The focus of the initial assessment should be both on the safety and the welfare of the child. It is important to remember that even if the reason for a referral was a concern about abuse or neglect that is not subsequently substantiated, a child and family may still benefit from support and practical help to promote a child’s health and development. When services are to be provided a child in need plan should be developed based on the findings from the initial assessment and on any previous plans, for example, those made following the completion of a common assessment. If the child’s needs and circumstances are complex a more in-depth core assessment under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 will be required in order to decide what other types of services are necessary to assist the child and family (see the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families). Appendix 1 sets out the statutory framework including relevant sections of the Children Act 1989. Appendix 3 Using standardised assessment tools to evidence assessment and decision making is intended for use by practitioners to support evidence-based assessment and decision making.
