What do special guardianship assessments include?
All of our special guardianship assessments pay particular attention to:
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The current and likely future needs of the child, including any harm the child has suffered and any risk of future harm posed by the child’s parents, relatives or any other person considered to be relevant);
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The prospective special guardian's parenting capacity, including their understanding of, and ability to meet, the child’s current and likely future needs, particularly any needs the child may have arising from harm that the child has suffered;
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Their understanding of, and ability to protect the child from any current or future risk of harm posed by the child’s parents, relatives or any other person considered relevant, particularly in relation to contact between any such person and the child;
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Their ability and suitability to bring up the child until the age of 18;
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An assessment of any proposed contact arrangements.
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What else is included?
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A synopsis of risk and protective factors;
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A genogram;
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A financial overview;
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An assessment of support and supervision needs;
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Full compliance with the Schedule set out in Regulation 21 of the Special Guardianship Regulations 2005.
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Assessment Process?
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First home visit within 7 days of receiving all referral documents
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Assessment schedule agreed between social worker and the parent(s)
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A copy of the agreement is submitted to the instructing party
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Social worker will meet with parents, together and separately, child/ren, school and other professionals, as relevant.
Timescales
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All special guardianship assessments are completed within 10 -12 weeks
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Accelerated assessments can be completed within 6 - 8 weeks for an additional fee.
