culture beliefs/ identity/diversity. Is there evidence that children have been asked relevant questions as well as parents? Does the assessment identify risks This relates to clear in the context of whether they 4,5,6,7 identification – but also the constitute significant harm? significance and level of harm. (WTSC 2015: 29) Does the assessment analyse the For example, does it consider child’s needs and/or the nature and the interrelationship been level of any risk and harm being protective factors/strengths suffered by the child including and resilience, adversity resilience. (WTSC 2015:41 & 45) factors and vulnerabilities. Note, these are four separate things, interconnected but distinct. Risk Assessment Tool. (RVM) 5,6,7 Is the approved organisational risk assessment tool evidenced in the assessment Does the assessment reflect the The assessment should not be latest research and serious case over optimistic leading to the reviews on the impact of neglect 4,5,9 possibility that children are left and abuse when analysing the level unnecessarily in abusive and of need and risk faced by the child? neglectful homes due to an (WTSC 2015:49, 62) over hopeful assessment of parental ability to change. Is it informed by evidence and Records should state clearly underpinned by knowledge? (WTSC what the evidence is for any 2015:47) statement or assessment. Does the Assessment build upon For example, responding to the history of the case? (WTSC the impact of any previous 2015:43, 50) services & analysing what further action might be needed. Considering previous recording when a looked after child has been returned home. Good Practice Area and Links Indicators Y / N / P reference: to KSS NR Does the assessment attend to the Capacity/ motivation of likelihood of change, the impact of parents/carers to change ; this not occurring in the child’s time resistance to change, previous frame? changes sustained or not.
culture beliefs/ identity/diversity. Is there evidence that children have been asked relevant questions as well as parents? Does the assessment identify risks in the context of whether they constitute significant harm? (WTSC 2015: 29) 4,5,6,7 This relates to clear identification – but also the significance and level of harm. Does the assessment analyse the child’s needs and/or the nature and level of any risk and harm being suffered by the child including resilience. (WTSC 2015:41 & 45) For example, does it consider the interrelationship been protective factors/strengths and resilience, adversity factors and vulnerabilities. Note, these are four separate things, interconnected but distinct. Risk Assessment Tool. (RVM) 5,6,7 Is the approved organisational risk assessment tool evidenced in the assessment Does the assessment reflect the latest research and serious case reviews on the impact of neglect and abuse when analysing the level of need and risk faced by the child? (WTSC 2015:49, 62) 4,5,9 The assessment should not be over optimistic leading to the possibility that children are left unnecessarily in abusive and neglectful homes due to an over hopeful assessment of parental ability to change. Is it informed by evidence and underpinned by knowledge? (WTSC 2015:47) Records should state clearly what the evidence is for any statement or assessment. Does the Assessment build upon the history of the case? (WTSC 2015:43, 50) For example, responding to the impact of any previous services & analysing what further action might be needed. Considering previous recording when a looked after child has been returned home. Good Practice Area and reference: Links to KSS Indicators Y / N / P NR Does the assessment attend to the likelihood of change, the impact of this not occurring in the child’s time frame? Capacity/ motivation of parents/carers to change ; resistance to change, previous changes sustained or not.