A social assessment report includes information about your child’s history, living situation, views and wishes. It also provides an independent opinion on the best way to protect your child’s best interests.
The social assessment also contains information about the family and considers what strengths the family has to address the children’s needs. During the assessment process I try and identify what family supports are available to the children to protect them from harm.
The court and tribunal will consider the report’s recommendations when deciding whether a child protection order should be put in place for your child.
Sources Of Information
Interviews may be held with:
- your child alone (depending on their age)
- you, your partner or ex-partner, and any current partners
- the child safety officer for your child
- the child’s current carers or other significant people in the child’s life
- other relevant professionals such as teachers, counsellors or doctors
- interviews may be held at the Child Safety office, or at the offices of other professionals involved in the case. Sometimes if required I may need to attend your home so that a home visit can occur to assess if reunification should be occurring.
What Information Is Needed?
- information about each parent including their history
- your child’s relationship with significant people such as you (their parents), brothers and sisters, extended family and friends
- your child’s views and wishes, if they want to tell the report writer
- your child’s personal history and emotional attachments
- your child’s family history, including any significant issues which have impacted on them
- your child’s needs
- what is currently happening in your child’s life.
The assessor will also include the information the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) has presented in its case about your child.
The assessor will use their notes and interview recordings to write the social assessment report.
As there is often limited time to collect information and prepare the report, I decide what is the most important information to be included in the report. All information collected for this assessment is reportable to the court or tribunal. The court, tribunal or separate representative may also ask me to give evidence at your child’s hearing.
The report will contain recommendations about whether a child protection order should be made, and other matters such as contact and placement.
Who Gets To See The Assessment?
A copy of your child’s social assessment report will be given to:
- your child’s separate representative, who will file it with the court or tribunal
- you or your lawyer, if you are included in the proceedings
- the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services)
- anyone else involved in the proceedings.
Safety Concerns?
Sometimes there are concerns for a parent or child’s safety due to domestic or family violence. It is important that I know of these concerns and appointments are made to ensure that no one’s safety is placed at risk through this process.
Cultural Concerns?
If English is not your primary language, I will always ensure an interpreter is used to assist you understand this process. Please advise me if this is required.