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).