Connected Person Assessment
If you’re not already approved as a foster carer but intend to look after a child who’s unable to be cared for by their parents — either as a short term or long-term solution — you’ll need to undertake a Connected Person Assessment.
Taking around 16 weeks to complete, this type of assessment is completed by an Independent Social Worker and works to safeguard a child before they are placed in the care of a Connected Person.
A ‘Connected Person’ can be anyone who the child has a pre-existing relationship with. For example, this can include:
- A relative, like an auntie, uncle, grandparent, sister or brother
- A family friend
- A step–parent, step-brother or step-sister
- A teacher, youth worker or childminder
What is a Connected Person Assessment?
A Connected Person Assessment is one type of assessment we offer here at Families Contact and it might come about after making an enquiry or being contacted to become a carer.
A Connected Person can be a family member or friend who takes care of a child, when their parents aren’t able to.
If you’ve made an inquiry or have been contacted to become a kin Connected Person, you will be allocated to an Independent Social Worker to complete the assessment.
A Social Worker will then carry out the Connected Person Assessment to determine if you are able to meet the needs of the child or young person.
As part of your Connected Person Assessment, the Social Worker will assess factors like:
- The nature and quality of your existing relationship with the child or young person
- Your capacity to care for and protect the child/children
- Your home life and family history
- Your health
Contact us
Our Social Workers have more than 20 years’ experience in Children Services and accept referrals from private individuals, local authorities and solicitors. To find out more, feel free to contact us or complete a referral.
FAQs
A connected person could be a family member or friend.
A minimum of 16 weeks is required to complete this assessment.
Yes, a part of the assessment will be interviews at your home.