Viability (Connected Persons) Assessments
A Viability Assessment is a relatively brief assessment undertaken with a ‘connected person’ such as relative or friend who wishes to be considered to care, or is providing emergency care under Regulation 24, for a child that is known to them.
ACCA’s Viability Assessment will provide a thorough adult-based assessment of a kinship carers’ ability to provide long term care for the child through face-to-face interviews with the prospective carers and a review of relevant documents. This will highlight strengths, existing and prospective risks and vulnerabilities to determine whether a further and more substantial assessment is required.
The Viability Assessment considers the likelihood of carers being able to satisfy National Minimum Fostering Standards, meet the child’s needs and whether they will be provided with stability and boundaries and kept safe.
The assessment covers the carers’ potential suitability to care for the child in whatever capacity, be this as a Connected Persons Foster Carer, a Special Guardian, or by way of a Child Arrangements Order.
usually conducted at the point where a child has been removed from the care of
his/her parents or carers or this is being considered. This assessment will inform the
trajectory of the case by considering the ability of significant adults to provide
alternative short or longer-term care for the child.
