Criteria for Assessment

Suitability for Assessment

Families who may be suitable for a placement include:

Families referred for independent residential assessment where children may be at risk.
Single parents, whether female or male, who need assessment and/or assistance in developing parenting capacity.
Two-parent families, ensuring that both caregivers are included in the assessment and support process.
Parents with one or more children, regardless of family size, ensuring assessments are tailored to individual family dynamics.
Parents of children with complex health or developmental needs, where additional support and understanding are required.
Families with learning needs, where parents may benefit from tailored assessments, communication adaptations, and additional learning support.
Families experiencing mental health difficulties, ensuring appropriate support is provided to help manage challenges that may impact parenting.
Families affected by drug or alcohol use, with an expectation of full abstinence during their stay, alongside support from external specialist agencies.
Families with a history of domestic abuse, offering a safe and structured environment for assessment and support.
Parents with their own history of social care involvement, ensuring a fair and informed assessment process that considers their experiences.
Families where English is not their first language, with access to interpretation services and culturally sensitive support where needed.

Criteria for Admission

Availability of Accommodation: Placements are subject to the availability of suitable bedrooms within the centre, ensuring that each family has a private and comfortable living space.
Parental Commitment and Understanding: Families must demonstrate an understanding of the assessment process and commit to fully engaging with their placement. This includes cooperating with supervision, adhering to house rules, and actively participating in parenting support and observations.
Level of Risk to the Child: The primary consideration in any admission is the welfare and safety of the child. Risk assessments evaluate any immediate or long-term safeguarding concerns that could impact the child’s wellbeing.
Compatibility with Other Families in Placement: To maintain a harmonious and safe environment, we carefully consider the dynamics between families currently in residence. Matching considerations ensure that families placed together do not pose additional risks to one another.
Level of Addiction Control: Parents with a history of substance use problems are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of addiction control, including a commitment to abstinence and engagement with external specialist support services if necessary.
Risk of Adult Violence: A detailed risk assessment is conducted to evaluate any history of violence or aggression. Where there are concerns regarding risk of adult violence, further professional reports and risk management strategies are reviewed before making an admission decision.
Professional Assessments and Reports: Decisions are informed by existing reports from social workers, psychologists, health professionals, and other relevant specialists. These reports provide insights into parental capacity, historical concerns, and risk factors, guiding our assessment of suitability for placement.

Required Supporting Documentation

Expert Assessments: Any psychological, psychiatric, or cognitive functioning assessments that provide insight into the parent’s mental health, cognitive abilities, and capacity to meet their child’s needs.
Initial Social Work Evidence Template (SWET): Where applicable, the most recent SWET document should be submitted to provide a structured summary of the case.
Care Plan(s): The most recent Care Plan outlining the child's needs, and long-term planning considerations.
Previous Parenting Assessments: Copies of any historical parenting assessments that offer context on past concerns, progress, or areas requiring further evaluation.
Most Recent Child and Family Assessment: A comprehensive assessment of the child’s needs, parental capacity, and any identified risks or protective factors.