On 25th June, his Honour Judge Clive Baker, made the judgement in favour of a Resolution Assessment.
HHJ Baker set out the following points regarding the Resolution Model:
“There were several factors in this case that persuaded me it was appropriate to give permission for a risk assessment to determine whether the Resolution Model may be appropriate. They were:
i. Evidence of the existence of a support network and family;
ii. The fact that the possibility had been identified early (at the first Case Management Hearing); and
iii. The evidence of sufficient positives with respect to the mother (absent the possible perpetration of inflicted injury) such that the amelioration of risk could be targeted. To put it another way, had the known risk factors at the time of intervention been multifactorial (e.g. drink, heavy drug use, domestic abuse, mental health issues etc) I doubt that I would have been persuaded that the Resolutions model could have been employed positively.
The Advanced CCA Risk Assessment follows serious findings being made within Public Law Care Proceedings. These findings are usually made in cases where non accidental injury has occurred and further assessment post finding of fact is necessary.
Our Risk Assessment
We undertake a risk assessment to focus upon a person’s attitude to the findings that have been made, we analyse their understanding of the findings and their acceptance of the findings.
A comprehensive risk assessment is prepared. That assessment focuses upon a person’s history, the current risk factors, and an analysis of the family and environmental factors. At this stage, a level of risk can be evaluated to inform longer term planning.
We ask that the family identify those within the family who they believe are able to provide realistic and achievable support. We have found that over time it is not sufficient to provide a network of supportive adults in order to reduce risk. We concentrate exclusively upon risk reduction through working with protective adults and identify methods of safeguarding that can be implemented on a practical basis to reduce risk further in the hope that a better outcome can be achieved for the child.
We then undertake a second-tier assessment of risk of the identified protective network and critically analyse the support and protective factors that have been identified. Again, the level of risk is then evaluated to inform long term planning.
Our initial assessment identifies any potential trigger points.
If the assessment work undertaken identifies the potential for a positive outcome we immediately move to the achievement / planning stage. This is either in the form of a structured family group conference or through negotiation with family members. We provide a detailed plan setting out the practical steps needed to be undertaken over a 28 day period. During this time there would be an expectation that contact would substantially increase leading to contact taking place within the home and on an overnight basis.
The protective network would need to agree the plan proposed and keep detailed information on the progress of the plan. There would be a need for the professional network to be actively involved during this stage.
During the course of our involvement, we undertake practical parenting work to minimise and reduce the risk of harm. Our parenting practitioner undertakes detailed work with the perpetrators to improve practical parenting and therefore reduce risk hotspots.
After the first 28-day period of further assessment we reassess the situation and consider whether any incremental step-down approach can be adopted. We aim to reduce the level of structure and supervision within placement without compromise to the safeguarding factors.
A final report and recommendation is made after this period. In reality by now all involved in the case will have a clear indication of the potential long-term outcome.
We ask that a fourteen week minimum timeframe be provided from receipt of instructions in order to undertake such work.
Get In Touch
We have a team of Independent Social Workers who are fully trained in providing Resolution’s style Assessments, and we will supply you with the Independent Social Worker most suited to your case requirements. Our reports are presented to you within an agreed timescale, with evidence-based evaluations.
If you would like to discuss your case management requirements or make a referral for this type of assessment or any other assessment that we offer, then please do get in touch.
