FSA commences a risk assessment, which includes a planning meeting with the social work team (and any other relevant professionals) once we have agreement of the Local Authority or court direction. This includes visiting the family home and meeting parents, to discuss our privacy and consent policies and to answer any questions they may have.
We aim to minimise delay and the length of time babies, children and young people are separated from their parents.
Please note we also consider emergency referrals.
Introduction and Rapport Building: Our FSW’s and ISW’s aim to build rapport and develop professional working relationships with the parents and their children, modelling an open and trusting home environment.
FSA undertake comprehensive parenting capacity assessments, utilising evidence and strength based assessment tools and materials completed by our Independent Social Workers. Our ISW’s are trained in ParentAssess and Cubas models of parenting assessments, however, will be informed by the LOI’s and can adapt to a simple comprehensive assessment if required.
Our Family Support workers, carry out the daily observations and provide 24 hour supervision, ensuring the safety and protection of all family members.
Two daily reports are provided, which are shared with the parents to promote transparency and to assist them with understanding their progress, patterns of behaviours and any concerns or issues observed. This allows them to respond and engage in discussions and direct work to address any issues in a timely manner.
The Family Support Workers engage parents (and children) in direct work sessions to support in parental learning and development in areas such as child development, effective parenting strategies, setting and implementing boundaries, promoting positive communication, nurturing and identifying safe relationships, budgeting, managing and accessing resources for financial stability, accessing community resources that promote positive health, education, social wellbeing.
They also provide hands-on support and advice with household tasks, meal preparation and all other practical aspects of daily life.
FSA FSWs provide a non-judgemental and supportive environment for parents to express themselves, while ensuring babies, children and adolescents remain safeguarded, identifying potential risks or concerns.
Each family is allocated a keyworker.
The assessment will include (but is not restricted to):
Parenting Capacity: Observing and discussing the parent’s understanding of and ability to meet their children’s needs, including emotional, social, education and physical (and where relevant medical) care.
Social and Environmental Assessment: Assessing the living conditions, support systems, financial stability, and any potential risks or stressors in the home environment, including domestic abuse, exploitation, substance misuse, parental or child mental health issues etc.
Risk identification: FSA reverse parenting assessments identify any risk factors that may compromise the safety and well-being of babies, children and adolescents, such as neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse or harm, domestic violence, substance misuse, severe mental health issues, child exploitation, female genital mutilation, honour based violence or forced marriage.
Strengths and protective Factors: FSA aims to identify strengths and protective factors that support the parents ability to care for their child, such as a strong support network or engagement with community services, including children services.
Feedback and Planning: FSA believe communication and sharing information is key to providing a safe and effective service. We discuss findings with the parents, providing immediate feedback and develop plans to address any identified risks.
Following completion of the reverse parenting assessment, if required, FSA are able to provide continued support and monitoring. A bespoke plan developed between the Local Authority, FSA and the family, comprising of regular follow-up visits from the keyworker. The keyworker will call and visit to monitor progress, address new concerns, and adjust care plans as needed.
Support Services: Connecting parents with necessary resources, such as parenting classes, mental health support, substance abuse programs and helping to develop trusting relationships with social services.
Emergency Response: In cases of high risk, coordinating with relevant authorities and services for immediate intervention to ensure the child’s safety.
At Family Safeguarding Assessments (FSA), we understand the importance of keeping families together while ensuring the safety and well-being of children.