Abstract

A practical tool for the assessment of children and their families, this guide enables professionals to make informed decisions about child protection issues. Firmly rooted in current practice, it draws on the expertise of a practising consultant and experienced qualified social worker Jeff Fowler, whose work has already formed the basis of guidance reports for child protection agencies and court proceedings.

Providing detailed checklists for collecting and interpreting information vital to a best practice assessment, it also includes practical sections that focus on assessing attachment issues, childhood experiences, alcohol and drug abuse, and parenting skills and abilities. It presents a central case study leading to an assessment report which can be used for case conferences, as a core assessment in care proceedings, or for statements in public and private law matters.

This is a helpful tool for anyone undertaking assessments but also for others who may be involved in aspects of child protection work such as social workers, health professionals, teachers, and legal and criminal justice professionals.

A clearly written and informative text.
Journal of Social Work
This excellent book provides experienced practitioners or those working with close supervision from both health and social services with additional strategies to assess parents of children in need... The tool is designed to be used alongside the Framework for the Assessment of Children in need and their Families and is both child centred and family focused. This book would be equally useful to health visitors, school health nurses and social workers involved in the detailed assessment of family functioning. The checklists are not tick box tools but rather aide memoirs to lead discussion with parents to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to assess risk. It is to be recommended for staff who wish to enhance their level of practice.
Community Practitioner
Jeff Fowler is a qualified social worker with thirty years experience of working with children and families. He has worked in residential and field social work as a practitioner and senior manager. Since 1992 he has been a Guardian ad litem, independent social worker, consultant and trainer. He presently assesses families for local authorities and for parties in public and private law proceedings. He is an expert witness in the High Court, the `Quality Assurance Assessor' for the National Association of Independent Resources for Children, an independent person to the Hesley Group of schools and inspects residential children's services under the Care Standards Act 2002. He is a member of CAFCASS.
Because of the time restrictions that are vital in child protection, the book would be helpful for the assessment of parents. It is crisp and to the point and could usefully be discussed in training sessions or team meetings. Experienced workers may find this a useful addition to their toolbox.
Community Care