Do you work with all families?
We create safety plans to work with diverse groups, including mothers, fathers, same-sex couples, and extended family members. We consider referrals for individuals aged 16 and older.
Each referral undergoes a risk assessment by a manager, who may seek additional information to better plan for the family’s placement. We must carefully evaluate the needs of all families to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Safety measures, such as substance abstinence periods, signed agreements, or restricted sharing of placement addresses, may be required prior to admission. These will be agreed upon with the referrer, parents, and relevant professionals.
What reports are completed during placement, and when are they finalised?
Throughout the 12-week placement, we prepare weekly summaries and four main reports for review meetings. These occur in weeks 3, 7, and 11, with the parents and key professionals attending, if possible. A comprehensive “Final Parenting Assessment” is filed two weeks after placement ends, summarising all observations. In week 11, an exit meeting is held to review recommendations with parents and the social worker. Parents are actively involved in all meetings and provided with feedback on their progress.
Upon entering the placement, a planning meeting is conducted with the referring social worker and parents to set assessment goals and schedule meetings. A signed placement agreement from this meeting is required.
Who writes the reports, and what is their format?
Each family is assigned a social work assessor responsible for writing reports. The family centre also has family assessment support workers who provide day-to-day assistance. Reports are tailored to the parents’ needs, using formats such as bullet points, pictorial representations, and traffic light systems, alongside full reports with analysis.
How long is the assessment period?
The standard assessment period is 12 weeks, but adjustments can be made for shorter or longer assessments based on the family’s needs.
What assessment tools and methods are used?
We use the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, applying a holistic, strengths-based, and relationship-focused approach. Our social work assessors are trained in Parent Assess and PAMS. Full assessments can be provided if requested. We offer various tools and techniques, including visual aids, video playback, flashcards, role-playing, and self-directed learning materials.
Parents are closely observed, especially in the first 2-3 weeks, and supported as they care for their children. Over time, we reduce observations if care is consistent and meets the child’s needs.
What is the team structure, and do you use agency staff?
Our team includes family assessment support workers and social workers. Leadership and management teams work closely with families. We do not use agency staff; all employees are fully trained and follow safer recruitment procedures. Social work assessors are registered with Social Work England.
What happens if a child is deemed unsafe or cannot return home after the assessment, or if a placement breaks down?
We keep the referring social worker informed throughout the assessment and report any safeguarding concerns immediately. At the week 11 review, we provide recommendations regarding the child’s future to allow for adequate planning.
If a placement breaks down, we strive to provide seven days’ notice for planning purposes, though immediate termination may occur in rare cases of urgent safety concerns.
What happens if a child is recommended to return home after the assessment?
If progress is positive, unsupervised time away from the Family Centre may gradually increase to assess parenting skills further. When recommending a return home, we consider various factors, including social, housing, financial, and safety concerns. We may also recommend transition or safety plans for reintegration into the community, and Twenty Four-Seven can offer outreach support or step-down accommodations if needed.
What else does Twenty Four-Seven offer?
Visit our services page for more information on how we support vulnerable families in partnership with local authorities.
