CYSCP

We use different tools to respond to specific needs such as the Continuum of Need. In addition, we undertake a variety of different assessments to address specific needs.

The Continuum of Need

Multi-agency partnership working supports children at all levels using the Continuum of Need.

Level 1 – universal need

The majority of children will have their needs met by a single agency response including:

• GPs
• pharmacies
• schools
• libraries
• health visitors
• sport clubs

Level 2 – emerging need

Some children and families have emerging needs. Intervention is provided by a single agency or a co-ordinated response by multiple agencies. Consider Early Help Assessment delivered by lead practitioner.

Level 3 – family help

Children with increased vulnerability and additional needs which require an Early Help Assessment, a multi agency response.Intervention to be provided via the team around the family or targeted intervention.

Level 4 – specialist need

Children and young people whose needs are increasingly complex and require specialist support through Section 17 social work led, Section 47 child protection and children in our care interventions.

Top of page

Assessments

An assessment will be undertaken where the information suggests that a child is in need of services (Section 17) or where a Child Protection investigation is being carried out. All assessments are undertaken by a lead practitioner under Section 17. The lead practitioner can be a range of people however, will be supervised by a Social Worker. Social Workers and Family Help Support Workers will act as lead practitioners under Section 17 and will always be supervised by a qualified Social Work Manager. The Social Work Manager will ensure the lead practitioner has the skills, knowledge and experience to work effectively with the child and family.

Child Protection Investigations will always be undertaken by a qualified Social Worker.

Child In Need Assessments

The purpose of assessment is to gather information, to analyse risk and need, identify support from within the network and determine next steps to address need, manage risk and improve outcomes for children and their families. Practitioners will always use the Signs of Safety Framework during the assessment process and work to understand what we are worried about, what is working well and what needs to happen.

Timescales for an assessment will always be determined by the needs of the child, family and level of risk we deem they face however, this should always be completed within a 45-day timeframe as per statutory requirements. There will be regular reviews between the Social Worker or lead practitioner and a qualified Social Work Manager.

Starting point

The practitioner and Social Work qualified Manager will meet to plan the assessment. This will include discussing the reason for the referral, what we know about any particular needs of the family and consideration of the Danger Statement developed by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. They will then:

• contact the referrer to discuss the referral and next steps
• develop an understanding of any previous involvement with services and the family history
• contact the family and arrange an initial visit which will be in a timeframe dependent on need but within 5 days of the referral
• consider direct work
• decide on which agencies should be involved and what information you may need to help understand the child and family holistically

Review of the assessment

A review discussion takes place between the practitioner and manager and considers what information we know and what further information is needed. It also considers the views of the child, the direct work undertaken, information and views of partners, history of the family, the network, the interim safety alongside:

• what do we need to do to make a difference for the child and family now
• next steps and timeline will be developed

Where an assessment is on-going beyond day 15 a network meeting will be held alongside bringing together the family and partners to further develop the plan.

Throughout the assessment there will be on-going consideration as to whether the worries should be stepped up or down.

Ending the assessment

The practitioner will submit the completed assessment for consideration to the qualified Social Work Manager with clear next steps regarding level of support a child and familiy needs but most importantly the actions that will make a difference to them.

The outcome of the assessment will be shared with partners.

The assessment will be shared with the family and work with the child or young person to enable them to understand the outcome of the assessment, what will happen as a result and where appropriate how we will support them and their family.

Child Protection Investigations

Child Protection investigations under Section 47 Children Act (1989) will be completed by a qualified social worker who is supervised by social work qualified manager. Section 47 investigations are undertaken when a child is suspected to be suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm. The investigation will:

• identify worries and risks people have in regard to a child or young person
• identify what is working well in the family
• through the initial strategy meeting develop an interim safety plan in partnership with the family
• trigger an assessment
• be undertaken using a whole family approach
• determine whether the investigation is for children’s social care or with undertaken jointly with multi-agency partners
• determine whether a child or young person is at on-going risk of significant harm, which for a small number of children results in an Initial Child Protection Conference

Information gathering is extremely important to understand the family history and functioning however, it is also important to have a focus throughout on analysis, family participation and moving into action.

The assessment triangle is at the core of our practice along with the Signs of Safety approach which enables us to gather information on various perspectives and analyse through 3 domains and 7 categories. Thinking about the child/young person and the family situation in this child protection case:

What we are worried about?

• harm
• danger statement
• complicating factors

What is working well?

• existing strengths
• existing safety

What needs to happen?

• safety goals
• next steps

On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 means the child is safe enough and 0 means things are really bad for the young person and they must be removed from the situation immediately, where do you rate this situation today?

Put different judgment numbers on scale for different people, for example, different professionals, child and parents.

Top of page