Keyword

Initial Assessment

 
"Where it appears that a child is a Child in Need, an Initial Assessment must be undertaken by a social worker.

The Initial Assessment must be undertaken within a maximum of 7 working days of a Referral but may be completed much sooner where, for example, there is clear evidence to demonstrate that a child is suffering or likely to suffer Significant Harm.

The maximum timescale for the completion of Initial Assessments was amended to 10 days in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010 (to come into effect on 1st April 2010). However, the government still requires the local authority to report on initial assessments completed within 7 working days. In Peterborough, therefore, a decision has been made that the maximum timescale will remain at 7 working days while the reporting requirement continues."