Timely, well-informed, and evidence-based assessments to support effective care planning and alternative options.
At Nucleus Horizons, we understand the importance of timely, well-informed decisions for children who are unable to remain in their parents’ care. Our viability and contact assessments are undertaken during a family’s placement at the Family Assessment Centre, providing structured, evidence-based assessments that support effective care planning. These assessments are completed alongside the family’s residential placement, allowing professionals to gather clear, meaningful evidence within a safe and supervised environment.
Viability and contact Assessments are commissioned by local authorities and the courts and are delivered in line with the Children Act 1989 and the Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020) framework. Assessments are completed by experienced social workers with expertise in safeguarding and court work. By undertaking these assessments during a family’s placement, we are able to observe interactions, boundaries, and capacity for change within a consistent, well-monitored setting. Our approach is child-focused, proportionate, and transparent, ensuring that all parties understand the purpose, process, and outcomes of the assessment.
Our service supports local authorities to explore alternative care options and family relationships while a child is placed at Nucleus Horizons. Viability assessments are undertaken to explore whether extended family members or connected persons may be suitable to care for a child. This includes:
Contact assessments focus on the quality, safety, and emotional impact of contact between children and parents or other family members. This includes:
Both viability assessments and contact assessments benefit from being completed during placement, where staff are able to provide consistent observation and oversight.
Our team is ready to help you find the right assessment model for the families you support.
