Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 2B: Approach to multi-agency assessment in child protection 77 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 2.242 Dynamic. ‘Assessment’, however structured, evolves with new information and understanding. Any assessment is at a point in time. Immediate safety is a priority. Best interests throughout childhood will be a constant and overarching consideration. There are likely to be distinctive stages, moving from initial assessment and prevention of significant harm to comprehensive inter-agency assessment of risk and need in context. Professional judgement and reflection on evidence and analysis is necessary at every stage. Even in urgent circumstances there should be a moment to pause and consider safety and best interests within the available options. Each situation is distinctive. Standard solutions cannot be derived from procedures. Attention should be paid to professional intuition. However this must be brought back and located firmly within an agreed and approved framework and approach. Professional curiosity about how children and families are experiencing their situation from the inside out is critical to effective engagement and formation of an understanding of risk and strengths in the child’s world. 2.243 Structured assessment frameworks can bring depth and analysis to assessment of children, adults and families. They must be endorsed locally for use by the agency, and practitioners should be trained and confident in their application. An example of a well- evaluated framework with clear purpose and method is referenced below. Example of structured assessment 2.244 The Graded Care Profile (v2) may be useful as a tool for aiding practitioners in the assessment of child neglect and care. Research suggests that, well implemented, it helps in the identification of parenting strengths as well as weaknesses, helps create a collaborative process, and helps parents understand professionals’ concerns. The process should lead to a clear picture of what it is like to be a child in this family, and what needs to happen for the harm to stop. 2.245 A practice insight on this topic has been drafted to illustrate and explain key practice considerations, offer a resource, prompt reflection and signpost selected sources. It can be found in the Practice Insights supporting document alongside this Guidance. 2.246 Collaboration in assessment and planning: In forming a shared view of risks and strengths and options for supported change, strength-based approaches may provide a vehicle for partnership in critical situations. They may ensure that the expertise and resource available are brought to bear in the formation of plans focused on the child’s needs. Signs of Safety and Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) are just two examples of approaches which are congruent with the rights-based GIRFEC National Practice Model, and with statutory guidance on Part 12 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. (Part 1 of this Guidance references links between effective family support, children’s rights and ‘The Promise’). Other approaches are available and supported in different parts of Scotland.

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