WHAT: This form is used to decide whether a child is in need of protection or support services, the nature of services required, and whether a more detailed assessment should be carried out.
The form utilizes the assessment structure outlined in the document Framework for the Assessment of Children and their Families and should be used with the accompanying guidance: Framework for the Assessment of Children and their Families: Guidance Notes and Glossary for Referral and Initial Information Record, Initial Assessment Record, Core Assessment Record.
WHO: Social and community workers completing an assessment of a child and his or her caregivers.
WHERE: Relevant globally as a template. It would require some changes in order to fit specific contexts.
WHY: Useful as a standardized form for assessing the child’s basic needs and determining the appropriate initial response. For complex or ongoing cases the document Core Assessment Record should be used.
N.B. This form is designed to be used with the following resources from the Department of Health, Department for Education and Employment, Home Office, UK, 2000:
-
Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families
-
Assessing Children in Need and their Families: Practice Guidance
-
Framework for the Assessment of Children and their Families: Guidance Notes and Glossary for Referral and Initial Information Record, Initial Assessment Record, Core Assessment Record
-
Referral and Initial Information Record
-
Core Assessment Record Ages 0-2, 3-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15+
-
Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families: Family Pack of Questionnaires and Scales
