Are social services involved with one of your family members? If they are involved with the children of one of your family members, there is a chance that you may be asked to undergo an assessment to see if the children could be placed in your care, if they are unable to remain in the care of their parents. The initial assessment is called a viability assessment. Here are some FAQs about the process.
What is a viability assessment?
A viability is the first stage of an assessment process, which is usually required when a local authority is trying to identify alternative living arrangements for a child if they are unable to remain in the care of their parents. A viability assessment is a short assessment designed to gather all necessary information to determine whether you are suitable to care for the child and whether you should progress to a full, more detailed assessment.
When is it necessary?
Unfortunately in some situations, parents are unable to care for their children in the short term or even the long term. In those situations, it is important that if at all possible, the child stays within the family. This is when viability assessments become necessary. The assessment will determine the potential carers' ability to meet the needs of the child in the long term as well as the immediate future.
What is the process?
The assessment will involve meeting with the prospective carers to consider the likelihood of them being able to meet the child's needs. Discussions could cover your motivation to care for the children, your relationship with the parents of the child, your experience of parenting and also your knowledge and insight into why the child cannot remain in the care of their parents.
What happens after the first assessment?
The conclusion of the viability should be shared with you. If the assessment is positive, it may proceed to a full assessment. If it is negative, you are able to challenge the conclusion.
Challenging a negative viability
As we so often see in practice, the quality of viability assessments can vary and sometimes we can find that a person has been ruled out of caring for a child unfairly. In those circumstances, it is important to seek legal advice straight away.
Here at Broudie Jackson Canter our family team are experts in assisting families when it comes to challenging viability assessments. If there are merits in challenging the assessment, we will assist in making an application to court, and requesting an assessment be carried out by an Independent Social Worker. If you have been subject of a negative viability assessment, contact us immediately. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry. We are here to help. Legal aid is still available subject to financial eligibility.