What can families do if they are worried how an early help assessment has been carried out?

It is important that children and families feel confident in the way the assessment is done. Those who work with children should be trained to look out for signs that a child or family may need some extra help. Government statutory guidance is clear that when considering early help support, they should involve the family in decision-making (see Working Together 2018 at page 15, paragraph 10).

A parent or carer who is worried about how the assessment is being done an:

• Talk to the lead practitioner or another practitioner involved
• Raise any concerns as you go along – don’t wait until the end
• Make a complaint about a practitioner if this is necessary.