2.1.5 Core Assessments

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This chapter summarises the Core Assessments (and Child Protection Enquiry/s47) Procedures for all children.

This Chapter should be read in conjunction with the following:

Assessments Guidance, which provides guidance on conducting an Initial Assessment

Police Units and Children's Social Work Team Joint Protocol

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010

Core Assessment Record for Child Protection Practice Guidance

AMENDMENTS

January 2011: This Chapter was substantially amended, staff should familiarise themselves with the whole Chapter.

Core Assessment Record for Child Protection (Core Assessment with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry
Core Assessments (without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

1. Core Assessment Record for Child Protection (Core Assessment with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

RECORDING: Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry are recorded using the Core Assessment Record for Child Protection. See Core Assessment Record for Child Protection Practice Guidance.

PRACTICE STANDARDS: See Practice Standards for undertaking a Core Assessment

This should be read in conjunction with London Child Protection Procedures - Child Protection Enquiries.

Also see Police Units and Children's Social Work Teams Joint Protocol

If immediate action is required to protect the child, see Section 1.4, Immediate Action to Protect the Child(ren).

A strategy discussion/meeting should be held whenever there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. It is during the Strategy Discussion/Meeting that a decision will be made as to whether a child protection investigation (S47 Enquiry) is required, , initiating a Core Assessment Record for Child Protection.

1.1 Purpose of a Core Assessment Record for Child Protection (Core Assessment with Section 47 Enquiry)

Whenever there is any reason to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm a S47 enquiry must be undertaken as set out by S47 of the Children Act 1989. In Haringey this means that A Core Assessment Record for Child Protection should be completed. as the S47 and Core Assessment have been amalgamated into one form. The S47 is used to decide whether any action needs to be taken to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. (see London Child Protection Procedures - Child Protection Enquiries.

The purpose of the Core Assessment is to conduct an in-depth assessment which addresses the child's needs and the parents capacity to meet those needs. The Core Assessment Record for Child Protection is therefore the tool to enable social workers to assess risk, vulnerability, protective factors and what services may need to be put in place.

A Core Assessment Record for Child Protection cannot be completed without seeing each child subject to the assessment/investigation.

1.2 Timescales of a Core Assessment (With a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

The assessment must be completed in time for the Initial Child Protection Conference , which should be convened within 15 working days from the strategy discussion where the decision was made to initiate a Section 47.

The Core Assessment Record for Child Protection should be completed within a maximum of 35 working days (if the case does not proceed to an Initial Child Protection Conference) or in time for the Initial Child Protection Conference.

This should be closely monitored through strategy discussions and any risk of harm to the child acted on accordingly and without delay.

1.3 Process of a Core Assessment Record for Child Protection (With a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

The Core Assessment Record for child protection.

The Core Assessment Record for Child Protection amalgamates three processes into one- the s47 enquiry, core assessment and the social workers report to the Initial Child Protection Conference. This is a family based document that takes into account the individual needs of each child within the family.

Detail of the procedures for Child Protection Enquiries, including the arrangements for Video Recorded or other interviews and medical assessments are also contained in Section 7 of the London Child Protection Procedures (Child Protection Enquiries).

For Full practice Guidance on completing a Core Assessment Record for Child Protection, see Core Assessment Record for Child Protection Practice Guidance.

1.4 Immediate action to protect child(ren)

During the course of a Core Assessment, it may be necessary to take immediate action to protect child(ren) as set out in Section 7 (Immediate Protection), London Child Protection Procedures including removal of the child(ren).

If it is not possible for child(ren) to remain at home, the social worker with their manager must consider the following options:

Placement with other carers on a voluntary basis, under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, in which case, the child may be placed with approved Foster Carers or with Relatives and Friends. The following relevant procedures apply:

For placement with relatives and friends see Section 1, (Emergency (Immediate) Placements), Placement with Connected Persons Procedure,
for placement with approved foster carers in normal working hours: Section 3, (Planned Placements), Placements Procedure,
for placement of children with approved foster carers outside normal working hours: Section 4, Emergency (out of hours) Placements: Placement Procedure.

If anyone with Parental Responsibility objects to the taking of voluntary action, the social worker and manager must consider Police Protection, an application for an Emergency Protection Order or an application for an Interim Care Order. In such circumstances, Legal Advice must be sought (see Court Business Procedure).

If the child is Looked After e.g. with relatives/family and friends or with approved foster carers, also see Decision to Look After Procedure.

1.5 Outcome from a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

Following a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry, one of the following outcomes will be appropriate:

That an Initial Child Protection Conference is convened and a decision reached to make the child subject to a Child Protection Plan. If a decision is reached to make the child subject to a Child Protection Plan, a Core Group will be established to monitor the plan.
That it is not necessary to convene an Initial Child Protection Conference, or that a conference is convened but the child is not made subject to a Child Protection Plan.
The manager must come to a decision about whether to provide other services. If services or a non complex nature are provided, a Child in Need Plan must be drawn up. If the child is Looked After, see Decision to Look After Procedure.

If it is necessary to apply to the Court for an order (e.g. an Emergency Protection Order) please see Court Business Procedure.

2. Core Assessments (without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

PRACTICE STANDARDS: See Practice Standards for undertaking a Core Assessment (without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry).

2.1 Purpose of a Core Assessment (Without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

The purpose of the Core Assessment is to conduct an in depth assessment of the child's needs, drawing on information provided by partner agencies, using the information gathered to draw up a Plan aimed at meeting the child's needs.

From the 31 August 2010 a new core assessment has been used in Haringey. The new assessment is a a family based document that takes into account the individual needs of each child. A copy of the assessment must be copied onto each child's file subject to the assessment.

2.2 Timescales of a Core Assessment (Without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

The assessment should be concluded within a maximum of 35 working days of the end of the Initial Assessment, or the decision to undertake a Core Assessment on an Open Case.

2.3 Outcome of a Core Assessment (Without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

During the course and upon completion of the assessment it will be necessary to decide what services should be provided and draw up a plan. The services that will be appropriate will be different for each child, depending on his/her needs.

Services should be outlined in a child in need plan, The plan is a family document however each child's needs should be separated within the plan and a copy should be available on each child's file on Frameworki.

If services are required from other agencies e.g. speech therapy, the child's case should be taken the CAF Panel with a view to setting up a Team Around the Child, see CAF Guidance - Step 4 CAF Panel.