A practical tool for the assessment of children and their families, this guide enables professionals to make informed decisions about child protection issues. Firmly rooted in current practice, it draws on the expertise of a practising consultant and experienced qualified social worker Jeff Fowler, whose work has already formed the basis of guidance reports for child protection agencies and court proceedings.
Providing detailed checklists for collecting and interpreting information vital to a best practice assessment, it also includes practical sections that focus on assessing attachment issues, childhood experiences, alcohol and drug abuse, and parenting skills and abilities. It presents a central case study leading to an assessment report which can be used for case conferences, as a core assessment in care proceedings, or for statements in public and private law matters.
This is a helpful tool for anyone undertaking assessments but also for others who may be involved in aspects of child protection work such as social workers, health professionals, teachers, and legal and criminal justice professionals.
Introduction. 1. Starting Assessment: Beginning the Assessment; The Risk Indicator Checklist; The Core Assessment; The Assessment Plan; Introducing the Case Study; The Assessment Agreement; The Assessment Interviews; The First Assessment Session; Assessing the Parents. 2. Collecting Data for Assessment: The Family Structure; Chronology; Experiences from Childhood; Education, Employment; Perception of Self, Ideal Self; Self-Esteem; Exploring if People are Organised or Disorganised, Rigid or Flexible; Exploring Dominant and Submissive Behaviour; Alcohol Abuse; Drug Abuse; Anger and Violence; Schedule 1 Offences; Criminal History; Health; Previous Relationships; Present Relationship; Parenting Skills and Abilities; Perception of Children; Perception of Being a Parent; Parenting and Stress; Parenting and the Needs of Children; The Child; Attachment; Home Environment; Finances; Child Protection Concerns; Evaluating the Information. 3. Assessment: The Case Study: The Case Study Assessment; Positive Outcomes from the Assessment; Conclusion. Appendices: Exercises. References. Index.
