Family Assessment FAQs For Families

We value everyone’s input and listen carefully. We aim to work openly and honestly with you, sharing both positive feedback and concerns. While we consider the referrer’s concerns, we also want to hear your views, as we see you as the expert in your life and your child’s life.

We record daily notes on your care of your child and yourself, which you can review with a staff member. We also share information through discussions, printouts, and progress reviews, and may use email, phone, or text messages when needed. The referring social worker and other authorised professionals, such as the child’s Guardian, will be kept informed.

Our Residents Guide/Handbook is available before placement, detailing what to expect. We encourage you to engage with us to address concerns, build on strengths, and learn new skills related to your child’s care. Each family receives tailored support from different workers, and we follow up-to-date NHS guidelines and research. We’re happy to assist with any new skills you want to learn or activities that promote safe parenting.

The Family Centre is a large house that blends into the neighbourhood. It features communal kitchens and lounges, with each family having a private ensuite bedroom and kitchenette. Photos are available in the Residents Guide and upon request via email.

Initially, until you and the team are familiar with the local area, outings with your child will be supervised by a team member. As you progress in your assessment, you may be granted unsupervised time out, depending on your progress.

We have a bedtime policy where parents are expected to be in their rooms by 11 PM, though you don’t have to sleep. Staff are available at night for support, especially at the start of the placement. Nighttime observations are reduced once you demonstrate confidence in caring for your baby overnight. However, support is always available if needed.

While we use CCTV for individual families, it is reviewed regularly and only used when necessary. Our goal is to remove CCTV as soon as possible.

You can request visitors, but this needs to be communicated to your social work assessor in advance. We will plan for a safe and appropriate visit, and supervised time with family members or children (Family Time Contact) can be arranged.

There are designated outdoor smoking areas where you can supervise your children. Smoking or vaping is not permitted at night.

We are here to support you in caring for your baby. Asking for help is encouraged, and we provide 3 hours of babysitting per week if you’re participating in the assessment.

You’re responsible for keeping your room clean, and there’s a cleaning rota for communal areas. However, you’re not required to clean up after other families’ personal items.

At the start of the placement, medications for both you and your baby will be stored in the office for safekeeping. Once you show confidence in managing your medication, it can be stored in your room.