What is an Assessment?

Either you or someone on your behalf has asked the social services departments for help with some difficulty which effects your child (or children). Before we can help you we need to know more about you and your family. This will involve collecting information, talking this through with you and agreeing what might be done. This is called an assessment.

Why is an Assessment being done?

To see what help and support you and your family might need and who could best give that help.

What will happen?

Usually a social worker will meet with you and members of your family. When children are old enough to take part in an assessment the social worker will encourage them and help them to do so.

When other people are already helping you and your family, like school or the health visitor then it is likely the social worker will talk to them too, normally we will ask your permission before we do this.

Information will be gathered and written down. Although social workers and other professionals will normally take the lead in completing the assessment, this should always be done in a way which helps you to have your say and encourages you to take part.

An assessment is an important part of our working with you. In a very small number of cases, there are serious concerns about a child’s safety. Making sure the child is safe will be our first concern. Please ask your social worker to explain this to you.

How long will the Assessment take?

Initial assessments will usually be completed in seven working days. Full assessments, known as core assessments will usually take 35 working days.

What will be expected of you?

We know that almost all parents want to do their best for their children and completing the assessment will help your social worker recognise the strengths you and your family have as well as your difficulties.

Your contribution to the assessment is important and will help us to know what would work best for you and your family.

We can help best if you tell us what you do well in your family and your difficulties.

Your views

We would welcome your comments. If you would like to give us your thoughts and ideas about this information or other Children Services publication please contact:

Customer Liaison Officer
Tel: 01793 463496
E-mail: yourcommentscount@swindon.gov.uk

Printed leaflet

The information contained in this web page is also available in a printed leaflet. If you would like copies of this leaflet, or the same information in another format, please contact:

Customer Services
Tel: 01793 445500

The leaflet is also available as a downloadable pdf document:

Children and Families Assessments