A parenting assessment may identify safeguarding concerns where there are questions about a child’s safety, welfare or exposure to potential harm.
For parents, receiving findings of this nature can be extremely concerning. However, identifying a safeguarding concern does not automatically determine the outcome of family court proceedings.
The significance of the concern depends on the evidence, the nature of the risk, the child’s circumstances and the wider information available to the court.
To understand how parenting assessments fit into wider family court proceedings, see our guide to parenting assessments and family court.
Safeguarding concerns arise when there may be a risk of harm to a child.
The nature of the concern can vary significantly.
Examples may include:
An assessment should focus on the specific circumstances rather than applying a generic label.
Safeguarding concerns may emerge through different parts of the assessment.
For example, an assessor may identify concerns through:
The assessor may then consider how significant the concern is and whether the parent understands and can manage the relevant risk.
No.
A safeguarding concern does not automatically mean that a child will be removed from a parent.
Family court decisions depend on the evidence and legal framework applicable to the case.
In public law proceedings, the court considers issues concerning the child’s welfare and parental capability alongside the wider evidence.
Once a concern is identified, the assessment may explore:
The parent may be asked to explain their understanding of the concern.
Some safeguarding situations require parents to identify risks before they become serious.
The assessment may consider whether the parent can take practical steps to protect the child.
Previous behaviour may provide context, particularly where the same issue has occurred more than once.
Sustainable change may be relevant when assessing future parenting arrangements.
Parents may disagree with findings or information included in an assessment.
A disagreement does not necessarily prevent the assessment from considering the issue.
The parent should have an opportunity, within the assessment process and applicable proceedings, to explain their position.
Where there is a significant dispute about the evidence, legal advice should be obtained.
Yes.
Where concerns are identified, the assessment may make recommendations designed to address specific risks.
Depending on the circumstances, these may relate to:
Recommendations should be connected to the evidence and the child’s needs. Learn more about how recommendations are made following a parenting assessment.
A safeguarding assessment should not necessarily ignore evidence of improvement.
If a parent has already made changes, the assessment may consider:
This can help distinguish between temporary improvement and more established change.
Where relevant, findings from an assessment may form part of the evidence considered by the court.
The court may consider the assessment alongside:
The assessment therefore forms part of the wider evidential picture.
Serious safeguarding concerns may require an appropriate professional response.
If there is an immediate risk of harm to a child, the relevant safeguarding authorities or emergency services may need to be contacted depending on the circumstances.
In ongoing proceedings, parents should also speak to their legal representative about the implications for their case.
Some safeguarding concerns may be capable of being reduced or addressed through appropriate changes and support.
However, there is no universal timeframe or guaranteed outcome.
The appropriate response depends on the nature of the concern, the child’s needs and the evidence available.
Not necessarily. The significance depends on the nature of the concern, the evidence and the parent’s ability to understand and manage the risk.
Yes. Current circumstances and evidence of meaningful change may be relevant to an assessment.
They may be relevant to contact arrangements, depending on the circumstances and decisions made within the proceedings.
No. The family court makes decisions in court proceedings based on the evidence and applicable law.
Safeguarding concerns identified during a parenting assessment should be examined carefully and in context.
The assessment may consider the nature of the risk, the parent’s understanding, protective abilities, previous circumstances and evidence of change.
Where family court proceedings are involved, the assessment is one part of the wider evidence rather than the court’s final decision.
For more information about the evidence considered during an assessment, read What Evidence Is Considered in a Court-Related Parenting Assessment?
At Family Safeguarding Assessments (FSA), we understand the importance of keeping families together while ensuring the safety and well-being of children
