Twenty Four-Seven offers specialist PAMS and ParentAssess family assessments for parents with learning disabilities

Family Assessments for parents with learning disabilities

In a significant number of the families we work with, one or both parents have a learning difficulty or disability. Parents with learning disabilities may face a wide range of barriers when bringing up their children. Our aim is to help identify any support required, empower people to learn to be the best parents possible, and safeguard the children in their care.

In the UK, there are currently few specialist services where parents with learning disabilities can develop their parenting skills or demonstrate that they can parent their children effectively. We have many years of experience in this area of work and we have a good reputation for offering a quality service to these individuals.

How are the assessments carried out?

Our staff team have specialist skills in this area, ensuring that any support and interventions are individualised for each family. Find out more about Twenty Four-Seven, our experienced team, and our ethos.

We use a varied range of assessment and communication tools, including modeling and repetition, pictorial aids, games, and ‘easy read’ resources, to ensure that the assessment and information is presented in an accessible way. We also work closely with adult social services and other professionals to get a holistic view.

The ParentAssess framework aims to offer an accessible and user-friendly alternative to the traditional PAMS assessment method, which is now being phased out. Assessors observe parents in real-life situations to assess both the emotional and practical aspects of parenting and seek to identify both the strengths and concerns. It uses photographs of real people to make the process relatable, and a traffic light system to make it easy to understand. When concerns are highlighted, our assessor will suggest ways to improve and assess parents’ ability to follow through and take action. The final report generated by ParentAssess is concise and easy to read, helping parents to understand what is required of them and the areas they need to work on.

Our team is also trained to use The Parenting Assessment Manual (PAMs), a system specifically designed to assess parents who have learning disabilities and other additional needs.

Where are assessments carried out?

We offer specialist family assessments for parents with learning disabilities in Birmingham, Barnsley and the surrounding areas.

Depending on the circumstances of the referral, assessments can be carried out either in our residential assessment centres, or in the community, in people’s own homes.

We know that for some people with learning disabilities, especially autistic people, a change of environment can bring additional stress. We will work with families, social workers and other professionals to create a bespoke approach that is suited to the family needs and circumstances.