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Contents

1. Purpose and Criteria for an Initial Assessment
2. Timescales of an Initial Assessment
3. Process and outcome of an Initial Assessment

1. Purpose and Criteria for an Initial Assessment

The 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 must be initiated where there is sufficient evidence to suggest that a child has Medium or High Level Needs as set out in Brighton and Hove Eligibility Criteria (see Children in Need Eligibility Criteria Guidance)

The Manager can authorise a Core Assessment without the need for an Initial Assessment where information is received about a child already known to the authority.

2. Timescales of an Initial Assessment

Initial Assessments should be undertaken within a maximum of 10 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 suffering or at risk of Significant Harm; in which case, the Manager may authorise an immediate Strategy Discussion/Meeting.

Also see:

• Process Flow Diagram: Child Protection Operations;
• Sussex Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures: Strategy Discussions.

3. Process and outcome of an Initial Assessment

Initial Assessments must be led/conducted by a qualified Social Worker, supervised by a highly experienced and qualified social work manager.

As part of the assessment, the child(ren) must be seen by the Lead Social Worker, without his or her caregivers when appropriate.

Various records must be completed as part of the Initial Assessment process; they are set out in Section 1, Universal Assessment Procedures and Guidance and in relevant Process Diagrams (see start of this Chapter)

There are 4 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 with a view to conducting a Core Assessment incorporating a Child Protection Enquiry. If there are indicators that immediate action is required to protect the child, consult the Duty Manager and consider Police Protection, applying for an Emergency Protection Order or arranging for the child to be Looked After. If there are Child Protection concerns it will be necessary to conduct a Strategy Discussion/Meeting. See the following Sussex Child protection and Safeguarding Procedures: Child Protection Enquiries
   
   If it appears appropriate for the child to be Looked After, see Decision to Look After Procedures);
2. That there are indicators that the child has other high level needs, in which case a Core Assessment must be initiated;
3. That the child has medium level needs, in which a Core Assessment may be initiated and/or services may be provided;
4. That the child is not a Child in Need or has low level needs requiring the provision of information, signposting to another agency and/or no further action.

If non Looked After Services are provided, a Child in Need Plan must be drawn up, and other records completed (as set out in Section 1, Universal Assessment Procedures and Guidance and in relevant Process Diagrams (see start of this Chapter).

If the child is Looked After, other records must be completed, see Decision to Look After Procedures.

End