After you have contacted your local social work office for a service, a member of staff will meet with you to discuss your situation and listen to your views on the kind of help you need. From this initial enquiry we will establish the urgency of your needs, and will carry out an assessment of needs as soon as we can. We prioritise your need based on the information you give us.
The purpose of an assessment is to look at what the needs, strengths and any risks are for your child and your family and how best to address these.
A social worker will arrange a time and place to meet with you. The social worker will want to meet your child or children and other family members. They may write things down and complete some forms. The social worker will ask questions about your family's needs. This may be difficult but it is important to be as open as possible as it is important the social worker has a full understanding of your family's circumstances.
In order to do this they may also ask you who else we should speak to, for example your family doctor or child's teacher. Wherever possible we will seek your consent before speaking to other professionals regarding your assessment.
For many people it will only take a matter of days to complete the assessment. For others, the assessment process may take some time. You will be kept informed of what is happening during the assessment process and while your assessment is taking place you may be offered some services to deal with any immediate needs or concerns identified.
The level and types of services and support your family may require will be made clearer by the assessment. A Child's Plan will be agreed to detail the agencies and others who will provide any support and services required for your child and family.
There are a range of services which may become available to you, depending on your family's circumstances. This may involve a number of different agencies such as health services or Falkirk Council. Others may be provided by independent or voluntary organisations.
Importantly, the assessment process and Child's Plan will also record your views and those of your child(ren).