be assessed to care for a child, the first assessment that would be completed is an initial viability assessment. These assessments are done to explore whether they are suitable for a full assessment and are typically people who have an existing relationship with the child. They include local authority and police checks.
The ‘full assessment’ would be a connected persons and/or special guardianship assessment. This will consider that person’s suitability to care for a child in the long-term as an alternative carer. They are a lot more in depth than an initial viability assessment and will consider suitability of home environment, ability to meet the child’s needs, commitment to the child’s welfare, ability to protect the child and their support network and financial stability.
What if there are concerns about mental health and potential undiagnosed conditions which impact parenting?
Two assessments which are frequently explored in proceedings are psychological and psychiatric assessments.
Psychological assessments are carried out by a qualified psychologist. The purpose is to evaluate a person’s mental health, past trauma, substance misuse, and functioning by analysing behaviour, emotions and personality traits.
Psychiatric assessments are carried out by qualified psychiatrists. The expert will explore whether a person has a psychiatric disorder (diagnosed or undiagnosed – such as depression and anxiety) and consider whether therapeutic support is required to improve the stability of a parent or child’s psychiatric profile.
With both types of assessment, the expert will be required to consider the findings, if any, and their relevance to the persons parenting skills, ability to safely care for a child and necessary support interventions.
A psychologist may also be needed to complete a cognitive assessment if there are worries about a person’s ability to understand and engage with the legal process. This should not be viewed negatively. It is ultimately to help identify whether a party needs additional support to be able to participate fully in court proceedings. It will consider a person’s memory, attention, problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
Each type of assessment is a vital tool and has a unique purpose in ensuring a child’s safety, well-being and future stability. It is imperative that parents engage in these types of assessments to build a clear picture about strengths, challenges and how a family can be supported.
Next steps...
If you need any advice on this, or any family matter, please feel free to contact me on 01283 561531 or email l.watson@timms-law.com
For more information about care proceedings, visit our webpage here.
