Given the option to agree or decline assessment?

[Macca72]

Hi Everyone

Our son's head teacher made a referral to Children's social services without discussing it with us. Have been told the basics of the referral by the social worker and it's full of contradictory statements and incorrect facts that are easily disproved, we have kept all documentation regarding our children since birth (they have autism).

A multi agency meeting was held and the social worker visited us last week saying that she and her manager didn't hear anything at the meeting that they thought warranted them being involved but she still had to come out to make a home visit. After visiting us last week she told us she has no concerns about the children or family but has still asked us if we consent to a full assessment being done? She tells us that if we say no she will be telling her manager that she has no concerns and would expect the file to be closed but obviously final decision is up to her manager.

Seems an odd situation for us to be in, has anyone else ever been given the choice of agreeing to an assessment?

Cheers

Macca

[Kami2018]

Let them do a full assessment if u didn't agree they will wonder why and it will raise concerns all it is that they've co e out spoke to you saw your children the rest of the assessment consist of them talking to children's schools or pre school talking to doctors etc all professionals involved with your family and also they do police checks on the adults and children in your house

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Macca72

Welcome to the parents’ discussion board. I am sorry that you did not receive a response to your post from me before now due to volume of work

A referral was made by your children’s school to children’s services and, having had a conversation with the social worker there are a number of discrepancies in the information they have received. The social worker visited at your home and informed you that there were no concerns about the children or the family.

The social worker has, however, suggested that an assessment should be carried out. It is unfortunate that you have not been told what assessment. It does seem however that because your children have autism the assessment could be a child in need assessment to see what support, if any, could be offered to the family. Please see our advice sheet relating to Family support . As your children have a disability they are automatically considered to be children in need.

As you are unclear about the assessment to be carried by the social worker and why, then my suggestion is that you ask the social worker to explain exactly what is involved and the timescale for the assessment. A copy of our advice regarding the process when children’s services receive a referral is included and you might find the information helpful. An introductory guide to Children’s Services.

Should you wish to speak to an adviser about your situation, please telephone our confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Suzie