Pregnant Advice - Child In Need

[Private93]

Hello,
I am currently 30 weeks pregnant, I was referred to children’s service by maternity due to mental health concerns.
Originally they offered early help services.

Then they made me aware they had a discussion and felt a child in need assessment / plan I asked the social worker what support is available, she told me until they do the assessment she cannot say, I do not want to agree with something I know nothing about,
she came out on Tuesday this week to my home and asked me to have a think about it and let her know by Friday - which is tomorrow.

I have thought about it, and have mental health difficulties however I do not agree with the decision
Of a child in need. I explained to the SW that I have a good family network, she’s seen and spoken with them. and I ask for help when needed.

What are my rights if I decline the assessment? I have positive reasons why I don’t feel a child in need is required I explained this to the SW however I am not been listened to.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Private93,

Welcome to the parents' forum and thank you for your post. I hope that the following is of help to you.

You say that children's services have asked for your consent to carry out a child in need assessment. You do not feel that you need support from children's services and ask whether you can decline the assessment. Child in need assessments can only be carried out with the consent of the parents (or those with parental responsibility). Therefore if you do not give your consent children's services cannot force you to comply with the assessment process and should close the case if there are no safeguarding concerns.

If children's services have concerns that your unborn baby may be at risk of significant harm then they will have a duty to carry out child protection enquiries. These must be carried out regardless of whether the parent gives consent or not. However children's services cannot carry out this type of assessment unless they can show that it meets their threshold criteria for 'significant harm'.

We have more information about child in need assessments on our website HERE. This includes a detailed answer to the question of whether parents have a choice to have a child in need assessment. You can find this information HERE. If you decide that you wish to decline the assessment then it is advisable to let the social worker know in writing why you feel that the support is not needed and how you will access suitable alternative support yourself.

I hope that this is helpful. Please post again if you have further questions or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 3pm) to speak with an adviser.

Best wishes,
Suzie