Below I have outlined a selection of the different types of social work assessments which I carry out on an independent basis.
Please note that just as no two situations are exactly alike, it follows that no two assessments are going to be the same either, and because of this it is frequently inappropriate to simply follow a standardised assessment process in the hope that at the end of it one will fully understand a particular situation. As such, quite often it is both appropriate and necessary to overlap various components of different types of assessment together in order to provide a more holistic and child / family focused approach to understanding a situation, which then enables one to provide much clearer and reasoned recommendations as to the best way forward.
Change of Fostering Status Assessment
This is an assessment which is usually used to enable designated managers to consider the appropriateness or otherwise of changing the fostering status of a foster carers. I.E. To change from being a temporary foster carer to becoming a permanent foster carer.
Contact Assessment
This is an assessment which can either be completed as part of a wider assessment, or as a discrete piece of work on its own. Essentially a contact assessment evaluates any current and / or previous contact a child might have with either siblings, parents, carers or others, and then where appropriate recommends the future frequency and type of short, medium and longer term contact.
Core Assessment
Otherwise known as the 'Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families'.
Feasibility Assessment
These assessments are frequently used when little is known about a potential placement option but quick (but informed) decisions need to be taken.
In my experience where these types of assessment are carried out, they almost invariably save significant time, money and energy in case management, prevent wishful thinking overtaking reality and in the process considerably reduce delay in progressing a case.
Form F1 (BAAF) Assessment
These can be in respect of various types of general adoption assessments, shared care / fostering assessments, temporary fostering assessments or a permanent fostering assessments.
Although these assessment are usually carried in line with BAAF guidance, variations of these types of assessment and the proscribed approach can in particular situations (and with prior agreement) also be accommodated.
Form F2 (BAAF) Assessment
Otherwise known as a specific adoption or fostering assessment. Usually this type of assessment is carried out where the 'subject (s)' of the assessment are being assessed in relation to a specific child (ren).
Initial Assessment
These assessments usually start from a point where little more than a name is known about the person, family enquirer; rarely does any previous assessment information exist;
Child in need initial assessment (s17)
Child protection initial assessment (s47)
Family placement initial assessment (fostering, adoption, screening, kinship feasibility etc)
Interim Assessment (Report)
These assessments can (where agreed) be provided for all other types of assessment where an early indication is required about the likely final outcome of an assessment.
Kinship Assessment
This is a term is generically used to refer to a variety of different types of family assessment which all basically look at the suitability or otherwise of a child remaining with or returning to live either temporarily or permanently, within the extended family, this might also include the assessment of people not directly related but considered as significant members of a child's extended family / social networks.
Multidimensional Assessment
These assessments are often requested where you have a situation which requires distinct but inter-related assessment involving one or more children and / or adults. For example the situation may require a Core Assessment of the birth parent (s), whilst simultaneously requiring a Kinship Assessment in respect of a potential family placement option in another part of the family, whilst a discrete Contact Assessment is needed in respect of another part of the family.
Whilst these assessment by their nature tend to be somewhat larger undertakings than most other assessments, they do tend to be favoured by families local authorities and the courts, not least because they help provide a consistent, and well informed approach towards all of the assessment work which needs to be carried out.
Out of City / Country Assessment
I can complete any of these assessments anywhere in the world.
In recent years I have worked with families throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and California USA. I have also consulted on cases in New York USA and Italy.
Residence Order Assessment
These assessments consider the suitability of a Residence Order being made in favour of someone in respect of a child (ren)
Special Guardianship Assessment
These assessments consider the suitability of a Special Guardianship Order being made in favour of someone in respect of a child (ren)
Urgent Assessment
If required and I am available arrangements can always be made to complete urgent assessments anywhere and at any time.