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Kinship Assessment Guide – Table of Contents

Home » Policy and Campaigns » Kinship Care » Kinship Assessment Guide - Table of Contents

4 minute read

Table of Contents

Section 1. Introduction: Why initial family and friends care assessments (commonly known as viability assessments) matter

1.1 What is a viability assessment?
1.2 Why undertake a viability assessment?

Section 2. Principles and best practice

2.1 The principles underpinning a viability assessment

a) Conducted in a spirit of enquiry
b) Conducted in a spirit of partnership
c) Remain focused on the child and their needs and development
d) Evidence-based, and include analysis of the evidence
e) A legally sound viability assessment

2.2 Best practice in process and procedures

a) Identifying who to assess
b) When to assess
c) How to assess
d) Presenting the information

Section 3. Factors to consider during the assessment

a) Motivation
b) Understanding of the needs of the child and family
c) Age of carer
d) Accommodation
e) Employment status of carer
f) Finances
g) Health of carer
h) Lifestyle of carer and household members
i) Experience of parenting and significant other relationships
j) Criminal convictions
k) Relationship with child
l) Family dynamics and contact
m) Impact on other household members
n) Working relationships with professionals
o) Potential placement options

Section 4. Undertaking international viability assessments

4.1 International treaties and cooperation
4.2 Factors to consider in international viability assessments
4.3 Contact

Section 5. Forming a conclusion

Appendix A – Research evidence by Professor Joan Hunt
Appendix B – Family group conferences
Appendix C – Schedule and example template
Appendix D – Information sheet for families
Appendix E – Useful organisations
Delivering good practice initial assessments of family and friends carers in the context of Covid-19

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