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Assessment Services

 

Dudley Lodge work with lots of families, all with different needs and from a diverse range of backgrounds. Families complete assessments for lots of different reasons, including:

  • Domestic Violence
  • Substance misuse
  • Neglect
  • Chaotic parenting/lifestyles
  • Additional learning needs
  • History of Social Care involvement
  • Difficulty in meeting your child’s needs

The list above is only an example of some of the reasons for completing an assessment and all assessments are different for each family. When deciding a family’s suitability for an assessment we will look at individual circumstances, and provide an assessment suitable for each individual.

Residential Assessments

A Residential Assessment is the most common assessment we do at Dudley Lodge, this is when a family moves into one of our Centres. Generally, a stay with us lasts from between 4 to 12 weeks. However, on occasion, an assessment can end early if it is not in the best interest of the child to continue.

We understand that moving out of your home and into somewhere new can be very daunting, our staff will help you to feel as comfortable as possible and support you where necessary. Always remember, we’re here to help you and our main aim is always to achieve a positive outcome for you and your family. You can read our previous resident’s stories about their time at Dudley Lodge and how they have used what they learnt since leaving.

During your stay you’ll be supported by our team through work plans where you will be set targets, attend groups, sessions, and have meetings on your progress. To assess your parenting, we have various levels of supervision depending on whether your child is at high risk. Supervision varies from hourly visits, observation visits, and 24-hour surveillance. High supervision will only ever be put in with your permission and the reasons for doing so will be thoroughly explained. We will also support you exploring the area of the Centre by accompanying you when going out, this will usually take place during the first 2-weeks of your stay. 

PAMS Assessment

We have many years’ experience working with parents who have learning difficulties. We know that these parents need a different level of assessment to other parents. In order to support, encourage and help these parents as much as possible we are able to complete PAMS assessments to identify the specific areas of your parenting that require support. Based on this assessment we then go on to use specific techniques to help you in your assessment like: breaking down tasks, demonstrating tasks, addressing issues in small steps, and use of visual aids.

Viability Assessment

Dudley Lodge are able to complete Viability Assessments at the request of your solicitor or the child's social worker. We are able to complete these free of change and will provide a letter to outline whether we can accept you for an assessment at one of our Centres. 

To find out more about our assessments or to enquire about one, contact our Referrals Manager Somer Phillips on: 02476 502 800

What is an assessment? 

 

How will you assess my parenting skills?