Initial Assessment Record

The Initial Assessment Record continues the process of systematic information gathering commenced in the Referral and Initial Information Record.

The purpose of the Initial Assessment Record is to provide a record of the work undertaken by social services in collaboration with other agencies during an initial assessment. The purpose of an initial assessment is to decide whether a child is in need, the nature of any services to be required, from where and within what time scales, and whether a more detailed core assessment should be carried out.

In order to meet the time scales set out in the Government's Objectives for Children's Social Services (1999) an initial assessment should be completed within 7 working days of the referral being received by social services.

Using an Initial Assessment Record.

In completing an Initial Assessment Record, practitioners should consider all three domains of The Framework for children in Need and their Families (2000); namely The Child's Developmental Needs, Parents'/Carers' Capacities to Respond Appropriately to the Child's Needs and Family and Environmental Factors.

This information will be a summary of that collected during work with the family, including information from the child or young person and other professionals involved with the family. Paragraph 3.10 of the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) sets out the areas to be covered during an initial assessment. All agencies contacted during the initial assessment process should be recorded on the Initial Assessment Record. It is important that the child or young person is seen during the initial assessment process by the person in social services who is responsible for undertaking the initial assessment.

The Initial Assessment Record should identify whether any further action is required to safeguard or promote the child or young person's welfare. This may include further assessment, referral to other agencies and the provision of further services by social services and/or other agencies.

This decision will be based on an analysis of the information gathered during the initial assessment. Further actions, along with the supporting information, should be recorded on the Initial Information Record.

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