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Contents

1. Core Assessments: Introduction
2. Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry
3. Core Assessments without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

1. Core Assessments: Introduction

A Core Assessment is an in depth assessment of a child's needs based on the Dimensions of the Assessment Framework.

Core assessments are carried out as part of a Section 47 investigation but can also be carried out for all children in need when an up to date assessment is required. For the purpose of this procedure, the guidance has been split into two parts:

• Core Assessment with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry - where Significant Harm is suspected; See Section 2, Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry
• A Core Assessment without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry - where Significant Harm is not suspected; See Section 3, Core Assessments without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

2. Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

This section should be read in conjunction with the following:

• The Inter-agency working to Safeguard Lewisham Children , which provides guidance on the receipt of referrals from other agencies, involving children and Parents and arranging Child Protection Case Conferences.
• The London Child Protection Procedures (see links to specific sections in the Scope Box, at the top of this Chapter)

Procedures for Core Assessments which do not incorporate a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry are contained in Section 3, Core Assessments without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry.

This section relates to Core Assessments incorporating a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry conducted upon children in need believed to be suffering or likely to suffer from Significant Harm.  It should be read in conjunction with the London Child Protection Procedures.

It is assumed that a Strategy Discussion/Meeting will have been convened, in relation to a child believed to be suffering or likely to suffer from Significant Harm, and a decision reached to conduct a Core Assessment with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry.

2.1 Purpose of a Core Assessment (With a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

The purpose of the Core Assessment is to conduct an in depth assessment of the child's needs and any risk factors.  It will draw on the information provided by partner agencies in order to make a decision about the existence of Significant Harm, the requirement for services and the need for a Plan. 

2.2 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 is normally convened within 15 working days of the last Strategy Meeting/Discussion or the decision to undertake a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry.

2.3 Process of a Core Assessment (With a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry)

If required, the Initial Child Protection Conference may request a further assessment, and should identify the areas where this is needed.

2.4 Outcome from a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

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

1. 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.  If necessary, the Core Assessment must be completed, and the other plans drawn up or updated as necessary
   
   *Guidance on arranging Child Protection Conferences is contained in Arrangements for Case Conferences Procedures
2. 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

In these circumstances, the Core Assessment must be concluded, and 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 Procedures

2.5 Recording of the assessment

See Universal Assessment Procedures (Section 1: 'Recording')

3. Core Assessments without a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry

For Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry see Section 2, Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry.

3.1 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.

3.2 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.

3.3 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 of a non complex nature should be outlined in a Children in Need Plan.

If a child is Looked After, other plans must be completed, see Decision to Look After Procedures.

3.4 Recording of the Assessment

See Universal Assessment Procedures (Section 1, 'Recording')

After the completion of all Core Assessments, a copy must be sent to the Parent(s) and the child your person, if they are of sufficient age and understanding.  If the assessment was as a result of a referral from a professional, a letter should be written to the referrer with the outcome of the assessment.

End