Parental Capacity Test

[Panny]

I have received a Letter Before Proceedings and in it it says I must undergo a Parental Capacity Test to assess my mental health or other support needs.

I have checked the A-Z and can't find out what this is.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Panny

Thank you for your post.

You are concerned about the suggestion that you have a parental capacity test, and you are unable to find out what this is having looked at the A-Z of terms.

It may be that your local authority refers to this as a test, but parenting capacity is one of the three areas that are assessed as part of the Assessment framework in the Working together to Safeguard Children guidance (2018). I have included a link HERE for your information. I believe this is what you refer to as a parenting capacity test but is in fact an assessment.

As you will see the assessment looks at the child’s developmental needs, parenting capacity and family and environmental factors to consider specific issues within these areas and decide what help and support can be provided. You can ask the social worker for a copy of the assessment criteria for the local authority.

I hope this is helpful. should you wish, you can telephone Family Rights Group free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366.

Best wishes

Suzie