Framework for the Assessment of Children and their Families

Course Overview

If you work with children, young people and their families you need to be aware of the Assessment Framework and what it means for you and the people in your care. The Framework is there to help you make safe and strategic decisions for the people who most need it.

This all-round introductory course is ideal for experienced care professionals, those who want to freshen up their knowledge or those who are just starting a career in social care."

Target Audience

This child in need assessment course is intended for staff who fall into the following staff groups:

• Group 3: Members of the workforce who work predominantly with children, young people and/or their parents/carers and who could potentially contribute to assessing, planning, intervening in and reviewing the needs of a child and parenting capacity where there are safeguarding concerns.
• This includes: youth workers, probation staff, sports club welfare officers, those working with adults in – for example – learning disability, alcohol and drug misuse services, and those working in community play schemes
• Group 4: Members of the workforce who make onward safeguarding referrals to the police and Children’s Social Care. This includes: managers, professional advisors; practice supervisors, named/designated senior professionals.
• Group 5: Members of the workforce who have particular responsibilities in relation to undertaking Section 47 enquiries, including professionals, police and children’s social care, those who work with complex cases and social work staff responsible for coordinating assessment of children in need.

Learning Objectives

Once you’ve completed this course, you’ll have a good knowledge of:

• The important principles that underpin the Framework for the Assessment for Children and their Families
• Who should use the Framework and why
• What is required to properly assess children’s needs
• The ‘Domains’ and ‘Dimensions’ of the Framework