Child Protection

The level of close supervision is agreed between all parties prior to admission. This could be 24-hour supervision arrangements (where for example fabricated illness or non-accidental injury is suspected) or the more standard supervision arrangements whereby there is a gradual reduction in monitoring from full observations and 15-minute checks to spot checks. Whatever the level of agreed supervision, our philosophy is to prioritise the safety of the child whilst recognising the parent’s right to reasonable privacy.

A continuous focus on child protection issues is the cornerstone of the Assessment. Evidence based reports are prepared by a member of the Senior Staff Team, who are all qualified Social Workers with significant experience in Child Protection and Care Proceedings. Five weekly review meetings or the final meeting are usually held at the centre. The five week meetings will typically determine whether the continuance of assessment work is likely to prove productive for the family. A detailed review report is provided as the basis for this key review. Final recommendations are given in Week 10/11, permitting structured exit planning. Again a comprehensive  supporting report provides the basis of the final meeting.

Throughout the Assessment, Key Workers and Family Support Workers maintain a daily dialogue about progress with families and relevant professionals and detailed records are maintained. Progress reports are provided to parents at weekly intervals and targets are set for the coming week. The Centres pride themselves on working in partnership with parents and in the transparency of the assessment process.