ISW Assessments
Advanced CCA has worked tirelessly to ensure we tailor our services to the individual needs of the Local Authorities, children, and families we work with. We have, and continue to, re-visit all assessment processes to ensure they comply with new legislation or guidance and our Independent Social Workers are adaptable.
Our assessments aren’t standard and reflect the collective passion of our expert team for the complex and challenging Social Work role. Our excellent panel of ISWs have an incredible knowledge base and will go above and beyond to ensure their assessments accommodate all levels of need and ability.
They will happily agree to extended observations of contact and welcome the opportunity. ISWs will additionally undertake teaching and therapeutic work with families or assist families in accessing recommended resources to help them care for their children.
When we receive instruction from a Local Authority, we work closely with the Social Worker because we recognise the considerable benefits of a ‘joined-up thinking‘ approach. We attend all necessary professional meetings and are happy for Local Authority Social Workers to shadow our ISWs, learn more about our assessment processes, and benefit from the shared experience.
24/7 in the Home Programme
From the inception of the 24/7 In the Home Programme, it has evolved considerably. We quickly learned that a rigid structure isn’t suited to the very complex and ever-changing needs of the families that we work with. We offer flexibility to Local Authorities and will accommodate any reasonable request made of us.
We recognise that crisis intervention requires a rapid response. We state that filing our 24/7 Risk and Suitability Assessment takes four weeks. Yet, there is scope to reduce that timescale in some areas where we already have an established team of practitioners. We can offer a holding level of support during a Risk Assessment, with extended observations in the home.
Having ‘eyes on’ is critical to risk identification and adds a qualitative enhancement layer to our assessments.
Packages of Support
With our implementation of ongoing extensive training, our Parenting Practitioners and Family Support Workers are skilled to deliver our expanded range of early intervention services.
Our unique TOP (Teaching, Observation and Practice) Programme provides bespoke support packages based on parents’ identified needs. Practitioners incorporate innovative methods in their teaching, often preparing pictorial aids for parents. Step-by-step visual guides are proven to resonate with parents who struggle with everyday tasks, like operating an oven.
Our SNAP (Strengths and Needs Analysis Programme) enhances assessment and identifies teaching areas not previously considered a need. We understand that parents with a learning need have adapted to mask the extent of their difficulties in functioning in a demanding world.
Repeated assessments allow struggling parents to rehearse their answers; however, they fail to effectively measure the knowledge base or capacity to fulfil a task. By exploring areas of parenting skills for independence in more depth, using a fun and engaging method that embodies working in partnership with parents, we develop a greater understanding of need and risk while delivering targeted help.
We Take Pride in Our ‘Can Do’ Approach to Social Work Practice
ACCA’s assessments and support packages are flexible and bespoke for every family. If you have a particular need and believe we don’t offer this, please call, and speak to one of our dedicated Case Handlers. We may surprise you!
