Casp-r and risk assessment

[Vanguard]

I've requested a copy of our report to read it in privacy and our own time at home. A decision is pending on this. Is it a right to have this option or do I have to go into the office for the read through?
For context, we are on a voluntary family support plan and met with the assessor to go through the conclusion of the assessment and was told no risks are identified and no reason for continued statutory involvement identified. We were also told we were entitled to our own copy of it if we wish. That meeting was 3 weeks ago and we'd like a copy of the report asap.
Contact was made this week to suggest arranging to come to office for a read through but I said I'd rather have it at home due to not being able to digest it all in office due to anxiety there (I'm also autistic).

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Vanguard

Welcome back to the parents’ discussion board. Thank you for your post. This is Suzie, Family Rights Group’s adviser.

I can see that you still have social work involvement, on a voluntary basis, but it sounds as if you are moving towards case closure. It is good to hear that you have been told that statutory involvement is no longer required.

You have a query about accessing a copy of your assessment report and are awaiting a response from children’s services. You explain that you would prefer to receive your copy of the assessment to read at home rather than going into the office as this is more manageable for you. It would reduce your anxiety and as you are autistic you would find this more suited to your needs too.

It is good practice for a social worker or specialist assessor to spend time going through their assessment report with the person who was assessed so that any comments, clarifications, or corrections can be discussed and responded to promptly. This can reduce confusion or further meetings being needed to explain matters etc. This would often be in person or could be online. At the beginning of the assessment the assessor should also explain the process for sharing and discussing the outcome when it is completed.

However, every situation is different, and decisions should always be based on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual/s involved. The social worker or assessor should be aware of your needs and plan how they work with you around these needs, where possible. You make very valid points about your preference for receiving a copy for you to read and consider at home; you have clearly explained your communication needs and how an office meeting would heighten your anxiety.

You have done the right thing by advocating for yourself and I hope that the social worker/ assessor will take this on board and and reach an agreement with you. It is a report about you so of course you should have a copy and as soon as possible.

You could agree with the social worker to have a follow up discussion or meeting (in an agreed format e.g. online on in person) once you have had a chance to go through the report yourself.

I hope that they let you know their decision very soon. If you are unhappy with the decision or the report you can consider making a complaint.

I hope this has been helpful.

Please note that Family Rights Group’s advice is about the child welfare system in England only. Law and practice in other parts of the UK are different than in England and we do not have the specialist training or funding to advise about practice or legal issues outside of England. If you are not in England and need further advice we have compiled useful links to services in other parts of the UK; you can find this information by scrolling to the end of the page.

Best wishes

Suzie