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Contents 

1. Purpose and Criteria for an Initial Assessment
2. Timescales of an Initial Assessment
3. Process and Recording of an Initial Assessment
4. Outcome and Approval or the Initial Assessment and Plan

1. Purpose and Criteria for an Initial Assessment

An Initial Assessment is a brief assessment of each child referred to LA children’s social care where it is necessary to determine whether the child is in need, the nature of any services required, and whether a further, more detailed Core Assessment should be undertaken.

An Initial Assessment should be conducted in the following circumstances (for detailed guidance on levels of need see Children in Need Eligibility Criteria):

1. Where there is an indication that a child has Medium of High* Level Needs.
2. Where a child with Low Level Needs has been referred on 3 occasions in the previous 3 months,

*If there are suspicions that a child is suffering or likely to suffer from Significant Harm, the Manager has the discretion to authorise an Initial Assessment or proceed immediately to a Strategy Discussion/Meeting and Core Assessment/Section 47 Enquiry.  In such circumstances, proceed to Section 2, Core Assessments with a Section 47 Investigation/Enquiry in Core Assessments Procedure.

2. Timescales of an Initial Assessment

Initial Assessments should be undertaken within a maximum of 7 working days from the receipt of the referral.

The urgency of the situation may determine that the Initial Assessment is conducted very quickly e.g. where there are clear indications that a child is is suffering or at risk of Significant Harm; in which case, the Manager may authorise an immediate Strategy Discussion/Meeting.

3. Process and Recording of an Initial Assessment

If  the Manager authorises an Initial Assessment (assuming that there are no suspicions/concerns of Significant Harm), it will be allocated to a Social Worker, and an appointment made with the Parent(s) and child.

If the visit/appointment is cancelled, the Social Worker should make another appointment.  If cancelled for a second time, the Manager should be consulted.

Recording: See Universal Assessment Procedures and Guidance (Recording).

4. Outcome and Approval or the Initial Assessment and Plan

There are 3 potential outcomes from an Initial Assessment, which must be authorised by the Manager:

1. That there are indicators that the child is suffering or likely to suffer Significant Harm, in which case a Strategy Discussion/Meeting must be conducted view to conducting a Core Assessment with a Section 47 Enquiry.
2. To do: outcomes regarding differing levels of need leading to Core Assessments/services.
3. The child is not a Child in Need or is in need with a low level requiring the provision of information, signposting to another agency and/or no further action.

A Child in Need Plan should be drawn up if the case is to remain open in CSC after the initial assessment.  If the child is Looked After, see Decision to Look After Procedure

After  the completion of all Initial Assessments, a copy must be sent to the Parent(s) and the child/young 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