Core Assessments
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) are consulting on new statutory guidance for Local Authorities. The guidance entitled Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 1 Court Orders will set out steps to be taken before a care application is made to court, for example to ensure that all potential kinship opportunities are explored and relevant assessments completed before a care application is made. The guidance will also expect Local Authorities to work with parents and those with parental responsibility before issuing proceedings.
The judiciary also plan to replace the existing Public Law Protocol with a new Public Law Outline from April 2008. The PLO will underpin the revised guidance by clarifying the minimum standards that the court will expect in care applications.
The new Guidance and Regulations reinforces the expectations of the courts that Core Assessments will have been completed prior to them seeking legal advice and before care applications are made.
We at Southern Counties Family Services can provide to Local Authorities experienced Social Workers or teams of Social Workers who can complete Core Assessments in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families. All our Social Workers receive regular supervision and have access to a social work manager at all times. Reports are quality checked prior to submission and we support our Social Workers in any consequent Care Proceedings. Our services are cost effective as charges are fixed per Core Assessment and are set against researched start to completion hours
Page last updated October 22, 2007