(though social worker may need to act to ensure services are provided)
Often the needs of the child will have been met during the assessment. But sometimes the assessment identifies a need for further services, while in other cases the assessment concludes that the child does not meet the criteria set by Children and Young People’s Services.
In the latter case, it is important that you do not merely think that the case should be closed. It is important to consider
- do the parents believe that the matter should be closed?
- what does the child want to happen?
- could other services be used to help the family?
If you decide that more should be done, you will need to discuss this with the family and the relevant agency.
How to do it
Explain to the family the conclusions of your assessment, what services you think they may find helpful, and how they may go about getting them. You may also offer to assist the family in doing so. It is for the family to decide whether they wish to accept any services. Leave a copy of the assessment with the family.
Lessons from research
If the family sees their first involvement with the social worker as helpful, they are more likely to return for help and advice at an early stage if problems occur.
In many cases, children who have needs, and who have been the subject of child protection enquiries, do not get offered services once it has been decided that they are not at risk of significant harm.
