Initial Assessment
What is an Initial Assessment?
An Initial Assessment is a brief assessment of a child’s circumstances following a referral to Children’s Social Care; the purpose of the assessment is to gather more information.
It is a Local Authority’s duty, in accordance with The Children Act 1989, to find out if a child is in need of services when they come to the attention of Children’s Social Care.
An Initial Assessment follows the dimensions of the Department of Health Assessment Framework.
When is an Initial Assessment necessary?
An Initial Assessment is necessary when a referral to a Local Authority indicates that a child is in need of services provided by Children’s Social Care.
An Initial Assessment will determine if a child is in need, what services would assist the child and whether a more detailed Core Assessment needs to be undertaken.
What is the process?
An Avocet Independent Social Worker will interview the child, parents and other family members, where appropriate.
Our Independent Social Worker will gather information from other agencies involved with the family, for instance the School or Health Visitor.
Avocet will collate the information and present it in the form of an Initial Assessment Report, which will include an analysis of the situation and clear recommendations.
Time-scale
7 working days - in accordance with the Department of Health requirement.
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