What should happen during a child in need assessment?

The assessment is a way for a social worker to understand a child’s situation. The process will help find out:

• What needs the child has
• Whether the child’s parents or carers can meet those needs
• What extra help and services may help the child and family.

The social worker should look at what affects the child’s well-being. This could include looking at:

• Relationships within the family
• The help available from wider family, friends and the community
• The family’s housing situation
• Childcare arrangements.

Will any other assessments be carried out?

When assessing a child in need or providing services, other assessments may be needed.  This could be an assessment of the child’s educational needs. Or assessment by a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for example.  It may be an assessment by a local drug and alcohol agency if the parent has difficulties with substance misuse. All this work should be co-ordinated and planned well (see Working Together 2018, page 22, bullet point five).