Parenting Capacity Social Work Assessment Framework: Guidance and Template

The “Southwark Parenting Assessment Framework” is a comprehensive document designed to assist practitioners in assessing a parent’s ability to meet the needs of a child. It provides structured guidance for evaluating parenting capacity and considering factors that may impact it. The framework draws on familiar concepts and themes in child welfare, incorporating up-to-date research and best practices in social work. It promotes a systematic, evidence-based, and analytical approach to identifying risks, strengths, and protective factors.

The framework complements existing assessments, offers flexibility in using tools and scales, and encourages dynamic assessments that can evolve as new information emerges. It also provides prompts to assist practitioners in interviews while emphasising the importance of using them selectively and sensitively. The overall analysis considers the inter-relationship between various assessment elements.

CONTENTS:

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

• Introduction to the resource.
• Explanation of parenting capacity.
• Discussion of the concept of significant harm.
• Definition of abuse.
• Potential impact of abuse and neglect.
• Factors that can affect parental capacity.
• Capacity to change.
• Guidance on planning the assessment.
• Overview of the assessment process.

SECTION 2: REPORT GUIDANCE

• Framework of assessment
• Reason for the assessment
• Process of the assessment.
• Summary of conclusions and recommendations.
• Profiles of the child and parent.
• Family culture, relationships, resources, and integration into the community.
• Parenting knowledge, style, and relationship with the child.
• Understanding of the local authority’s concerns.
• Capacity of the parent to change.
• Analysis of the assessment.

SECTION 3: ASSESSING PARENTS WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS

• Learning disabilities or significant learning difficulties.
• Mental health problems.
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).
• Substance misuse concerns.
• Domestic violence concerns.

SECTION 4: APPENDICES

• Parenting Assessment Report Template.
• Assessment Agreement and Consent Template.
• Guidance on developing a Genogram and Eco-map.
• Brief Guide to Child Development.
• Overview of Attachment Theory.
• Instructions for observing parent-child interaction.
• Guidelines for involving a child with disabilities or complex needs.
• Information on risk, resilience, and vulnerability.
• Tools for assessing capacity to change.
• An example of an accessible letter for parents with learning disabilities.
• List of offenses that may pose a risk to children.
• Questionnaires, scales, and tools for assessment.

SECTION 5: REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDED READING

FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF PARENTING CAPACITY SOCIAL WORK ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK: GUIDANCE AND TEMPLATE

SIMILAR FREE RESOURCES

The Child Assessment Framework: Key Areas & Checklists for Social Work Assessments

This is a detailed tool for social workers assessing children and their parents’ capacity to meet their needs and promote their safety. It covers the child’s developmental needs across various areas like health, emotional development, and self-care skills. Additionally, it evaluates parenting capacity, including aspects like safety and emotional warmth, and family and environmental factors such as housing and community resources. This framework aids in collecting vital information for well-informed decisions and interventions to protect and support children in need.

Parenting Assessment Template for Pre-Proceedings and Care Proceedings

This parenting assessment template has been designed by Bradford City Council for use in pre-proceedings or care proceedings to evaluate the capacity of parents to care for their children. It includes sections on the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to meet these needs, and the family’s environmental factors. The template covers areas such as health, education, emotional and behavioural development, and family relationships. It also includes an analysis and recommendations section to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the family’s situation. The template ensures a thorough and structured approach to assessing the child’s welfare and the parents’ capability to provide adequate care.

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