Social Services Viability Assessments Question

[Andra2000]

We are waiting for independant social workers (as directed by the court) to contact us regarding a viability assessment. We are being assessed as carers for my husbands 10 year old daughter from a previous relationship as her mother has been found unfit by the courts and is not to return to her care. The child in question is in foster care currently and will remain there permanently if we are unsuccessful.

Just wondered what happens with the viability assessment in detail please, what medical records are checked/police records etc and what could possibly go against us? We have never had any involvements with social services so are somewhat in the dark with regards to this. What questions will be asked and what will be checked? We havent really any concerns regarding this but obviously are a little nervous as being 'assessed' doesnt really sound too pleasant!

I cannot give any further details as the case is very involved and includes legal/criminal proceedings which have been concluded against the mother so Im asking in a more general context. The childs guardian and her local social services team are happy for us to be assessed and have her placed with us should it be 'positive' and we are due to return to court in April for the results of the assessment and final decision over whether the child in question will be placed with us.

We do live a substantial distance away from any other relative of the child so contact problems should not arise and we have been informed that all other parties involved would only ever have 'annual letter box' contact.

Thank you for any information or advice and not meaning to sounds rude but I would prefer advice from people within the social services/care profession or people who have extensive experience as I dont want any incorrect advice confusing me and my pregnant little head!!!

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that a viability assessment is carried out to consider the likelihood of a carer being able to meet both the physical and the emotional needs of the child now and throughout the childhood. It assesses the chances of the carer providing a safe and stable environment for the child to grow in. If the assessment is positive then the prospective carer is put through a more detailed assessment. If it is not positive and shows serious possible difficulties, the carer may withdraw. The assessment team will take up references, run CRB checks, complete medicals, interview all parties and use previous case records. Generally, it takes up to 4 months to complete the viability assessment.

AFF

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by Andra2000 We are waiting for independant social workers (as directed by the court) to contact us regarding a viability assessment. We are being assessed as carers for my husbands 10 year old daughter from a previous relationship as her mother has been found unfit by the courts and is not to return to her care. The child in question is in foster care currently and will remain there permanently if we are unsuccessful. Just wondered what happens with the viability assessment in detail please, what medical records are checked/police records etc and what could possibly go against us? We have never had any involvements with social services so are somewhat in the dark with regards to this. What questions will be asked and what will be checked? We havent really any concerns regarding this but obviously are a little nervous as being 'assessed' doesnt really sound too pleasant! I cannot give any further details as the case is very involved and includes legal/criminal proceedings which have been concluded against the mother so Im asking in a more general context. The childs guardian and her local social services team are happy for us to be assessed and have her placed with us should it be 'positive' and we are due to return to court in April for the results of the assessment and final decision over whether the child in question will be placed with us. We do live a substantial distance away from any other relative of the child so contact problems should not arise and we have been informed that all other parties involved would only ever have 'annual letter box' contact. Thank you for any information or advice and not meaning to sounds rude but I would prefer advice from people within the social services/care profession or people who have extensive experience as I dont want any incorrect advice confusing me and my pregnant little head!!!

You pretty well answered your concerns with one sentence:

" The childs guardian and her local social services team are happy for us to be assessed and have her placed with us should it be 'positive' ...."

Assessments, evaluations are done in custody matters as a matter of course; when they are contested or there is the question of fitness. So I would not be concerned because their procedures are routine. Your best guide is the feedback from the agency.

Unless you have a criminal or drug/alcohol history, there should be no problem.

[markoon]

Originally Posted by Andra2000 We are waiting for independant social workers (as directed by the court) to contact us regarding a viability assessment. We are being assessed as carers for my husbands 10 year old daughter from a previous relationship as her mother has been found unfit by the courts and is not to return to her care. The child in question is in foster care currently and will remain there permanently if we are unsuccessful. Just wondered what happens with the viability assessment in detail please, what medical records are checked/police records etc and what could possibly go against us? We have never had any involvements with social services so are somewhat in the dark with regards to this. What questions will be asked and what will be checked? We havent really any concerns regarding this but obviously are a little nervous as being 'assessed' doesnt really sound too pleasant! I cannot give any further details as the case is very involved and includes legal/criminal proceedings which have been concluded against the mother so Im asking in a more general context. The childs guardian and her local social services team are happy for us to be assessed and have her placed with us should it be 'positive' and we are due to return to court in April for the results of the assessment and final decision over whether the child in question will be placed with us. We do live a substantial distance away from any other relative of the child so contact problems should not arise and we have been informed that all other parties involved would only ever have 'annual letter box' contact. Thank you for any information or advice and not meaning to sounds rude but I would prefer advice from people within the social services/care profession or people who have extensive experience as I dont want any incorrect advice confusing me and my pregnant little head!!!

Hi, I had the same problem with yours. Do you have any results about this? Plz share. Thanks.