Evaluation of a parent’s capacity to meet their child’s needs.
Often includes observations of parent-child interactions.
Viability Assessments
Initial screening of potential carers (usually extended family or close connections) to determine if a full assessment is warranted.
Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Assessments
In-depth analysis of a prospective Special Guardian’s ability to provide long-term care.
Includes analysis of motivation, support networks, and capacity to meet the child’s emotional and developmental needs.
Connected Persons or Kinship Care Assessments
Assessment of extended family members or friends who may care for a child who cannot live with their birth parents.
Fostering Assessments (Form F or equivalent)
Comprehensive evaluation of prospective foster carers, including personal history, motivation, home environment, and references.
Adoption Assessments (e.g., PAR in the UK)
Assessment of applicants’ suitability to adopt a child, including preparation training and home study.
Sibling Assessments
Evaluation of sibling relationships and the potential impact of separation or placement together.
Voice of the Child Reports
Independent assessments capturing the wishes, feelings, and lived experience of the child, in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Risk Assessments
Examination of any potential risks posed to a child or vulnerable person, including domestic violence, substance misuse, or mental health concerns.
Supervised Contact Reports
Observation-based reports on supervised family contact sessions, often ordered by the court.
Section 7 Reports (UK context)
Court-directed welfare reports under the Children Act 1989, usually in private law proceedings.
Section 37 Reports (UK context)
Investigation ordered by the court into whether a local authority should take action to protect a child.
Capacity to Protect Assessments
Assessment of a non-abusing parent’s ability to safeguard a child from a known or alleged abuser.
Life Story Work and Direct Work with Children
Engagement with children to help them understand their past, identity, and future care plan.
International and Cross-Border Assessments
Assessments involving relatives or placements in different jurisdictions, including cultural considerations and compliance with international protocols.
Relocation Assessments
Examination of the implications for a child of being relocated with one parent, either within the country or internationally.
