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Viability Assessments

We can undertake Viability Assessments in a range of ways via any of the following:

  • Paper Assessment
  • Residentially

 

Paper Assessments

The Chief Executive or the Social Worker (Management Support) undertakes ‘paper’ (case papers) viability assessments.

Local authorities may request a paper viability assessment in order to seek an independent opinion in relation to an assessment plan. Also, solicitors acting on behalf of parents, sometimes request a paper viability assessment when a local authority’s plan is for no further assessment and they wish to contest this. On occasion, in conjunction with reviewing the court documents, it may be felt appropriate for us to meet with the parent/family.

We provide paper-based viability assessments at no cost to any party in care proceedings.

 

Residential Viability Assessment

We conduct residential viability assessments over a 4-week residential period. The level of supervision and monitoring remains very high, sometimes involving 24-hour surveillance of a child. This type of assessment often involves a new born baby and his/her mother (or both parents) joining us from hospital; this prevents a child being separated from their parent/s at birth. In other cases, some residential viability assessments have involved large families and are seen as a means to minimise disruption for the children.