Family Rights Group | Parents’ Forum

Hi

Can anyone advise what is involved in social services risk assessment in IIOC case?

Thanks

Mango

Understanding a Social Services Risk Assessment in an IIOC Case

When social services carry out a risk assessment following an IIOC (indecent images of children) offence or allegation, their purpose is not to re-investigate the crime. The assessment focuses on risk and protective factors , in other words, whether any risk exists to children, how it is managed, and what safeguards are in place.

The process is usually divided into three key areas.

1. The Assessment of the Individual (The “Risk” Element)

This part looks at the person who has been convicted or accused of the IIOC offence. It involves one or more interviews and reviews of previous reports or probation information. Assessors are looking for:

Understanding of the Offence: Insight into why the behaviour was harmful, recognition of the victims’ impact, and understanding of why it can never happen again.

Accountability and Motivation for Change: Evidence that the person accepts responsibility, has engaged in treatment or support, and understands their triggers.

Attitude Toward Safeguarding: Whether they show appropriate boundaries, respect child protection principles, and demonstrate safe behaviour in all settings.

Practical Steps Taken: Involvement in therapy, cooperation with police or probation, and compliance with any restrictions or licence conditions.

2. The Assessment of the Non-Offending Parent or Carer (The “Protective Factor”)

The second stage focuses on the protective parent or carer, the person responsible for ensuring children are safe in the home. This part explores:

Awareness and Understanding:
How well the parent understands the nature of the offence and any associated risk.

Protective Capacity:
Their ability to make clear, consistent decisions that put the child’s welfare first, even in challenging emotional circumstances.

Boundaries and Assertiveness:
Whether they can confidently uphold a safety plan and challenge unsafe behaviour when necessary.

Support Network:
Who else is available to assist, extended family, friends, or professionals who provide oversight or backup if needed.

The assessment aims to determine whether the non-offending parent has both the insight and resilience to manage safety in the long term.

3. The Safety Plan and Living Arrangements

Finally, social services will review the practical framework that underpins safety at home. This may include:

Supervision Arrangements:
How and when contact between the individual and the children takes place.

Home Environment:
Sleeping arrangements, work routines, and how the household operates day to day.

Digital Safety:
Internet restrictions, device management, and online monitoring systems.

Communication and Transparency:
Whether everyone involved understands the agreed rules and can demonstrate ongoing cooperation with authorities.

A well-structured written safety plan is often central to this stage. It acts as evidence that all risks have been considered and addressed in practical ways.

Preparing Effectively for a Risk Assessment

Preparation is crucial. The strongest families are those who take early, proactive steps before the assessment begins.

Gather Evidence of Compliance:
Keep records showing all cooperation with social services, probation, or police.

Engage with Specialist Support:
Contact organisations such as Stop It Now! or the Lucy Faithfull Foundation for guidance or therapeutic input.

Maintain a Paper Trail:
Keep every email, meeting note, and confirmation in writing. Verbal promises mean little without documentation.

Develop a Clear Safety Plan:
Outline household rules, supervision structures, and online safety controls. A written plan shows foresight and responsibility.

By approaching the assessment as an opportunity to demonstrate safety rather than defend guilt, parents can regain control of the process.
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For full transparency, I am not an official adviser for this forum. I am a parent who has been through a long and successful legal battle with a local authority, and I am here to offer supportive, strategic advice based on my own lived experience. The information I share is for guidance only, and it is always up to each parent to decide what is right for their own situation.

If you want help with email or anything more than welcome to DM me

Mango1 wrote: Fri Oct 10, 2025 3:11 pm Hi

Can anyone advise what is involved in social services risk assessment in IIOC case?

Thanks

Mango

Dear Mango 1,

Thank you for your post. I am Suzie, the online adviser for Family Rights Group. I hope that you find the following information helpful.

You would like to know what to expect from a risk assessment carried out by children’s services when someone has been accused of, or found guilty of, accessing indecent images of children (IIOC).

The aim of the assessment is to consider whether there is any risk to the children living in the household, and how any risk can be reduced. Therefore the assessment must look at:

1) the risk posed by the person who is accused of accessing or making IIOC, and
2) the ability of the other parent/carer to safeguard and protect the children from this risk.

The person carrying out the assessment should meet with both parents/carers in person a number of times. They should focus on the parents’/carers’ understanding of the offence and their understanding of why this might pose a risk towards the children in their care. The assessor should meet with the parents/carers individually, as well as together.

When assessing the person who is accused or convicted of the offence the assessor will be considering whether this person fully understands the consequences of their actions and takes accountability, whether they have engaged in any services such as therapeutic support or specialist courses, and whether they are willing to work in partnership with professionals involved (including the police, probation and children’s services). Ultimately it is very important that this person doesn’t just see this as a ‘tick-box exercise’ – it is crucial that they understand the need for this assessment to ensure that the children they care for are safe.

When assessing the other parent/carer the assessor will be focussing on whether this person has the understanding and capacity to keep the children safe from any harm posed by the offender. The assessor will consider whether this person can make child-focused decisions and whether they can keep the welfare of the child(ren) in mind at all times. The assessor will be considering whether the parent/carer fully understands the risks posed, or whether they minimise these. Again, it is crucial that the parent/carer works in partnership with the assessor and understands the need for this assessment.

Once an assessment has been completed this is likely to feed into a safety plan that should be created by both children’s services and the parents/carers. The contents of the safety plan will vary depending on the specific situation of each family, however it will likely set out whether the offender needs to be supervised whilst caring for the children, where people in the household should sleep and whether the offender is able to carry out intimate care (bathing/nappy changing) on the children. It is important to note that a safety plan is not a legal document, but it is crucial that the parents/carers only agree to the contents of a safety plan if they fully intend to adhere to it. If the safety plan is breached then it is likely that children’s services’ concerns will increase and they may escalate their involvement. The safety plan can be changed if things change within the family – it is not ‘set in stone’ – but if the parents/carers wish to change anything agreed in the safety plan then they should contact children’s services to discuss this with them first.

It may be helpful for you to think about requesting a family group conference. A family group conference (FGC) is a family-led decision-making meeting. It brings together the whole family, and others who are important to the child. Together, at the family group conference, they make a plan for the child to keep them safe. If you have participated in a family group conference then this could inform a safety plan – some examples would include if family members of friends are willing to help supervise contact between children and the offending parent, or are willing to assist with school drop-offs/pick-ups or caring for the children whilst the non-offending parent is working.

I hope that this is of some help. It may also be helpful for you to read our guide to working with a social worker as this has top tips which may be of use. You can find this HERE.

Please post again if you have any further queries or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm). We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Best wishes,
Suzie
Family Rights Group Adviser